The increased costs of heating oil earlier this year is something Rachel has raised directly with government, as a number of constituents were impacted by spiralling costs and cancelled orders. She has welcomed the attached letter from Martin McCluskey MP – Minister for Energy Consumers, setting out the actions that recommendations from The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).
The CMA has completed its detailed study of the heating oil market and found it is not working well for consumers. It has recommended a new regulatory system, including clearer pricing, better protection for vulnerable households, fairer minimum order rules and independent dispute resolution.
The Government has committed to responding within 90 days, with a strong presumption in favour of accepting the recommendations.
There is also good news for those affected by cancelled orders, as many suppliers have agreed to compensate customers. Those who had to buy replacement oil at a higher price will receive the difference, while others will have their original orders honoured at the agreed price. The CMA is continuing to press other suppliers and is preparing legal action against those that refuse.
More than £50 million has already been provided to support vulnerable heating oil customers. Households using heating oil or LPG can also apply for a grant of up to £9,000 to switch to a heat pump. If you are facing immediate financial difficulty, please contact your local authority about the Crisis and Resilience Fund.
Rachel has welcomed this action. She said “Rural households should not face unfair treatment simply because they rely on heating oil, and I will continue to press for a market that is fair, transparent and properly protects consumers.”