Andrew George: Off-Grid Households Must Not Be Left Behind as Energy Bills Rise 

Commenting on today’s news that the Government intends to adopt the Competition and Markets Authority’s (CMA) recommendation for better regulation of the heating oil sector, Andrew George, Liberal Democrat MP for the West Cornwall & Isles of Scilly constituency of St Ives, said:  

“I’m relieved the campaigning is beginning to pay off. Liberal Democrats have for years fought to put off-grid communities like the many around West Cornwall and on Scilly on a fairer deal. It’s a pity it has taken successive governments so long.  

“It’s important to tackle rogue suppliers. That’s the bare minimum. But it doesn’t do enough to protect off-grid families from crippling bills. West Cornish and Scillonian households heating oil costs have soared by almost double since the start of Trump’s war with Iran.  

“Just because my constituents don’t live in Manchester or other metropolitan areas, just because they live off the gas grid, doesn’t mean they should be ignored. Heating oil must be regulated with the same protections as mains gas and electricity. Ministers must introduce an emergency price cap now before the now inevitability of another winter of soaring energy bills unfolds.” 

NOTES: 

The price of heating oil over the last 12 months is tracked on the chart here:  https://oilcompare.co.uk/heating-oil-prices-today#charts