Alternative Fuel Allowance rejected

zebedee10

We applied for the Alternative Fuel allowance on the 14 March. We hadn't heard anything so today I rang them to check on my applications progress.
We've been told that although our only source of heating is by oil, because we are connected to the Gas Grid we are not eligible.
Yes we do use gas but only for cooking on the Gas Hob.

It does seem unfair that we have been told we aren't eligible for this money.
Anyone else in a similar situation to us?

Also, Martin said "The Government will be releasing details of an appeals process and we'll update on this story when we know more."
Is there any news on this?

Regards Paul.

lohr500

Harsh though it may seem, it seems reasonable to me. You have a gas connection but choose not to use it for heating.
If you only use gas for the hob (Is your oven electric?) then I would seriously look at replacing the hob with electric, or even LPG run off propane cylinders. It surely can't be cost effective to pay the daily standing charge on gas, jut to use a gas hob . Unless you are on some cracking zero daly standing tariff.

Reed_Richards

Content yourself with the knowledge that oil heating is currently cheaper to run than gas.

HillStreetBlues

https://www.gov.uk/get-help-energy-bills/alternative-fuels

If you use alternative fuels for heating

You may be eligible for a £200 Alternative Fuels Payment (AFP) if both the following are true:

• your household is not connected to the mains gas grid
• you use alternative fuels as your main form of heating

Look like they have followed the rules, so not sure what your appeal would be based on, however unfair the rule seems.