Vic AllisonDeputy Managing Director 31 October 2011

Introduction

• Fuel poverty - nationally 30% of homes not on mains gas

• Localism agenda

• Council Promise: “Enable local communities to build resilience through promoting bulk purchasing of heating oil and LPG for households not on a main fuel supply”

• Three events involving suppliers already

• Further event focussing on the practicalities of setting up and running buying groups

Buying Groups

• Best Practice Guide recently published www.acre.org.uk

• Practical information to help communities set up and run oil buying groups

• Case studies from Oxfordshire and Norfolk

• Suggestions apply equally to LPG buying groups

Why join an oil buying group?

• Reduction in unit price

• Fewer vehicle movements

• Social cohesion

Points to consider before setting up an oil buying group

• Keep the buying group local

• Working with partners

• Time

• Promoting an oil club

• Establish good communication

• Administering an oil buying group

• Members’ financial welfare

• Minimum order volumes

• Buying oil at the best price

• Variations in prices

• Safe deliveries

Purchasing heating oil

• Targeted at those not on mains gas

• Solar thermal hot water systems, air source / ground source heat pumps, biomass boilers

• Ends March 2012, but is cash limited

• Grants from £300 - £1250

• Call Energy Saving Trust 0800 512012 or visit their website www.energysavingtrust.org.uk

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