I’m in shock. I’ve just moved house. Both my gas and electric are provided by British Gas. That was until today. I plan to change to another provider as a result of yesterday’s price hike news (a whopping 35% for gas and 9% for electric for anyone that didn’t hear) and today’s announcement that its parent company’s bank balance is looking pretty healthy.

Other energy providers are expected to announce prike hikes very soon. ‘Tis sad but true but it’s more a case of when rather than if.

Although this is obviously bad news for many consumers and does nothing to help the ‘verge of recession’ doomsayers, but what impact will this have on businesses?

We all talk about IT budgets and how expensive kit is, but there’s no point whatsoever in having lots of shiny new boxes if they have nothing to power them. Gas and electricity are big overheads for business. When the price goes up, what happens? Staff cut backs or possibly increased prices for customers? In short, yet another blow to hit Joe Public where it hurts.

Comparison sites like uSwitch are helping consumers navigate their way out of the energy doldrums and I suspect businesses will not be short of alterative providers or consultants vying for their attention and business. But how long can this energy crisis go on? How long before all businesses start dedicating a couple of meeting rooms for exercise bikes. Not to ensure their employees are healthy but to power the company on? Sounds a bit far-fetched but you never know. Going green and creating your own energy might just be the way to hit the energy players where it hurts in return. Back atchya!

First of all, I’m still deeply in love with the iPhone 3G. It’s as nice to look at as the original, but it has a little more between its ears which is very pleasing indeed.

Keen to ensure the first gen device doesn’t feel too unloved, I decided to jazz it up a little by turning it into a light saber. I’m a big kid at heart and I am having a lot of fun with my new found toy. Granted, this is not a business application, but all business peeps need to relax now and again. What better way to do so than with a light saber?

Had difficultly filming myself enjoying Luke Skywalker-esque fun, so here’s a reconstruction of the event courteousy of a You Tuber.

Fighting Darf Vader is thirsty work so if you need a drink after all that light sabering, developers are one step ahead of you!

This is probably going to be one of the shortest blog posts I ever write, but I just wanted to share my excitement.

As you all know, the iPhone 3G launches today (well, a few hours ago to be precise as stores opened at 8.02am) and I have a briefing with O2 later today where I’ll get the chance to play with the new device and check out the new features.

In a nutshell, I can’t wait. I’ll be posting more information, another in-depth blog and some pics as soon as I’ve had a chance to get to know the handset a little better.

So, what are your thoughts on launch day, then? Worth the build up or a bit of an anti climax?

Another month, another product launch to keep me entertained/busy/excited/bemused/annoyed etc…

But the product we’re all waiting for this month is different. Some are hoping it will be in a league of its own. It hardly needs any introduction, but the product in question is, of course, the new iPhone (iPhone 3G to be precise). It’s going to hit our shores on July 11th and I’m already counting down the day, hours and minutes. My brain keeps losing track though so I won’t show up my poor maths skills by publishing the exact number!

Are you excited or nonchalant about the new arrival and, more importantly, will you be getting one?