UNIQUE FUEL CLUB INITIATIVE TO HELP RESIDENTS BECOME SLICK WITH THEIR BILLS

A unique initiative is being introduced in Carmarthenshire to help people save money on their fuel bills.

Carmarthenshire County Council's Housing Services division is working with Menter Cwm Gwendraeth to develop a series of fuel clubs.

They are encouraging communities to create a syndicate which will be used to bulk buy oil – therefore enabling residents to negotiate a better deal from their supplier.

They are now looking for 'fuel champions' who will help run syndicates and co-ordinate deliveries in their area.

Robin Staines, the council's Head of Housing, said: "Fuel clubs are essentially a syndicate of people who live in the same area who come together to co-ordinate the ordering of fuel with a supplier – the larger the syndicate, the better the reduction will be.

"In order to co-ordinate the syndicates we are looking for fuel champions whose role will be to collect names for the syndicate and co-ordinate deliveries. Housing services, in conjunction with energy providers, will provide financial incentives to each champion to co-ordinate their scheme."

An ideal fuel order would be an 18,000 litre tanker delivering the entire tank to one community.

Fuel distributors, who are operating in a competitive market, will ultimately save on delivery costs and could pass on a discount of up to 10 per cent to those included in the syndicate.

The fuel champion will need to inform each syndicate member when an oil delivery is due to arrive – usually up to four times a year - and ring around each oil company to negotiate the best price.

Paul Thomas, of Menter Cwm Gwendraeth, said: "We are working with Housing Services to undertake research and develop an effective model to create these fuel clubs across the county.

"As part of this initiative we also aim to encourage a better understanding of energy bills, as well as providing energy efficiency and household insulation advice to further reduce energy bills where possible."

Cllr Hugh Evans, Executive Board Member for Housing: "This is an exciting and forward-thinking initiative which demonstrates our commitment to supporting Carmarthenshire residents to live comfortably whilst keeping their costs down."

For further information, or if you would like to become a fuel champion, call Paul Thomas or Neil Lewis at Menter Cwm Gwendraeth on 01269 871600.

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