Taxnorage...?

The following is probably why I wont be staying that extra year:

Scene: Cloakroom, removing coats etc. Mostly wet.

JTE: Ah, good morning
Geoff: Good morning! (overly-enthusiastic)
J: Do you have a heater in your apartment?
G: ......yes, yes we have two
J: Ah, an air conditioner?
G: Oh yes, but it is very expensive to run, and not good for the environment
J: The air conditioner can heat as well
G: Yes, but it is expensive. Our space heaters are good though. Also last night I went around the apartment 'battening down the hatches'
J: Batting down hatches? This is an expression?
G: Yes, it means to get ready for the storm. But I was getting ready for winter - covering up vents, draughts, hanging extra curtains...
J: Oh, are the electrics out?
G: Sorry?
J: You have no batteries?
G: Are the what what?
J: The electricity, is it out?
G: Oh, ah, no. We have elctricity.
J: Oh good, I am relief
G: Ha ha. Um, yes. Thanks.