Devon News
Mid Devon residents could get help with oil deliveries
11:00am Saturday 4th February 2012
HOME owners in Mid Devon who rely on having oil delivered to their properties for heating could benefit from a new initiative launched this week.
The Devon Oil Collective works on the principle that households can reduce their annual spending on heating by collectively buying oil in bulk.
Devon authorities predict that it could save £30 to £50 per 1,000 litres of heating oil.
With many homes using around 2,000 litres per year, households could save up to £100.
The Community Council of Devon has launched the scheme with financial support from Devon County Council.
Elaine Cook, chief executive of the Community Council of Devon, said: “Through negotiation with heating oil suppliers we’ll be able to pass on reduced rates to participating households and business premises.
“The savings are made on the strength of the orders – the more oil orders we take on behalf of households the more negotiating strength we have with suppliers and the better the rates.
“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.
“We and Devon County Council are working to tackle the issues of fuel poverty and are working with organisations across the country to do so.”
Cllr Roger Croad, county council Cabinet member for the environment, said: “In these times of rising energy costs this will help a lot of families who are currently struggling to afford to keep the heating on during these colder months.”