Savings can be made on oil purchases.

Home owners, who rely on oil delivered to their properties for heating, will benefit from a new initiative launched on Wednesday.

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The Devon Oil Collective, modelled on a similar scheme in Oxfordshire, works on the principle that households can reduce their annual spend on heating oil by collectively buying oil in bulk.

Based on Oxfordshire’s experience, Devon authorities are predicting typical savings of around £30 to £50 per 1,000 litres of heating oil and, as many homes use around 2,000 litres per year, that equates to annual savings of up to £100 per household.

The Community Council of Devon has launched the scheme with financial support from Devon County Council.

“Through negotiation with heating oil suppliers, we will be able to pass on reduced rates to participating households and business premises,” said Elaine Cook, chief executive of the Community Council of Devon.

“The savings are made on the strength of the orders. The more oil orders we take on behalf of households, the more negotiating strength we have with suppliers and the better the rates.

“We act like a broker. We negotiate the rate and make the orders on people’s behalf. Oil is delivered to people’s properties within two weeks of the order and they pay the supplier direct.

“We and Devon County Council are working to tackle the issues of fuel poverty, and we are working with organisations across the country to do so.”

Councillor Roger Croad, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for the environment, said: “In these times of rising energy costs, this will help a lot of families currently struggling to afford to keep the heating on during these colder months.

“Devon is a large rural county with a great many properties off the gas network. They rely chiefly on heating oil, although alternative energy sources are gathering momentum. This initiative will be of interest to many households - my own included - where communities can work together to get a better deal on their heating bills.

“By organising orders and deliveries, suppliers can cut down on their delivery journeys too, which is better for the environment.”

The Community Council of Devon is looking for local volunteers to help them co-ordinate the scheme, and is waiving the annual membership fee for joining.

Householders will be charged £24 to join; community organisations £36; and business/statutory organisations charged £120 to become members.

To find out more about the scheme contact the Community Council for Devon on 01392 248919 or email oilscheme@devonrcc.org.uk

Further information is available online, at www.devonrcc.org.uk