Trade association the UK and Ireland Fuel Distributors Association (UKIFDA) is once again giving its full support to the annual Fuel Poverty Awareness Day, taking place this week.
Organised by the National Energy Action (NEA), Fuel Poverty Awareness Day, on 3 December, aims to raise awareness of the challenges facing those living in fuel poverty and the importance of seeking the available help and support for those living in cold homes.
Ken Cronin, pictured, UKIFDA chief executive, said: “Every year, the NEA does a fantastic job of raising awareness of the issues surrounding fuel poverty and highlighting the support that is available for people living in cold homes. For those struggling to pay for their heating oil, our Members provide a range of schemes including monthly fuel payment plan options and encourage people to speak to their local fuel distributor to discuss the help available to them.
“UKIFDA members also offer the Cold Weather Priority scheme to heating oil customers age 75+ which enables elderly consumers, who heat their homes using heating oil, to sign up for prioritised deliveries during the winter months. Consumers can find their nearest distributor and compare costs.
“Looking to the future decarbonisation options for the 1.7m off-grid oil heated homes in the UK, our industry is investing heavily in demonstrating the use of renewable liquid fuels in particular hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) which can act as a direct replacement to heating oil but with a carbon emission saving of 88%. The upfront cost is typically £500 and takes about an hour to complete. This compares to the very high and uncertain costs of heat pump technology which could cost on average £20,000 to install including the required home upgrades.
“Rural homes need affordable solutions and homeowners need to be given a choice of low carbon heating alternatives that won’t cost them thousands to install – such as HVO. However, we need full support from government for a wider rollout of the fuel.”