Devon residents saving thousands on their heating oil bills
With colder weather around the corner, Devon residents are saving thousands of pounds on their heating oil bills, thanks to a scheme delivered by the Community Council of Devon.
Using collective buying power, the Devon County Council-supported initiative is ensuring that the scheme’s members are getting the best prices for their fuel.
Its 272 members have bought approximately 264,000 litres of oil this year, paying typically 3 to 6 pence less per litre than the average price, saving them on average £45 per every 1,000 litres of oil. Collectively, they’ve saved over £11,500 on fuel this year.
It works on the principle that households can reduce their annual spend by collectively buying oil in bulk. The Devon Oil Collective was launched by the Community Council of Devon last February with financial support from Devon County Council, with the aim of tackling the rising prices of heating oil. In some cities they are are installing efficient boilers to help tackle the rising prices of oil.
“Through negotiation with heating oil suppliers, we are able to pass on reduced rates to participating household and business premises,” says Cara Stobart, the scheme’s administrator.
“We act like a broker. We negotiate the rate and make the orders on people’s behalf. Oil is delivered to people’s properties within two weeks of the order and they pay the supplier direct.
“Scheme members are rest assured that they will get a great price every time without the hassle of phoning several companies.
“As the scheme grows and more and more members join, the greater buying power we will be able to yield, meaning that we can pass on even greater savings to our members.”
Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for the environment, Cllr Roger Croad, says:
“Devon is a large rural county with a great many properties off the gas network, relying chiefly on heating oil.
“In these times of rising energy costs, this initiative is helping a lot of families who are currently struggling to afford to keep the heating on during the colder months. It’s a great example of communities working together to get a better deal on their heating bills.”
Membership to the Devon Oil Collective starts from as little as £24 a year.
For further information or to join please visit the Community Council of Devon’s website, or telephone 01392 248919 ext *290
