AS the nights start to draw in Taunton and District Citizens Advice Bureau are urging heating oil customers to buy early to help cut the cost of heating their homes this winter.

The local bureau has joined forces with Action with Communities in Rural England and the Federation of Petroleum Suppliers to launch the Buy Oil Early campaign to help make sure that people are not paying more than they need for heating oil.

The campaign is supported by the Department of Energy and Climate Change.

By stocking up on heating oil now, people can make the most of lower costs before high demand over the winter months pushes up the price. Buying now could also benefit from faster delivery times as suppliers often have spare capacity before demand picks up. Joining a heating oil club can also help to cut the cost. Research carried out by Citizens Advice last year found 97% of people were able to negotiate a lower price by clubbing together to bulk-buy oil.

Buying with neighbours can also reduce the number of journeys suppliers need to make which can cut delivery costs and is better for the environment.

The website www.oil-club.co.uk can show if there is a heating club in your area.

If you would like to set up your own club CAB can help. Anyone interested can come into the bureau at St Mary’s House, Magdalene Street or log on to www.citizensadvice.org.uk/oil clubs to find out how to do this.

Liz Fothergill, chief officer at Taunton CAB, said: “People who use heating oil can feel left out in the cold.

“If you are off grid you cannot save money by switching tariffs or changing payment methods.

“This can leave many customers feeling that they have no option but to turn down the heating or switch off the lights if they want to make savings.

“By acting early, households who use heating oil can take more control over their fuel costs. Buying heating oil now, while demand is lower, can make a real difference to bills.

“Joining or forming an oil club could mean that savings are made by buying in bulk with neighbours. CAB can help in drawing up a budget for anyone struggling with household bills and check what/if any entitlements they could receive”.