Right this is an apartment building...
Since dodgy gas caused Ronan Point to explode
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ronan_Point
Quote:
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All new buildings constructed after November 1968 and over 5 storeys were required to be able to resist an explosive force of 5 lbs per square inch (psi). Existing buildings were allowed to resist an explosive force of 2.5 psi, provided that the gas supply was removed and flats were refitted for electric cooking and heating. The gas supply was removed from Ronan Point and the other eight blocks on the estate.
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I'm guessing that sb's new apartment block is over 5 stories so subject to this and has been bouilt to the lower requirement. This is pretty common.
So electric it is, no changing that.
You should also find the place is built to new building regulation with Part L compliance
http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/...s/regulations/
This will reduce drafts (as noted by ChrisT) to a minimum - also increases the risk of mold and mildew as there is nowhere for condensation to go.
So storage heaters themselves, as others have said, a heat absorbant block of concrete or something that gets charged on the cheap rate electric and then discharges during the day / night. The trick is to work out how much charge you need before it is discharged / hits the time to get recharged again. You could think of them a bit like solar outdoor patio lights in reverse, charge at night discharge during the day / eve.
So keep them on as low as possible output diruing the day so come evening you get heat (unless you are there all day) The way of working out the cost has already been said.
Power consumption x rate, but they should charge on a lower overnight rate. The building construction should also help keep the heat in.