Wood sales up as energy bills rise

5:30pm Friday 24th October 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

INCREASING gas and electricity bills have had a reverse effect on the fortunes of a west Wiltshire company which provides an alternative energy source.

TGL Contracts, which is based near Holt, sells wood to people for use in wood-burning ovens and as a source of heating.

Owner Gwyn Lewis, 59, said the past few months of financial chaos had brought regular customers rushing to buy wood and new customers looking at ways to avoid using electricity and gas.

The wood he buys is left over from thinning work carried out in forests across the south west.

After purchasing it, he stores it for up to two years to allow the sap to dry to maximise the burning power.

He said: “We have had many new customers come down in the last few months, it has been very noticeable. We have had a 10 per cent increase in business from this time last year.

“Many people have told me that they are going to turn their central heating down and start using wood to heat their home because it is cheaper.

“One tonne of air dried wood has the equivalent heating power of 300 litres of central heating oil, which costs around £160 to £180.

“As it gives off the same amount of heat, people will make a big saving on using wood to heat their homes.”

Mr Lewis, who lives in Batheaston, has been based in west Wiltshire for the past six years and said this has been a good year for business.

He said: “November and the Christmas period is manic anyway, but this year I think it is going to be busier than ever.”

Mr Lewis said there are other traders in the business who might sell wood slightly cheaper.

He said: “When it is sold green there is not as much heat given off as more energy is channelled into burning the sap off.”

For more information call Mr Lewis on (01225) 852392 or 07973 444957.