RESIDENTS reliant on gas heating could save hundreds of pounds on their fuel bill thanks to a new scheme.
Malvern Hills District Council has teamed up with Lister Gases to offer householders a significant discount on the cost of buying Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) from other suppliers.
There are currently 60 homes signed up to the agreement, which aims to cut between 20 and 30 per cent from resident’s annual fuel costs, while some have already saved about £700 a year.
Another benefit of the council-run scheme is that when wholesale prices fall, the reduction is automatically passed on without any need to renegotiate with the supplier.
Coun Melanie Baker, portfolio holder for planning and housing on Malvern Hills District Council, said: “This is a fantastic scheme which will give residents in our rural communities the opportunity to save money without having to turn the heating down.
“Switching supplier is easy and I urge people if they know of anyone who could benefit to help spread the word.”
The scheme was first introduced in November 2013 and due to the strong interest in it, the council has negotiated a new deal which will drive prices down even further.
Coun Baker said it was also part of the council’s efforts to reduce fuel poverty in the district, particularly among the third of households whose properties are not connected to the mains gas or electricity network.
Latest Government figures show fuel poverty is falling in Malvern Hills District, with 2,644 fewer households spending more than ten per cent of their income on heating their home in 2012 compared to 2010.
Coun Baker added: “We’ve made tackling fuel poverty a priority and this scheme is one of a number of actions we have taken.
“But while it’s encouraging to see the number of households in fuel poverty falling we want to cut that figure even further.”
To switch supplier or for more information visit www.malvernhills.gov.uk/energy-efficiency or call the Lister Gases Sales team on 0121 556 7181.
