Solar panels and heat pumps are the future for people who use heating oil – Martin McCluskey
Labour is taking action to support households that rely on heating oil, but it is the electrification of our homes that will lay the foundations for the future
People in Scotland have felt the impact of the war in the Middle East deeply, with the many rural households reliant on heating oil taking the brunt of rising energy costs. In March, at the outset of the war in Iran, I visited the Western Isles to see first-hand the impact that the crisis had on the residents in Lewis.
We had just pledged £53 million in support for people on heating oil and I saw how necessary this was. But, despite this help, we know that longer-term solutions are needed, which is why I welcome the Competition and Market Authority's report on the heating oil sector, the first since the war in Iran.
The findings here are stark and make clear the sector needs root-and-branch reform so the market works as it should – and Scottish consumers are not let down. Some 1.5 million households in the UK depend on heating oil but do not have the same protections as electricity and gas customers – this is not good enough. We are changing things and will create a fairer system for rural households across the country.
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Unacceptable behaviour by firms
The CMA have recommended the introduction of regulation for the heating oil sector, access to dispute resolution and a review of minimum order volumes. In addition, they have recognised that vulnerable customers need to be better protected.
When I went to the Western Isles, I heard directly from people about firms cancelling orders and rebooking at higher prices. This is simply unacceptable.
A number of suppliers have already agreed to compensate those affected with up to £350. In the other cases where the CMA can take action, I fully support them taking enforcement measures to force them to comply.
Plug-in solar arriving soon
It is our responsibility to shield households in Scotland from price spikes and fossil fuel volatility, and it is clean power that will help us do this. We will soon be rolling out low and no interest loans for families to fund upgrades such as solar panels, batteries, and heat pumps.
And we expect plug-in solar panels to be available to buy this summer, helping families save significant amounts on their bills by taking advantage of the good weather.
We are taking important steps to ensure households on heating oil are thoroughly supported, both now and in the future. But it is electrifying our homes that will lay the foundations for Britain as a clean energy superpower, keeping the country powered and running for generations to come.
Martin McCluskey MP is minister for energy consumers
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