Why Is Electricity So Expensive On The Isle of Man?

It’s a bit of a raw subject but the simple version is that the MEA (Manx Electricity Authority) took out some unauthorised loans in order to build a new power station (which by the way cost well over what a similar station in the UK would cost). The end result was a lot of brown stuff hitting the fan and the customers i.e. us, being saddled with a debt mountain to pay off. You combine that with a fuel monopoly and …well you get the picture. In my opinion it’s a shame, there can’t be many more windier places with such large tidal ranges and yet we are still entirely reliant on fossil fuels. Of which we have no natural resources.

The Cost Of Running Electrical Goods

The table below details the energy usage (KWh) and cost (in pence per hour) of running many common electrical goods on the Isle of Man. These are tests I’ve done myself using an Owl Energy Monitor.

Where Can I save Money?

The obvious answers are replace your standard light bulbs with energy saving bulbs and think of a better way of heating water than a standard kettle. We swapped out 7 standard bulbs for their energy saving alternatives and replaced our standard kettle with a Tefal Quick Cup Deluxe. In just under 2 months we saved the unit equivalent of £35 of our electricity bill! (A year on year comparison) You have to remember that where energy saving goods are advertised as saving X in the UK the extra cost of electricity in the Isle of Man actually increases the cost savings. It’s a no brainer.

The other place where savings can be made is with standby mode. Whilst measuring the amount of electricity used is quite hard (becuase of the small amounts) it does add up. Some real standby hogs include the Xbox 360 console, your Sky Box and any TV over 32 inches. If you look at the table you can see exactly how the cost of running a larger TV increases much more than you’d think for those few extra inches. When it comes to computing there is a real difference to be seen in running a laptop versus a traditional Base+Monitor setup. If you’re not a frequent computer user then you may be better off with a laptop.

Whilst these energy saving tips can apply to anywhere and everywhere the positive effects on your back balance are certainly magnified on the Isle of Man. You don’t have to see it as saving the planet, see it as saving your hard earned cash.

How Do I Cut Down On My Electricity Bills? is a post from: On The Isle of Man

It’s worth noting that you can also play the National Lottery online. The sign up process for Isle of Man residents is slightly more long winded in that you’ll need to provide a utility bill as proof of your address but it’s still a simple process, your account will usually be opened in a couple of days.

Click Here To Play The National Lottery Online

Can I Play The National Lottery On The Isle of Man? is a post from: On The Isle of Man

However, from April 2010 onwards people visiting the Isle of Man from the UK will need medical insurance, for most people this will mean taking out travel insurance when visiting the island. A & E treatment is provided free of charge but any ongoing care charges have to be covered privately. This can get hugely expensive so insurance is a must.

The ending of the recipricol health agreement also impacts people who live on the Isle of Man. We will now need insurance when visiting the UK.

Do I Need Private Medical Insurance When Visiting The Isle of Man? is a post from: On The Isle of Man

Online Retailers That Deliver To The Isle of Man For Free:-

Play.com – Offer free delivery to the Isle of Man on all goods.

Amazon.co.uk – Order more than £5 worth of goods from Amazon.co.uk and you can opt for Free Super Saver delivery to have your goods delivered for free to the IOM. This only applies to goods sold direct from Amazon.

Game.co.uk – Free delivery on everything to the Isle of Man.

Great Universal – Free delivery on most items to the Isle of Man.

Dabs.co.uk – NOT ALL THE TIME – Dabs offer free delivery offers from time to time and these do include the Isle of Man.

Online Retailers That Deliver To The Isle of Man At Standard Rate (No Extra)

Marks & Spencer – A standard £3.50 charge covers everything.

Woolworths.co.uk – No extra charges for delivery to the Isle of Man

If you know of any more online retailers who welcome Manx shoppers then pease leave a comment.

Free Delivery To The Isle of Man? is a post from: On The Isle of Man

Extreme Art & Gadgets has been based on the Isle of Man since 2004, the physical shop is located in Duke Street in Douglas. Over the years the Isle of Man has played host to many top notch sporting events and has an ever growing film industry. The owners of Extreme Art And Gadgets have certainly played their part in this. As a result and with some fantastic industry leads the shop stocks one of the best supplies of sports, movie and TV autographs that you are likely to find anywhere in the British Isles. Forget your eBay nonsense, we are talking about 100% authentic autographs from some of the most famous people on the planet. As you’d expect for a modern business – all this is available for you to buy online as well.

What I particularly like about the Extreme Art & Gadgets website is that a large number of the autographs are accompanied by authentic photographs of the signing in progress. The absolute variety of the stock should also be applauded, for you TT fans there is everything from a signed copy of the TT Centenary Year 2007 Programme (signed by no less than 21 motorcycle greats) to original artwork of over 30 TT riders. I know for a fact that Lee, one of the owners, is a huge Manchester United fan and football, in particular The Premiership is very well represented. Of course they also stock all sorts of movie and TV memorabilia.

The Gadget side of the shop concentrates mainly on big boys toys, for those of us who have no interest in growing up. Again the shear variety of items is impressive. Looking for a R2D2 Projection Alarm Clock (who isn’t?) or for a casino style automatic card shuffler? You know where to go! The great thing about Extreme Art & Gadgets is that if they don’t currently stock something that you’re looking for they are more than happy to go out and try and source it for you, this is especially true of those hard to get autographs that you may be chasing.

Overall Extreme Art & Gadgets is a Manx shop that deserves to make an impact on the internet. You can check out their online store by following the link:-

Extreme Art And Gadgets is a post from: On The Isle of Man

Isle of Man Weather Forecast

Ronaldsway Meteorological Office

Issued at 4:30 a.m., Wednesday 10th March 2010

Forecast:
The day will be dry with some patchy cloud but a good deal of sunshine. The light and variable winds will settle into a north or north-westerly direction during the afternoon and temperatures will reach 9C / 48F.

Outlook for tomorrow:
Mostly dry with some sunshine and light to moderate west to north-westerly winds. Cloud may thicken, though, to bring a few spots of rain during the evening.



Sunrise:
6:46 am Sunset:
6:13 pm

Current Weather On The Isle of Man

Of course you can always just check out the webcams to see exactly what’s going on!

Douglas Weather Station

Peel Weather Station

Castletown Weather Station

Weather Forecast For The Isle of Man is a post from: On The Isle of Man

A good Chiropractor can help with so many problems. Obviously there is lower, mid and upper back pain but because so many other aches and pains stem from the back there is much more a chiropractor can help with. Some examples include arm pain, leg pain, neck and shoulder pain, headaches (yes really), pregnancy pains, repetitive strain injuries and all sorts of sports injuries where people may default to a physiotherapist. In fact a lot of people seek the help of a physiotherapist where in they’d be much better seeing a Chiropractor.

There are a number of Chiropractors on the Isle of Man and the rates charged tend to be very similar. If you are suffering from any form of back or limb pain then a Chiropractor may be able to provide you with the mobility and respite that you’re after. From my own experience you may be better spending money on a chiropractor as opposed to a special chair!

Recommended Chiropractors On The Isle of Man

Back2Health Chiropractic Clinic
Dr Chris Walker provides an excellent service from his clinic located at The Reading Rooms on the corner of Westbourne Road and Hilary Road in Douglas. Ample parking is a available and it’s also just opposite a bus stop so is very easy to get to. An initial consultation/examination costs £50 and further sessions are charged at £30. Chris makes a point of only treating patients on a frequency that best suites the patients needs. Telephone – 226262

Got a Chiropractor on the Isle of Man that you’d like to recommend then please leave a comment?

Chiropractor is a post from: On The Isle of Man

Angie’s Glassworks offer hand painted glassware including vases, photo frames, champagne flutes, whisky glasses and wine glasses to customers all over the UK.

Uniquely not only is each piece hand painted but the design itself can be made to suite your individual requirements. This will give you a true one off piece of high quality glassware for any occasion including weddings, birthdays, anniversary’s, retirements and stag and hen do’s

As you’d expect from modern glassware all of the designs are dishwasher safe although it is recommended that you hand wash them. A comprehensive online store is available and delivery rates are very affordable, if you’re looking for bespoke glassware then Angie’s Glassworks has everything you need.

Check out the online store for hand painted designs or the enquiry form to order your own bespoke design from Angie’s Glassworks.

Angie’s Glassworks is a post from: On The Isle of Man

In the background you have the ever recognisable silhouette of Peel Castle. When high pressure is about during the summer months this webcam highlights why Peel is knows as sunset city, the red sky’s that provide the backdrop for the castle are well worth a view.

Peel Promenade Webcam

Peel Promenade Webcam is a post from: On The Isle of Man

CSPs on the Isle of Man are regulated by the FSC ( Financial Supervision Commission) and just getting a CSP License is a difficult enough task that involves many checks, both personal and professional. Manx CSPs are widely regarded as being some of the best regulated of anywhere and as you’d expect the level of professionalism within the industry is very high. The primary job of the CSP is to assist in the setup and possibly management of a company or trust for you. The overall aim of the game here to is to reduce your overall tax liabilities in a way that is fully compliant with any legislation.

Recommended CSPs On The Isle of Man

Gecko Corporate Services – Specialising in offshore and onshore company formation and management. Gecko Corporate Services offer a personalised bespoke service to their clients, no of-the-shelf companies here! Whether your end goal is property management, a full trading company or advice relating to the various registers operated on the Isle of Man the directors Adrian and David will be able to help. Personal and professional is the key with Gecko Corporate Services. They offer a free consultation service and if you choose to proceed a fixed fee charging system that allows you to budget from day 1. You can contact Gecko Corporate Services using the form below.

Have you got a CSP on the Isle of Man that you’d like to recommend, then please leave a comment?

CSP – Corporate Service Provider is a post from: On The Isle of Man