Heating oil campaign

Age Cymru is backing a campaign being launched today by Consumer Focus Wales to help people who use domestic heating oil to keep their bills under control.

The campaign - in partnership with EST and supported by Age Cymru, Care & Repair Cymru, and the Welsh Government - will encourage households which rely on heating oil to get the best possible deal.

It is part of Consumer Focus Wales' work to tackle fuel poverty, which now affects one in every four homes in Wales and over two fifths of people living in off-gas properties.

Lindsey Kearton, policy manager at Consumer Focus Wales, said:

"Our research in to people living off the mains gas network last year revealed the difficulties people often face in keeping their homes warm. 

"In recent years we have seen big spikes in the cost of heating oil during the winter months, and the devastating impact that can have on household budgets.

"As a result of that research, we wanted to help people who rely on domestic oil to get the best possible deal.

"We will be encouraging people who rely on heating oil to print out top tips posters or take home a tea towels with the tips on it, to ensure the message is getting out there and that consumers can cut the cost of heating their homes this winter."

The campaign is part of a coordinated campaign by consumer groups and industry to encourage heating oil consumers to stock up early on winter supplies when prices tend to be lower and suppliers have spare delivery capacity.

Leaving orders to the last minute during the winter risks longer delivery times and higher prices.