Magherafelt Residents save on heating costs

Due to residents struggling to heat their homes with the recent rise in oil prices, a new group has been set up to buy home heating oil in bulk in the town of Magherafelt. The idea for creating the ‘Oil club’ originated in Glenravel in Co. Antrim, the new Magherafelt ‘Oil club’ have claimed that already they have made savings of approximately 20% and are currently inundated with orders from residents wishing to avail of a discount.

A member of Killowen Drive Residents Association in Magherafelt, Darren Totten said that he was overwhelmed with how successful the club is and hopes that it continues. Mr. Totten went on to say, “In these times of austerity, it was easy to recognise within the community that there were people who faced real financial problems and especially facing the rise of fuel costs”.

There were several people purchasing small quantities of oil whenever it was needed and at over inflated prices, but with this bulk buying, the club, has saved these individuals around 20%. People who purchased 900L saved 2p on every litre, which is a welcome saving for many. People who failed to put in an order the first time are wishing to avail this time around, so at present we are currently swamped with orders.

The group were recently praised by Catherine Elatter, the chairperson of Magherafelt for ‘coming together to help ease the financial burdens which a lot of people are facing at this present moment of time’.

Catherine requested that the council provide information and assistance to the local groups interested in the scheme, after local residents approached her wishing to find out more about the success of Glenravel Oil Club. This allows people to still keep there thermostats at a reasonable temperature while ensuring they are not struggling to pay for the delivery.