Somerset Heating Oil Help Take-Up Campaign

Published: 07 September 2026

Unlike gas or electricity, the heating oil market is unregulated, meaning increases in wholesale costs are rapidly passed through to consumers.

At the start of the Iran conflict, that saw prices almost double in a matter of days. Prices have since fallen back from their peak but are still around 50% higher than before the war commenced.

Help for people who use oil as their main source for heating or hot water is available through the Somerset Crisis and Resilience Fund – delivered by an Alliance of VCFSE partners, led by Citizens Advice Somerset – offering targeted support to people facing financial shock or hardship.

Somerset Council received £1.2 million to help with heating oil costs and we are keen to ensure it all goes to people who need it. We are calling on your help to join our take-up campaign and get the word out before winter.

The Heating Oil Help scheme is aimed at households who have a low or limited income, depend on oil for heating or hot water, and have less than 300 litres in their tank. Our average household award is £600, which makes a substantial difference.

 The quickest way to apply is online at: citizensadvicesomerset.org.uk/crisis-resilience-fund

But if someone is unable to apply online or needs help, they can call our free phone Adviceline on 0808 278 7842 and select option 3.