Lincolnshire: Prepare for cold in rural homes

As the winter weather sets in, the 25,000 rural households in Lincolnshire that depend on oil for their heating are being urged to make sure their central heating systems are ready to take the extra strain.
NEWS: The Gainsborough StandardNEWS: The Gainsborough Standard
NEWS: The Gainsborough Standard

With most of Lincolnshire’s rural homes running on oil, OFTEC, the trade body for the oil-fired heating industry, says householders should check their boilers are in good running order and their oil tank is sufficiently full to provide heating over Christmas and New Year.

Malcolm Farrow, of OFTEC, said: “It’s important that no one gets caught out this winter, especially older people and anyone more susceptible to the cold.”

“According to Age UK, a much higher proportion of elderly people live in the countryside but, at the same time, they can often be forgotten and overlooked over the Christmas period.”

“So we are urging people to check on their older neighbours and friends and to lend a hand if they need help to stay warm and well this winter.”

In contrast to rising energy prices, oil users have been benefiting from lower prices. The average cost per litre has fallen by over 15 per cent in the last 12 months.

However, with the weather now turning much colder and demand for oil set to increase, prices are likely to edge up, so OFTEC is reminding people to check the level of their oil tanks and where necessary buy now while costs are lower.

Mr Farrow added: “Energy prices are a key issue at the moment and we know everyone is feeling the pinch in the run up to Christmas.”

“That’s why we want to help oil customers save money by highlighting the current price drop.”