Vulnerable heating oil users should get help like other energy customers, SNP says

13 March 2012

Posted by John King

MP for the Scottish National Party (SNP) Mike Weir has argued heating oil customers should be given the same amount of help as other energy users if they are in a vulnerable group, specialist news provider Oilfiredup.com reported.

During energy and climate change questions in the House of Commons, the politician noted off-grid residents are not afforded the same protection as those warming their house with other fuels.

He highlighted the obligation electricity companies have to identify vulnerable customers and offer a rebate, but heating oil businesses are not subject to the same law.

Mr Weir, who is the Westminster Energy spokesman for the SNP argued a mechanism should be added to the Energy Act to force these firms to help those in fuel poverty.

"At the very least, UK ministers should be speaking to these companies to accept a social obligation and take action," he was quoted as saying by the news agency.

BoilerJuice recently backed a call to remove VAT from domestic heating oil to support customers struggle to afford their fuel bills.

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