Calor Has Not Replaced 30 Year Old Tanks

Uptonpark

Hi all, looking for help or opinions from the community. We are part 63 house metered estate who have been supplied by Calor for more than 20 years, our underground tanks are 30 years old. We recently went to tender as we approached the end of our 2 year contract period. Calor quoted us 53ppl + VAT & £60 annual charge. Both Northern Gas & Avanti quoted us 2 year fixed @ 44ppl + VAT & £60 annual charge, we advised Calor who refused to enter any type of negotiation. Both Northern & Avanti inspected the tanks & infrastructure but said as the tanks were due to be replaced they could not move forward with a supply contract. We have complained to Calor however they say they offered the best price possible. Is it unfair to the consumer that due to Calor not replacing the tanks sooner we were unable to get a fair chance of switching suppliers to the benefit of the consumers. Would be interested in your thoughts or advice on what we should do to pursue this. Thanks.

subjecttocontract

Are these private properties or rented ?

Are the tanks above or below ground ?

Uptonpark

All private properties, we have a nominated person to be the point of contact with Calor, the tanks are below ground and 30 years old

david29dpo

My above ground tank was replaced (free, as its hired) 30 years old to the day! but not by calor. Very bad reputation round my way.

Next doors underground tank coming up to 33 years old, rented off Calor, not replaced as yet.

I would get on to the regulator and see what they say.

If Calor can get out of paying, they will!

QrizB

We are part 63 house metered estate who have been supplied by Calor for more than 20 years

Your estate has a communal LPG supply? Or does every house have its own tank?

Both Northern & Avanti inspected the tanks & infrastructure but said as the tanks were due to be replaced they could not move forward with a supply contract

Have Northern and Avanti put their concerns into writing? Have you shared these (the specific concerns) with Calor?

We have complained to Calor however they say they offered the best price possible.

What did your complaint to Calor relate to - price or safety? Saying "we offer the best price possible" isn't an acceptable response to a complaint of "our tanks are beyond their certified life and need to be replaced".

Fundamentally, the tanks are either up to standard (in which case you can switch) or they aren't (in which case Calor are responsible for remedial works). The price of gas doesn't come into it.

Uptonpark

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82087023#Comment_82087023

We have communal tanks within a compound.

Both Northern & Avanti stated they were unable to supply despite offering best price, Avanti following an inspection based on age, Northern based on information & photos of the compound.

We complained based on fair market access to competitive prices, Calor quoted 53ppl 2 year fixed, both Northern & Avanti quoted 44ppl 2 year fixed, we informed Calor who in turn said there quoted price was only valid until the date of the new contract starts date which gave us 10 days to decide.

Maybe we have followed the wrong basis to complain.

QrizB

Maybe we have followed the wrong basis to complain.

In your position I'd be making a complaint to Calor that the tanks are beyond their certified life (and/or whatever other specific reasons you were given by the other suppliers) and need replacing / recertifying.