Government financial support for UK heating oil households

As part of the recent Energy Price Guarantee, the government confirmed last week that it would provide a one-off payment of £100 to households across the UK who are not served by the gas grid, to help compensate for the rising costs of heating oil.

Along with the UK and Ireland Fuel Distributors Association (UKIFDA), our trade body, we welcome the news and the support for our heating oil customers at this difficult time. However, at this stage it is still not clear how the payment will be made or funded in practise, given the differences in the structure of the heating oil market compared with that for gas and electricity.

Through UKIFDA, we are working to understand and confirm the most efficient way of administering the funds. UKIFDA met with government this week and are working through the details to find a solution. We will advise customers of the outcome – and confirm how to obtain the £100 support – as soon as is possible.

In the meantime, our advice to customers is as follows:

Please do not delay ordering if you need heating oil

Consistent with the advice of UKIFDA, we advise that customers do not wait or delay ordering if they need heating oil. Please continue to order in good time and ahead of peak periods where possible. Orders can be placed by calling your local office or via the myWatson Portal and app.

Our Monthly Payment Scheme can help you manage your heating oil bills

To help you spread the cost of your annual fuel usage, we always recommend our popular Monthly Payment Scheme. By signing up, you will have 12 smaller monthly payments, which can be easier to manage than a single bill that may coincide with other annual outgoings. You’ll also receive 2% interest per annum (subject to change) as well as other exclusive perks.

The scheme gives you clear visibility of your usage. We send you an account statement every three months and you can stay up to date with your balance through the myWatson portal and app.

For more information on our Monthly Payment Scheme please see here or call our team to discuss managing your home heating oil this winter.