OFT Off-grid Market Study – Call for evidence

Consumer champion issues call for off-grid consumer stories

Are you a consumer not connected to the gas network and have had problems paying for or receiving your fuel over the past few months?

Or are you an organisation who has contact with people who are not connected to the gas network?

We are looking for your help.

Consumer Focus Wales is asking consumers across Wales who are not connected to the gas grid to come forward with evidence of any problems they have experienced with their energy supply during the winter of 2010-11, as well as any problems they are experiencing currently. This includes people who may be using domestic heating oil, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or other off grid energy supplies such as coal or wood.  

Your stories will help to inform Consumer Focus Wales’s evidence to the off-grid energy market study announced by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) in March. We are particularly keen to hear from vulnerable consumers who had difficulties keeping their home warm during the severe weather last winter. We’d particularly like to know:  

• Did you experience steep price increases for your heating oil over the winter period, if so how much did this differ from what you usually pay for your oil?  

• What is your usual buying pattern when purchasing heating oil or LPG (whether individual cylinders or in bulk)? For example, do you buy one major purchase for the year or do you also have to top-up through the winter? Are you part of a bulk-buying group?  

• Have you struggled to afford to pay for your heating fuel over the last few months? If so, how satisfied were you with your oil/LPG supplier’s response to any difficulties you’ve experienced?  

• Did you experience any problems with the delivery of your heating oil or LPG over the winter period?  

• How do you think the off gas market could be improved? What particular changes would you like to see?  

Consumers can send feedback on problems they have experienced with heating oil, LPG or other off-grid energy supplies either by email to contactwales@consumerfocus.org.uk or post to: Lindsey Kearton, Consumer Focus Wales, Portcullis House, 21 Cowbridge Road East, Cardiff, CF11 9AD. Feedback should be sent by Friday 20 May 2011.