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Citizens Advice
Press release
Insert date
Buy heating oil early to avoid being left out in the cold
As the nights start to draw in, Gateshead Citizens Advice Bureau is urging heating oil customers to buy early to help cut the cost of heating their homes this winter.
Gateshead CAB has joined forces with ACRE (Action with Communities in Rural England) and the Federation of Petroleum Suppliers to launch the Buy Oil Early campaign to help make sure that people aren’t paying more than they need to for heating oil. The campaign is supported by the Department of Energy and Climate Change.
By stocking up on heating oil now, people can make the most of lower costs before high demand over the winter months pushes up the price. People who buy oil now could also benefit from faster delivery times, as suppliers often have spare capacity before demand picks up. Ordering late in the year can also increase delivery times if bad weather affects the roads, particularly in rural areas.
Joining a heating oil club can also help to cut the cost. Research carried out by Citizens Advice last year found that 97 per cent of people were able to negotiate a lower price by clubbing together to bulk-buy oil. Buying with neighbours can also reduce the number of journeys suppliers need to make, which can cut delivery costs and is better for the environment.
[If there are already oil clubs in your area say: There are already [insert number of oil clubs] in Gateshead. To find out how to join, contact [insert contact details]. If you would like to set up your own club, CAB can help. Come into the bureau or go to www.citizensadvice.org.uk/oilclubs to find out everything you need to know.
[If you do not have details for any oil clubs in your area say: To see if there’s an oil club in your local area, put your postcode into the oil club map at www.citizensadvice.org.uk/oilclubs. If you would like to set up your own club, CAB can help. Come into the bureau or go to www.citizensadvice.org.uk/oilclubs to find out everything you need to know.]
Alison Dunn, Chief Executive at Gateshead CAB said:
“People who use heating oil can feel left out in the cold. If you’re off grid, you can’t save money by switching tariffs or changing payment methods. This can leave many customers feeling that they have no option but to turn down the heating or switch off the lights if they want to make savings.
“But by acting early, households who use heating oil can take more control over their fuel costs. Buying your heating oil now, while demand is lower, can make a real difference to your bill. And joining or forming an oil club could mean that you and your neighbours save money by buying in bulk.
“If you’re struggling with your household bills then we can help you to draw up a budget and make sure that you’re getting all the help that you’re entitled to.”
Matt Hancock, Energy Minister,
“The nights are drawing in and Winter is just around the corner so we are encouraging people to stock up on oil sooner not later.
“It’s better to order early when demand is low and prices are low and to make sure no household is caught out, especially in remote and rural areas, where roads can be disrupted and delivery times only increase as the weather gets worse.
“If you haven’t thought about it, it’s worth looking at establishing or joining a community buying group which makes oil prices cheaper for individual households.”
“Please do also be sure to check that you are receiving all the help that you are entitled to with your local Citizens’ Advice Bureau.”
Top tips for domestic oil consumers
· Fill up your tank before winter arrives. Suppliers are less busy and can offer better value (fuel tends to be more expensive in December, January and February).
· Shop around for the best price.
· If you have difficulty paying for your fuel on delivery, ask your supplier about flexible payment options.
· Get the best deal by ordering in a way that makes delivery efficient for both you and the oil supplier, for example by joining a local oil club. For details of how to do this/set one up, go to www.citizensadvice.org.uk/oilclubs
· Fuel is a necessity for most people. If you are in financial difficulty, seek early advice by visiting your local Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) for free, independent advice, or visit CAB’swww.adviceguide.org.uk
· If you are in financial difficulty, seek early advice by visiting your local Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) for free, independent advice, or visit CAB’s Advice Guide website: http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/
· You can save money on your fuel bills by installing insulation or other energy saving measures in your home. If you are on a low income or in a home with poor insulation standards you may get help with the cost of such measures. Contact the Energy Saving Advice Service for free and impartial advice on 0300 123 1234.
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For more information contact: [Insert name]
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Notes to editors:
1. Citizens Advice surveyed oil clubs between March and August 2013.
2. This year the Citizens Advice service celebrates its 75th anniversary. We’ve planned a year of activity running from January to December 2014. Contact the press office on 03000 231 080, or via email at , to find out more.
3. The Citizens Advice service comprises a network of local bureaux, all of which are independent charities, the Citizens Advice consumer service and national charity Citizens Advice. Together we help people resolve their money, legal and other problems by providing information and advice and by influencing policymakers. For more see theCitizens Advice website.
4. The advice provided by the Citizens Advice service is free, independent, confidential, and impartial, and available to everyone regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, age or nationality.
5. To find your local bureau in England and Wales, visitcitizensadvice.org.uk. You can also get advice online atadviceguide.org.uk
6. You can get consumer advice from the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06 or 03454 04 05 05 for Welsh language speakers
7. Citizens Advice Bureaux in England and Wales advised 2.1 million clients on 6.6 million problems from April 2012 to March 2013. For full 2012/2013 service statistics see our quarterly publicationAdvice trends
8. Citizens Advice service staff are supported by more than 22,000 trained volunteers, working at over 3,000 service outlets across England and Wales.