Fuel Poverty Q&A with Drew Hendry MP 2pm today. Share your experiences!

Prinzessilein

Drew, do you think there would be merit in some form of legislation on meters in rented properties?(I am thinking primarily of private rents). In the past I had experience of a landlord having 3 separate meters that I needed to feed - kitchen, bathroom and bed/sitting room. Even though I was working I was struggling to keep all 3 meters topped up...I ended up with bronchitis and a referral by the GP for a stay in hospital. She directly linked my illness to the poor heating in my flat.

Gigervamp

It annoys me that those of us who have to use oil for heating are always forgotten in government initiatives.

We're paying £135 a month for heating oil, for a small 3 bedroomed semi detatched cottage.

Consumerist

I think regional pricing is a major concern because the energy industry prices according to cost whereas consumers would perceive pricing as fairer according to, say, regional average temperatures.

Former_MSE_Andrea

Gigervamp wrote: »

It annoys me that those of us who have to use oil for heating are always forgotten in government initiatives.

We're paying £135 a month for heating oil, for a small 3 bedroomed semi detatched cottage.

Hi Gigervamp, just in case you haven't seen it we have a Cheap Heating Oil guide.

UKParliament

Find out how to get involved with the work of Parliament and have your thoughts heard.

DrewHendryMP

Thanks to All at MSE for inviting me on today and to all of those who either posted or viewed the discussion. I enjoyed doing this.


Best Wishes


Drew

Former_MSE_Andrea

Thanks to everyone that's posted and to Drew for taking part.

Keep them questions and stories coming though - Drew will be checking back for new stories and experiences before tomorrow's debate.

DrewHendryMP

Prinzessilein wrote: »

Drew, do you think there would be merit in some form of legislation on meters in rented properties?(I am thinking primarily of private rents). In the past I had experience of a landlord having 3 separate meters that I needed to feed - kitchen, bathroom and bed/sitting room. Even though I was working I was struggling to keep all 3 meters topped up...I ended up with bronchitis and a referral by the GP for a stay in hospital. She directly linked my illness to the poor heating in my flat.

That sounds terrible Prinzesslein, I hope you are better now. I, personally have never heard of such a situation but I will look into the issue

DrewHendryMP

Gigervamp wrote: »

It annoys me that those of us who have to use oil for heating are always forgotten in government initiatives.

We're paying £135 a month for heating oil, for a small 3 bedroomed semi detatched cottage.

A good point Gigervamp, an issue in the Highlands where not only oil but LPG can be the forgotten fuels. I intend to raise this during the debate, so thanks for that

DrewHendryMP

Consumerist wrote: »

I think regional pricing is a major concern because the energy industry prices according to cost whereas consumers would perceive pricing as fairer according to, say, regional average temperatures.

Agreed Consumerist, a new, fairer system needs to be introduced, I mentioned earlier the 2-6 p per unit differential in the Highlands and Islands, the geography and climatic conditions need to be part of the answer.