Many heating oil users 'may be worried about their bills'

6 February 2012

Posted by Neil Brunskill

A large number of heating oil users in the UK could be worried about how they will meet their energy bills this winter, despite the relatively mild weather.

While the last week has seen temperatures plummet, milder conditions throughout much of January may have led to less demand for fuel, but this is unlikely to be enough to offset rising prices, uSwitch stated.

The website's research found 85 per cent of consumers say they are concerned about the increasing cost of heating their home, while 83 per cent admitted they will ration their use of fuel.

Director of consumer policy at the organisation Ann Robinson said the mild conditions have "allowed many to cut back, turn down or switch off without feeling the full brunt of winter cold".

However, she warned another harsh winter could pose serious problems for people who are already struggling with rising prices.

Many people may need to fire up their central heating this week, as the Met Office has issued a level three alert for England, warning of a "100 per cent probability of severe cold weather" until Friday (February 10th).

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