As the UK government ends Winter Fuel Payments for pensioners, Calderdale-based Craggs Energy has announced an initiative to help its older customers manage heating costs this winter. In response to the financial strain many may face due to the removal of these payments, the company has lowered the minimum heating oil delivery for pensioners to 300 litres, down from the industry standard of 500 litres.
This decision is particularly timely, given the recent vote in the House of Commons that confirmed the end of Winter Fuel Payments. These payments, worth £200 for households where the oldest pensioner is under 80 and £300 for households with pensioners aged 80 or over, have historically helped vulnerable groups cover their winter heating costs. With this support now withdrawn, Craggs Energy is stepping up to fill the gap.
Matthew Crockett, Group Managing Director of Craggs Energy, shared the reasoning behind the company’s move: “We recognise that the Government’s removal of payments will mean that some may struggle to cover the cost of their oil-based domestic heating this winter. We want to help reduce that stress by lowering the minimum order size for those of state pension age, which will help reduce their financial outlay per delivery.”
By reducing the minimum delivery amount to 300 litres, Craggs Energy is offering its pension-aged customers more flexibility and the chance to spread their payments over smaller, more frequent top-ups. Those on the company’s Direct Debit plan will also benefit from the ability to manage their heating bills more easily, without facing unexpected spikes in costs.
While the decision is not without challenges, Crockett emphasised that it is about supporting the community: “Although this is a commercially marginal decision for us as a business, as it costs more to transport lower loads of heating oil to more addresses, we believe that it is the right thing to do for those that will struggle to pay for their fuel this winter.”
In addition to lowering delivery minimums, Craggs Energy continues to offer its Cold Weather Priority service, which ensures that over 75s and those medically vulnerable receive priority heating oil deliveries during cold spells. This is complemented by their “Never Run Out” service, which monitors customers’ tank levels and arranges automatic refills when necessary.
As winter approaches, Craggs Energy’s measures offer a lifeline to many pensioners facing the challenges of reduced government support and rising heating costs.
