Devon charity can save you money on your heating oil

Homeowners and organisations that use oil to heat their properties can benefit from a local scheme created to help save them money.

The Devon Oil Collective was launched in Spring 2012 by the Community Council of Devon, a local charity that supports communities across Devon. The project works on the principle that people can reduce their annual spend on heating oil by collectively buying oil in bulk.

The scheme has already seen its members making substantial savings since it began. Typically members can look to save approximately £38 on a 1,000 litre order.

Project administrator Cara Stobart says “Through negotiation with suppliers, we are able to pass on reduced rates to our members. The savings we make are made on the strength of our orders. The more oil orders we take, the more negotiation power we have”.

The Devon County Council backed scheme acts like a broker. Once members have told them how much they wish to order, the Devon Oil Collective will negotiate a price and place the order on their behalf. There is an order deadline at the beginning of each month, a price is negotiated within 2 days of the deadline and deliveries are usually made within 2 weeks.

Fuel poverty is one of many topics the Community Council of Devon is trying to tackle in this large rural county. Schemes like the Devon Oil Collective can genuinely help families who may struggle to heat their homes this winter. There are a large proportion of properties off the gas network in Devon and the potential savings in collective buying is huge.

Warning – order early to avoid winter price hikes

The Devon Oil Collective wants to advise all oil users that there is a pattern in oil prices every year. Every summer the prices drop and in the winter the prices rise. This is understandable. Heating oil use increases when the temperature starts to drop in the winter months so the prices increase at the time you are most likely to need to buy. You can avoid these prices by thinking ahead and ordering early.

The Devon Oil Collective’s advice is to top up you oil tank in September/October to avoid the highest winter prices. To become a member of the Devon Oil Collective you can join from as little as £24 per year for a domestic household.

For more information about the scheme contact the Community Council of Devon on 01392 248919 ext*290 or email oilscheme@devonrcc.org.uk. Further information is available on their website www.devonrcc.org.uk.