Heating Oil Support

Dear Resident,

I am writing in light of the recent increases in heating oil prices. I recognise this is a particular concern in your area where more than 50% of households rely on heating oil, a higher proportion than in many other parts of Scotland.

On 16 Marcha, the Minister for Energy Consumers set out the Government’s response to the sharp increase in global oil prices caused by instability in the Middle East, including Iran’s actions around the Strait of Hormuz. This has led to significant pressure on the 1.5 million UK households who depend on heating oil, and I appreciate how worrying this is for families here who are already seeing higher prices or difficulties securing deliveries.

The UK Government will provide £50million of support for low-income households using heating oil, with £4.6 million allocated to Scotland. The Scottish Government have added to this fund. You can apply for the fund here https://homeheatingadvice.scot/ 

In addition to financial support, the Government plans to introduce stronger consumer protections for heating oil customers. This includes a strengthened industry Code of Practice, improved price transparency, more flexible delivery options, and clearer support for vulnerable households.

The government also announced a new set of reforms to the regulator Ofgem on 22 April to create stronger consumer protections for all other energy consumers. These include:

• the power for Ofgem to block the bonuses of energy company bosses if they are found to be breaking the rules;

• stronger powers for Ofgem to enforce consumer law directly, cutting out lengthy court procedures; and

• reforms to the regulator’s remit to focus on economic and consumer protection. 

The situation underlines the need to reduce our dependence on volatile global fossil fuel markets. The Government has announced steps to accelerate home energy upgrades, expand renewables, and reform nuclear regulations so new projects can be delivered more quickly.

The Government has cut funding for the Energy Company Obligation scheme, as well as removing 75% of costs for the Renewables Obligation scheme from people’s energy bills. As a result the energy price cap will protect households for the next three months, with bills to be cut.

These long-term measures will not resolve the immediate pressures, but they are important if we are to secure a more stable and affordable energy system for the future.

I will continue to monitor this situation closely and raise concerns on behalf of local residents. If you are directly affected by rising heating oil costs or difficulties with your supplier, please contact my office and we will do everything we can to assist you.

Alan Gemmell