With energy costs fluctuating dramatically in recent years, static caravan and lodge owners are increasingly paying close attention to the cost of electricity on their holiday parks.
To gain an insight into current rates, we asked owners how much they pay per metered unit of electricity. With nearly 400 votes cast, the results reveal a significant variation in what owners pay, as well as some concerns about fluctuating costs and standing charges.
Electricity poll results revealed….
The survey results show a wide variation in what static caravan and lodge owners are paying for their electricity with the majority paying between 20p and 49p per unit.
More than a third of respondents (35 percent) are paying 30-39p per unit and 20 percent are paying 20-29p. However, a significant number of owners face higher costs, with 19 percent paying 40-49p, and smaller percentages paying over 50p per unit.
Some owners are unaware of their exact costs, with six percent reporting they “didn’t know.” their rate. Many also commented on the extra burden of standing charges, which can greatly increase their total bills.
These numbers show a wide range of pricing and reading your comments, the overall picture is one of increasing electricity costs across many holiday parks.
As a reminder, it’s important to note that as a ‘reseller’ of electricity, under rules set by Ofgem (Office of Gas and Electricity Markets), the maximum holiday parks are allowed to charge customers for units of electricity is the price they pay for the electricity from their supplier. Parks can also pass on costs of standing charges their suppliers make, but generally, these are evenly distributed across each unit of electricity sold to its customers. Ultimately caravan parks cannot profit from the resale of electricity!
So, as frustrating as these rising electricity costs are to some static caravan and lodge owners, the rates set by the park’s commercial electricity supplier usually determine the charge per unit of electricity paid by its park customers.
Standing charges
Many owners commented on the extra standing charges they face. These daily fees, often applied year-round, can dramatically increase the total cost of electricity, especially for the many owners who aren’t at their holiday caravan all-year-round. Some owners expressed frustration over these charges, noting that they pay more for the standing charge than for the electricity itself.
For example, Jackie Garlick shared that she pays 20p per unit plus VAT, which seems reasonable. However, the standing charge of “57p per day” meant her last six-month bill was £35 for usage but £82 for the standing charge.
Your electricity poll comments
The comments from owners reveal a mix of frustration and relief, with some feeling they’re being overcharged, while others are relatively happy with their rates.
Geoff noted a sharp rise in his rates, with his charge increasing from 18p in 2020 to 56p in 2023. He attributed this to elevated standing charges and pointed out that caravan sites are subject to commercial rates, which are typically higher than domestic ones.
But Graham was relieved to see his electricity rate costs drop to 26.2p per unit in October after a period of high charges due to the energy crisis.
Neil M echoed this sentiment, now paying 27p per unit – down from an eye-watering 85p per unit last year.
Alan Churchard and Bill Bradnock both expressed frustration over what they felt were inflated charges. Bill reported paying 35p per unit, along with £4.47 per unit for gas plus a £20 standing charge.
However, not all feedback was negative. Alan Jones felt that his rate of 28.71p per unit with “no additional standing or admin charges” was fair and easy to manage.
The survey results and comments clearly highlight how electricity costs for static caravan and lodge owners vary significantly, with some owners feeling the pinch of rising rates and standing charges. While some have seen relief in recent months, others continue to express frustration over the high costs of keeping their holiday caravans powered. It’s crucial for owners to stay informed and consider ways to manage their energy expenses effectively.
Keeping an eye on your electricity usage and taking steps to reduce energy consumption when you’re not on site can help reduce overall costs.
Thanks to everyone who voted and commented.
How do I find out what unit price my park pays?
A question I asked was why are caravan parks not able to get the same rate as the ofgem cap? What is the reason for this as the average quoted is way way above the capped rate.