Managing without mains gas

[Coldicote]

My modest home is 'all electric' with off-peak storage heaters. Power failures have happened occasionally but luckily they've been fairly brief. I do wonder whether to have gas connected and would it be of any real benefit. Other people I've spoken to with gas-fired systems say they don't work anyway without electricity to operate the controls - so what's the point of having gas? At worst I would have to resort to a small portable camping gas set-up to boil a kettle and fill a hot water bottle, but hope it will never come to that.

How do others manage with all-electric homes? Are there gas heating systems that work without electricity? With costs ever rising perhaps there's something to be said for managing without gas if one possibly can. Ideas welcome.

[Ethel]

When I was all electric I had a portable calor gas heater and a gas camping stove for emergencies.

If you are happy with your current arrangement there is no reason to change.

[kwicky]

The biggest problem and the most expensive is heating. Last year having sampled a wood burning stove would certainly recommend it. If you could find a supply of cheap wood it can be very beneficial.

[buildersmate]

Installing a gas supply in the event of a failure like this is a bit of a sledge-hammer to crack a nut.
If none of the other ideas appeal, you could buy a small generator of about 2000W (alright, 2000VA for the pedants) for about �200 or less on eBay. This is what I do to avoid problems in a rural area with an unreliable supply.

[Coldicote]

Thank you all for these very thoughtful and helpful answers. Pickle, I also live in an East Sussex village, but have gas available at the roadside. Must say I like the idea of a wood burning stove, if only to heat one room. Generators sound a good idea, though at present I lack the knowledge to understand them. Maybe Calor gas would be the best answer, if they really are safe. I'll look at the possibility of an oil heater - but not a major installation. I don't recall seeing any in hardware shops recently. All these possibilities are stirring around in my mind and I am really grateful for your ideas. Thank you.

[Coldicote]

The most practical answer appears to be a small Calor gas heater for emergencies, though I must say I don't like any kind of gas because of its potential danger. With best regards from Ringmer, E. Sx.

[gucciman]

generally people have always preferred a gas system for heating and cooking because its cheaper to run than electric. even with the rising gas prices this is probably still true as the electric prices are rising too.
whether its worth it depends on how much it would cost for you to be connected to the mains gas network. and if you cant be connected or its too expensive then you could go for a lpg or oil system. i dont know anything about oil but lpg gas is very expensive.