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Bruce encourages residents to take part in Heating Fuels investigation

January 7, 2010 12:00 AM

Gordon MP Malcolm Bruce is encouraging local residents to take part in a Consumer Focus investigation looking into the heating fuels market. Government figures show that heating oil prices have doubled between 2001 and 2008.

Mr. Bruce who has previously contacted the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change on behalf of constituents to highlight the disparity of prices for those consumers not on mains gas firmly believes that heating fuel should be within the regulation remits of OFGEM. The Gas Act 1986 which set up the gas regulatory body does not currently include LPG or heating oil. Poor competition and loose regulation mean that local households using LPG and oil to heat their homes typically pay more for their energy and are more likely to find themselves in fuel poverty.

Commenting, Mr Bruce said:

"I am pleased that Consumer Focus has agreed to investigate the heating fuel market. Increased costs and lack of other heating options is a problem which affects many local families and I would encourage as many residents as possible to share their experiences and contribute to the investigation.

"Due to the long cold winters in Aberdeenshire we pay amongst the highest fuel bills in the country with a high level of fuel poverty and any extra pressure on the government to address this matter is highly welcome. Amongst the 'calls for action' from Consumer Focus is a specified unit within the Department for Energy and Climate Change to have specific responsibility for overseeing the heating fuels market and for the OFT to investigate non-cost reflective price discrimination. Both of these measures would be extremely welcome."

Malcolm Bruce is urging constituents to contact him and Consumer Focus with their experiences using the following details -

Consumer Focus

regulated.industries@consumerfocus.org.uk or

4th Floor, Artillery House

Artillery Row

London SW1P 1RT

Tel: 020 77997900

Malcolm Bruce MP

67 High Street

Inverurie

AB51 3QJ

ENDS

More information on the Consumer Focus investigation into heating fuels can be found on their website at - www.consumerfocus.org.uk

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