Oil Fired Central Heating/Water

Cinderell

I moved into this property over a year ago, when I was still employed. About 2 months into it I was made redundant which means I'm now living on benefit - I'm a single parent. The cost of oil is an exorbitance and you have to buy it in bulk (minimum 500 lts) but while I was in employment I was able to afford it. But now I'm on such a limited income I can't afford it. The last time I had bought oil was last March and I made it last till 2 weeks ago but we had a good Summer so it wasn't too difficult. The tank was pretty much empty when I rang the oil company and I nearly dropped the phone when he told me how much they were charging my debit card: £298!!!! Now I don't have enough to pay the rent. I've signed a 3 year contract on this property so I can't move out just like that. My question is: Does anyone know of any organisation or charity to ask for help with paying recurrant bills such as this? You only get help from the Government with paying fuel bills if you're over 60. I'm 40 with an 8 yr old and recently I've been living on toast and cup a soup because of the oil expense. Any suggestions are appreciated.

Thank you

devildog

I am sorry but I don't have any suggestions re organisations/charities to help with this bill. My only suggestion for in future is to start 'price watching' the oil about July/August time and when you think it is a reasonable price, order it. Don't wait until your tank becomes empty because then you more or less have to buy it whatever the price. I also believe some companies do like a monthly payment plan although I would not recommend because they tend to fill your tank as/when they are in the area and regardless of what the current price per litre is.

patman99

Have you looked into bio-fuel?. I know it is possible to make your own bio-diesel, so it should be poss. to make your own bio-fuel-oil.

Alternatively, why not get together with your oil using nieghbours and form a buying company. As this 'company' would be ordering 1 tanker-full of heating oil to be delivered to various addresses, the price would be as cheap as you could get.

suki1964

I dont mean to be harsh but you know you need to pay for heating and hot water regardless of what fuel you use. Paying in advance for oil is no different then paying in arrears for gas/electric. You know the bill is coming and you make allowances for it.

Over here we can buy oil stamps each week towards our oil to help us budget. I save as much as I can each week towards my oil costs and Im very very frugal with it.

Many areas will have a petrol station which will sell heating oil by the drum. In most cases its only a penny or two a litre more then bulk buying but its a help when you dont have money saved

Just a thought - you may be able to apply for a hardship loan to help out?

home-heating-oil

I am not sure this will help but it may. The Thames Water Trust Fund twtf.org.uk provides funds to those in desperate need. They are not part of Thames Water and they can help with other exepnses than just water.

But you should contact the local council who should be helping you with paying your rent.

Best wishes

cyngor_cymru

i'm not sure where you are, but some oil suppliers offer a monthly payment scheme whereby you don't have to have 'top-up' deliveries - you can pay monthly to spread the cost and still order oil as and when you need it. obviously they won't allow you to go too far into debt, but it can help avoid a large bill at the time.