Ziggar is right. I know it's expensive and the simple answer is just don't use their EHU if you don't agree with the price they charge. It is easy to survive without EHU
Quote: Originally posted by lumpy06 on 27/5/2008
are sites legally allowed to charge three pound fifity a night for electric?
Only if that is the cost to them, they cannot legally charge you more for the electric than it costs them to provide it. But they can charge you what they like to provide a serviced pitch and if services are available at that pitch then they must charge you for it, this is how groups like the CCC got around the regulations that came in a few years ago. The CC were unable to follow that practice as virtually all their pitches have electrics avaialble on them so they chose to increase the charges on every pitch and to include the electric in that charge.
On a cold night leaving a thermostat fan heater on is worth the price. I also use a microwave, electric kettle, fridge and 240v lighting. If you could be sure of a hook up, you could leave the gas bottle at home. A camping and caravan club magazine put forward the idea that having an electric only caravan would save on weight. Could save on cost as well perhaps, domestic fridges and microwaves are very cheap.
But it wouldn't be much use when the site electrics blew, which happens quite a bt on sme sites. Or for rallying and on sites with no leccy. I like my gas.
------------- Caz
If you can't see the light at the end of the tunnel, just keep going till you go round the bend.
Its not just the price of electricity but also the cost of installation which is high and also the annual periodic inspection that is required. Each pitch probably costs £15-20 per annum to check and certify
I certainly wouldn't buy an all electric caravan. I prefer to have the freedom of the THSs and weekend rallies where the cost is sometimes only the cost of electric for the whole unit. I certainly wouldn't pay £3.50 per night for a hook up.
Quote: Originally posted by bordercaz on 28/5/2008
But it wouldn't be much use when the site electrics blew, which happens quite a bt on sme sites. Or for rallying and on sites with no leccy. I like my gas.
I like my gas too - I prefer no-facilities sites, so an all-electric 'van would be no good to me. In fact, I was put off Swift Group 'vans by the electric hot-plate - waste of space!!. I don't really understand how an electric-only 'van would save on weight (unless the 'saving' is the weight of the gas bottles) - my parents' first 'van was gas only (including lights) and weighed half what modern 'vans weigh! It's all the electric goodies people insist on that add the weight - who needs a microwave in a field?!!!
A (junior) microwave in a field is pretty good for warming baby food and milk. I tried the hot water and 12v bottle warmer option but the kids were just crying over the long wait lol.
I must say though, I'll still be trying other alternatives so that we can be on gas and 12v only (and maybe a bit of solar) - must be a great feeling to be self sufficiant.
Oh and by the way, my wife just asked if we could have our two week holiday on a £47 per night pitch! (no, was the answer)