This discussion raises some interesting points. Aside from the issue of the viability of electric central heating will electricity costs reduce as renewable energy sources produce more power - after all, the fuels (wind and sun) are free? OK, I know the electric grid infrastructure needs upgrading if we're all charging electric cars and possibly using more electricity for heating but that could be subsidised by increasing taxes on greenhouse gas producing hydrocarbon fuels thus making, for example, gas central heating no longer more cost efficient than alternative options? I'd agree with Ed that grants or subsidies will be needed to overcome the inertia to use options that have a higher capital or running cost. I don't know the circumstances of Matt's landlord: they could be a large commercial venture with investors expecting a promised ROI, a housing association with constraints, or a private individual whose property is their retirement pension and needs a minimum income; irrespective of which they are not going to be keen on unnecessary expenditure; on the other hand if a landlord installed a cheap environmentally friendly heating system which trebled or quadrupled the running costs would the tenant be happy? Just a few questions raising issues to debate ...
Michael Ixer ● 1828d