PEOPLE with oil-fired heating are being urged to save money by stocking up early before winter in a joint campaign backed by Community Council for Somerset (CCS).

The Buy Oil Early Campaign has been launched by Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE), Citizens Advice and the Federation of Petroleum Suppliers (FPS), with the support of Energy Minister Matt Hancock.

CCS, a member of the national ACRE network of rural community councils, says stocking up early has a range of benefits. Prices and demand tend to be lower in September and delivery is not disrupted by increased demand and icy weather.

Chief executive Katherine Armstrong said: “Research shows 36% of homes in rural areas are off the gas grid, so many households rely on heating oil. In times of high demand, prices can increase rapidly, leaving the most vulnerable unable to afford to adequately heat their homes. We urge households to buy their oil now so that they are prepared when the colder weather arrives.”

Energy Minister Matt Hancock said: “It’s better to order early when demand is low and prices are low and to make sure no household is caught out, especially in remote and rural areas, where roads can be disrupted and delivery times only increase as the weather gets worse.

“If you haven’t thought about it, it’s worth looking at establishing or joining a community buying group which makes prices cheaper for individual households.”

25 members of the ACRE network have set up oilbuying groups. Last year they bought over 13 million litres of oil between them, saving almost £650,000 on behalf of rural customers.

For details of oil-buying groups and top ten tips for heating oil users, visit www.acre.org.uk or find out more about the Somerset Community Oil Scheme go to oil@somersetrcc.org.uk