Users of Propane and Home Fuel Oil “Fallen Off the Radar”

 

Weir Steps Up Campaign For “Off Grid” Help

 

 

Angus MP Mike Weir has stepped up his campaign on behalf of those mainly rural constituents who are not on the gas grid and rely on home heating oil or propane gas for heating. Mr Weir has consistently highlighted the fact that there is currently no regulation in this market and that prices have risen even more steeply than for main gas and electricity.

 

During an evidence hearing of the Business and Enterprise Select Committee Mr Weir challenged Alistair Buchanan, Chairman of Ofgem who regulate the energy market, on the matter. Commenting afterwards he said that he was disappointed in the apparent lack of involvement in the issue by the regulators.

 

“Those who rely on propane and home fuel oil appear to have fallen off the radar as far as government and regulators are concerned. The recent fuel poverty summit looked only at the mains gas and electricity markets and focussed on the Big Six energy suppliers. No attempt is being made to tackle the off grid market where prices are escalating at an even more alarming rate and where there are no such things as social tariffs”

 

Mr Weir has now called upon the Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks to use the current Energy Bill to amend the duties of Ofgem to specifically include the off grid market.

 

“Clearly action is urgently needed to force the regulators to intervene and give the same help to those “off grid” as those on the mains gas and electricity system. At present the regulator and consumer groups appear to be simply wringing their hands and taking no action. That is not acceptable and government must give them a specific duty to look into all energy markets.”