News - CAMPAIGN TO BUY HEATING OIL EARLY GETS UNDERWAY
The campaign is urging homeowners and businesses that use oil for heating to get themselves prepared for the winter and not be caught out by bad weather which causes disruption to supplies.
Now is the time when householders and businesses should be starting to think about what their needs are going to be for the winter and should be prepared. Filling up your tank now is a good idea, especially as the price of oil is lower and demand is not as high. The increased demand during the winter months and especially in the run-up to Christmas, usually means delivery delays so the FPS along with the Buy Oil Early Campaign partners is urging people to make sure they don’t get caught out by leaving it too late.
Chief Executive of the FPS, Mark Askew comments: “Our members understand that payments for bulk oil deliveries can cause problems for customers especially around the Christmas period. By planning their deliveries now customers can ensure that they have the oil they need to keep warm and allow themselves to fit the payment into their budget more easily. Consumers may also want to plan ahead for 2013 now as many oil distributors run payment schemes to encourage customers to have bigger, less frequent deliveries but then spread the payments out over the whole year, helping both financially and ensuring homeowners don’t run out of fuel when winter hits.
For those customers who find the cost of oil a struggle they should contact their local Citizens Advice Bureau to ensure that they have the information required to ensure that they are receiving all of the benefits and support to which they are entitled”.
John Hayes, Energy Minister,said: “I welcome the campaign by consumer groups and industry to encourage heating oil consumers to stock up early this winter.
Previous severe winters show that it is better to stock up before the cold weather sets in, when suppliers have spare delivery capacity.
Ordering oil later risks longer delivery times, especially if cold weather increases demand and disrupts deliveries.
I would also encourage all consumers to save money on heating their homes by ensuring their homes are fully insulated.”
Mark Askew adds: “Our members remind customers that they should order early, but people have got into a pattern of ordering the minimum quantity. Customers have had a trend of ordering 500 litres and then run out in the middle of the winter, when the weather is worst and deliveries are disrupted. We are trying to educate people to think ahead and be prepared.
In winter, the UK can also experience shortages of heating oil at terminals. Demand is obviously governed by the weather and a prolonged cold snap, means that the terminals are unable to provide product quickly enough and consumers can run out whilst waiting for deliveries as distributors have to go further afield to get supplies.”
ENDS
Media enquiries to Stephanie Freeman at FM Marketing on: Office: 01270 883782 Mobile:07961 149399 Email: stephanie@fmmarketingpr.com
EDITORS NOTE
FPS (Federation of Petroleum Suppliers) – www.oilsave.org.uk
ACRE- Best Practice for Oil Buying Groups: http://www.acre.org.uk/Resources/ACRE/Documents/Climate%20Change/FINAL%20WEB%20VERSION%20Best%20Practice%20for%20Oil%20Buying%20Groups%2008%20Sept%2011.pdf
CAB (Citizens Advice Bureau) - http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/index/campaigns/oilclubs.htm
Further advice for consumers is available from the Energy Savings Advisory Service (ESAS) on 0300 123 1234.
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