Craggs Energy Welcomes Government’s Plans to Review Minimum Heating Oil Order Volumes
Calderdale-based fuel supplier Craggs Energy has welcomed the Government’s plans to review minimum heating oil order volumes in an effort to help customers when the price of heating oil spikes due to world events.
Currently, the typical industry minimum heating oil order is 500 litres. However, Craggs Energy has stood out in the sector by giving loyal customers and state age pensioners the ability to order as little as 300 litres.
First introduced by the business in 2024 in response to the Government’s decision to restrict Winter Fuel Payments, the reduced order limit for state age pensioners has remained to help vulnerable customers across Yorkshire and the North West when they are unable to afford a full fuel tank top-up.
Since then, the business has extended this option to all its Direct Debit customers as part of its Cosy Heating Club membership. This move was designed to help reduce the impact of fuel bills by allowing customers to spread the cost of top-ups across the year, and through smaller, more affordable orders.
Commenting on its support for a possible reduction in the industry standard minimum heating oil order volume, Abby Turner, Director at Craggs Energy, explained: “Heating oil prices have risen sharply because of events in international wholesale markets. As distributors, we are price takers: what we pay is set by those markets, and that affects the cost of heating oil to our customers.
“While this is largely beyond our control, what is in our power is how we support our customers. Being able to order 300 litres and spread the cost by Direct Debit means people are not faced with one large bill at the start of winter.”
Turner added: “We welcome the Government’s commitment to regulate the sector. Off-grid households deserve the same confidence as customers on the gas and electricity networks. Clear, proportionate standards will help the whole industry earn that trust. Several of the Competition and Markets Authority’s (CMA) recommendations, such as clearly signposting payment plans and minimum order volumes, are things we already do, and we look forward to working with Government and industry as the new rules take shape.
“We also hope that customers take comfort from the fact that the CMA recognised that the heating oil market, which meets the needs of around 1.5 million households across the UK, is generally competitive and found no evidence that the industry materially benefited from the significant price increases experienced during the period of energy market disruption.”
To help heating oil customers this coming winter, Abby Turner shares five pieces of advice:
- Check your tank level regularly and order before it runs low, particularly ahead of forecast cold weather when demand rises.
- Look after your tank. Check for cracks, leaks or damage, and keep the area around it clear. A damaged tank can lead to costly leaks and contamination.
- Ask about payment options. Spreading the cost by Direct Debit, or ordering smaller amounts, can make heating far easier to budget for.
- If you are struggling, contact your local council. The Government’s support fund for households that use heating oil is distributed by local authorities, which set their own eligibility criteria.
- Tell your supplier if you are vulnerable to the cold. Our Cold Weather Priority Service ensures customers who need it most are put first when demand is high.
“Our message to customers is simple: talk to us,” said Turner. “If you are worried about the cost of heating your home this winter, there are options available, and our team is here to help you find the one that works best for you.”
Since becoming employee-owned in 2022, Craggs Energy has introduced a series of initiatives designed to reward its customers, including its Cosy Heating Club for Direct Debit customers.
In addition to having the chance to win 500 litres of heating oil every quarter, Cosy Heating Club members can also look forward to:
- Priority 5-day delivery services
- The ability to order as little as 300 litres of heating oil
- One free upgrade to premium heating oil per year
- A free annual tank sponge to protect heating systems and boilers from damage caused by tank sludge
- A £50 discount on new oil tanks
- A free tank inspection on every delivery, ensuring tank safety and integrity
- Discounted oil tanks
- Eco-deliveries and much more…
Part of its customer-focused manifesto, and its ‘What matters to you, matters to us’ mantra, Craggs Energy is focused on rewarding its customers.
Craggs Energy is also committed to playing its part in the local community. This includes its support for mental health and wellbeing charity, The Farming Community Network (FCN), which Craggs Energy is supporting as part of a three-year commitment. Extending the reach of the charity to remote rural communities and farms across the region, Craggs Energy’s delivery drivers are acting as the eyes and ears of FCN, enabling the charity to provide vital support to struggling individuals when they need it most.
In addition to providing a friendly ear and point of contact, Craggs Energy is also providing the farming community with handy fuel and oil tank advice to help improve fuel efficiency and reduce issues such as fuel contamination or degradation. This free advice is being shared through the charity’s daily communications with farmers, on the FCN’s website and social media pages.
