THE 40,000 homes using oil heating in Cornwall continue to enjoy a fall in energy bills as the fuel remains the cheapest heating option across the board, according to new data.

The latest Sutherland Tables, which compare the average annual cost of heating in a typical three bedroom home, reveals the cost of heating a home with oil has fallen by 6 per cent over the past 12 months, reducing average bills by £80. The current price is below the four year average of £1,349.

Compared to other fuels, the data shows that consumers with an oil condensing boiler are paying £1,293 per year, 10 per cent lower than gas condensing boilers (£1,442).

Households with LPG condensing boilers are paying an average £2,023 per year, whilst consumers with electric storage heaters face an annual bill of £3,036. In comparison, oil is 36 per cent and 57 per cent cheaper respectively, making it the cheapest of all the most popular heating technologies.

Whilst all fuels experienced significant price volatility during the pandemic and Ukraine crisis, oil has returned to pre-Covid levels whilst other fuels remain higher. Competition between heating oil suppliers has meant households have been able to shop around to secure the best price.

Trade association OFTEC, which runs an accreditation scheme for off-gas grid heating technicians, has welcomed the news and reminded households to regularly service their boiler with a qualified technician to further lower running costs.

Responding to the findings, Malcolm Farrow, from OFTEC, commented: “With oil remaining the cheapest form of heating and continuing to fall, this is great news for the 40,000 oil users in Cornwall. The data shows this isn’t a one off but is part of a wider long term trend. With quick delivery and multiple payment options, it’s a great time for consumers on oil heating.

“It’s also important households continue to have their boiler serviced at least once a year by an OFTEC registered technician to ensure it is working correctly. Not only will this help identify and resolve issues before they become more expensive, but it will help you reap maximum benefit from the lower fuel price by ensuring the system is running safely and efficiently.

“We’re seeing global crude oil prices coming down, driven by international markets, and consumers are feeling the benefits. It’s important to remember though that, despite this, in the current cost of living crisis, many households are still struggling with their fuel bills. Additional support is available for low income households with more information on the OFTEC website.”

Around 1.7-million homes across the UK use liquid fuels and it is one the most common forms of heating for households in rural areas.

OFTEC, and industry partners, are continuing to call on the government to support for renewable liquid fuels, such as Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil, which are a low cost and convenient alternative to drastically cut carbon emissions. The fuel has already been successfully demonstrated in over 100 properties across the UK over a three year period.