6 November 2012
Waveney MP Peter Aldous today highlighted the need to provide more specific advice for off-grid consumers during the winter months and to encourage the early ordering of fuel supplies.

There are four million households off grid in the UK, and heating oil is the main heating fuel for 53% of GB rural off grid households.

In past severe winters, including 2010, there has been significant increased demand for heating oil, and weather conditions have impacted on logistics reaching customers. Since 2010, this Government has worked with the industry and consumer representatives to help them co-ordinate their campaign messages, and to provide guidance on setting up or joining consumer buying groups.

Mr Aldous pointed out that buying oil as soon as possible before the onset of severe weather can mean a cost saving when demand is low and also means householders are guaranteed fuel during the coldest months. Ordering oil later risks longer delivery times, especially if cold weather increases demand and disrupts deliveries. An oil buying group of five houses where each member of the group takes three deliveries a year could result in a reduction of tanker movements from 15 to just three - safer for the community and better for the environment.

Mr Aldous drew attention to the following sources of information, which will help consumers with their energy bills:-

  • Buy Oil Early Campaign, led by ACRE (Action with Communities in Rural England),
    Citizens Advice Bureau, Consumer Focus, and FPS (the Federation of Petroleum
    Suppliers). Guidance for community oil buying groups and best practise can be found on ACRE’s website at http://www.acre.org.uk/

  • Guidance on community buying groups can also be found on the BIS website at
    http://www.bis.gov.uk/assets/biscore/consumer-issues/docs/g/12-593-guide-forcommunity- buying-groups.pdf, which is a key outcome of the Consumer Empowerment Strategy. This advises on setting up community buying groups to work together to source not just oil but other energy supplies, food and, indeed, the entire range of products and services. Case studies on local community oil buying are attached for your information.


Mr Aldous said:

“There are a number of websites and support networks to help off grid consumers make the right decisions during the winter months and it is important that they are made aware of the support available to them.”