Archibald to strengthen home heating protections for those dependent on oil
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has set out plans to strengthen protections for people who rely on home heating oil in the North.
Speaking in the Assembly today (10 11 26), the Minister outlined a package of measures aimed at enhancing consumer protections while ensuring any intervention remains proportionate, practical and cost-effective.
They include:
• Establishing a comprehensive register of heating oil suppliers, working with Trading Standards Service and exploring the use of HMRC’s Registered Dealers in Controlled Oils scheme to improve transparency and oversight of the market.
• Creating an opt-in register for vulnerable consumers, led by the Consumer Council, to help identify those most in need and enable support to be targeted effectively.
• Developing a Priority Service Programme for vulnerable consumers, providing protections comparable to those in the gas and electricity sectors and prioritising support during supply disruption or fuel shortages.
• Introducing a mandatory code of conduct for heating oil suppliers, strengthening transparency around minimum order volumes, payment and delivery terms, charges and wider consumer protections.
• Strengthening consumer redress arrangements, giving the Consumer Council an enhanced role in helping consumers resolve contract and service disputes and providing a clearer route to resolution.
The proposals respond to areas identified by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) where targeted action could further strengthen consumer protections, dispute resolution arrangements and support for vulnerable households.
Minister Archibald said: “Many people here have been affected by the rise in home heating oil prices, caused by the US/Israeli attacks on Iran.
