Home

Taking the headache out of heating

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Click here to read information on the status of Community Action Norfolk's Services. As well as links to other information and advice
This website uses cookies. You can read more about how we use your personal data in our Privacy Notice

Communal heating oil scheme helps combat autumn heating blues

With the colder weather and longer nights approaching, a big worry for many people who live in ‘off-gas’ areas and depend on heating oil is the cost, so Community Action Norfolk is encouraging consumers to buy early and save money.

Community Action Norfolk runs a collective buying service that helps make buying heating oil less stressful and more manageable. ‘ThinkingFuel’ offers consistently low prices on heating oil by encouraging people to buy as part of a bulk-buy scheme.

“Heating oil is an unregulated commodity” explains Community Action Norfolk’s Chief Executive, Jon Clemo. “Unlike mains gas and electricity, there are no rules and regulations or price controls. Oil can be subject to dramatic price fluctuations and you can’t easily buy it in small helpings just when you need it. The message we want to send to all heating oil users across the county is to check that your tank is up to standard and buy your oil now, before Winter arrives.”

“Comparing prices for oil is very difficult for the consumer because of fluctuations in price between days, quantities ordered, locations and delivery times. That’s why it pays to be part of a collective buying scheme like ThinkingFuel, which are increasingly popular because they offer a fair, flexible and accessible way to buy oil. Everyone in the scheme gets a really low price on their oil because it’s bought in bulk and all our members pay the same price per litre no matter how much they order.” explained Mr Clemo. 

“We operate ThinkingFuel in partnership with AF Affinity, Anglia Farmers’ bulk buying group, whose expert professional buyers are able to negotiate considerable discounts. The big plus is that, because all our members are buying from the same supplier, they get a very competitive price.

Essentially, we do the ringing round for you, saving you time, stress and making sure you get a fair price. It’s also part of our wider strategy of supporting households and communities and addressing the issue of fuel poverty in Norfolk.”

ThinkingFuel is already well established with three thousand members across Norfolk. The bulk ordering takes place on two key days each month to maximise savings, which is when members can get the best price, but they can order oil on any working day of the month and still get a competitive price.

For more information call 01362 698216 or click here.

Editors’ note:

For more information on ThinkingFuel and wider fuel poverty issues across Norfolk, please contact:

Community Action Norfolk: office@communityactionnorfolk.org.uk