Off grid gas customers need more support in South Lakes and Eden

This afternoon the Department of Energy and Climate change has released local authority estimates for the percentage of households without mains gas. Commenting on the figures, South Lakes MP Tim Farron has said that they show the need for more off grid buying cooperatives to be created as South Lakeland and Eden have the highest amount of off grid properties in the North West.

Estimates for the number, and proportion, of households without mains gas are based on the difference between the number of households and the number of domestic gas meters as published in the sub-national gas consumption data. These estimates are provided at local authority level. The figures show that South Lakeland has the joint second highest amount of off grid properties with 16% relying on LPG (Liquefied petroleum gas) or gas. We are tied with the Ribble Valley. Eden district has the highest amount of off grid properties by a significant margin at an estimated 54% of all homes.

According to the House of Commons Library briefing note on the issue shows that the UK average cost of heating a typical three bedroom house is around 50% higher with heating oil and 100% higher with LPG than with mains gas.

Tim has previously called on the government to ensure that off-gas grid households, and particularly vulnerable people, are supported this winter. Tim has also urged local people to get together to create heating oil cooperatives to buy in bulk to lower the cost.

Tim said: "Off grid customers are paying significantly more than everyone else so I will keep pressing companies to try and cut the cost of fuel for people in our area. I am also urging residents to look at creating buying cooperatives which could help cut their bills significantly."