Mark Tables EDM 570 Calling for Regulation of Off-Mains Heating Fuels

Winchester MP Mark Oaten has tabled Early Day Motion 570, which again calls for off-mains heating fuel, particularly oil and Liquid Petroleum Gas, to be brought under the regulator Ofgem.

Mark tabled a similar EDM last year and as a member of the Business and Enterprise Select Committee was heavily involved in the detailed inquiry into fuel poverty and energy suppliers in the summer.

One of that Committees recommendations was for Oil, LPG and other off-mains fuels to be brought under the regulators remit. However in its response to that recommendation the Government claimed that competition and other market forces would naturally regulate the off-mains market – a view not shared by many MP’s.

This leaves the situation whereby customers of off-mains heating companies, often with no or limited alternative heating options, are not protected in the same way as other consumers.

Therefore Mark has again called on the Government to bring off-mains heating fuels into the regulatory framework as quickly as possible. He believes that it is in the industries best interests to be co-operative in ensuring a transparent and regulated sector. 

Mark Oaten commented:

“This is an issue I really feel strongly about. Fuel prices are volatile and I don’t think it is too much to ask the Government to just make sure all types of fuel, on and off-mains are regulated.

“At least then my constituents who have no other choice will feel a degree of comfort that someone is looking out for their interests. The Governments idea that markets miraculously self regulate has been shown to be totally false in the financial sector – I don’t think it would be any different here.

Liz Leffman, Lib Dem PPC for the Meon Valley also commented:

“In a large rural area, like the Meon Valley, people have very limited heating options. This means they often end up paying more. So we shouldn’t punish them further by not doing all we can to make sure the fuel they get is priced fairly.

“It’s about providing people with the reassurance that the companies they buy their fuel from are regulated just the same as any other. I can’t see why the Government wouldn’t want to take this practical and helpful step.

Martin Tod, PPC for Winchester, added:

“Like Marks EDM says it’s about choice. When people’s options are limited the Government should be doing more to scrutinise prices, fair practices and the rest of it – not less.

“So it really is absurd that Ministers seem happy to just let constituents in Winchester who live off the grid to live outside the regulatory system as well. Consider Park Home residents for example – they don’t have the option of changing so who is going to make sure their suppliers are playing by the rules?