Implicancias de una formación actoral en las bases del Sistema Stanislavski

3.68 In addition to the efficiency measures listed above, the SPA research indicates that there are opportunities for consumers to shop around more proactively, to maximise available assistance and to draw on prior

experiences of peak-time constraints in planning and managing their purchases of oil. The suitability and effectiveness of such measures will vary from household to household and we recognise that the incremental benefit of such measures will still be limited for some households given their individual circumstances. Nevertheless, consumers may wish to consider for example:

• Buying outside the peak winter season and/or making sure not to leave purchases until the last minute, in order to increase flexibility and hence bargaining power when purchasing.

• Regularly shopping around (where not limited by contract terms) and monitoring prices, albeit there may be a trade-off between benefiting

91 This figure relates to the replacement of a gas boiler, but we have assumed the cost of replacing other types of boilers will be broadly in the same range. Refer to:

www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/In-your-home/Heating-and-hot-water/Replacing-your-boiler

92 Information on assistance is available at, for example, the Energy Saving Trust:

www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Easy-ways-to-stop-wasting-energy/Energy-saving-grants-and-offers.

from any supplier loyalty and obtaining lower prices that must be taken into account in individual purchasing decisions.

• Participating in heating oil buying groups.⁹³

• Considering schemes to assist in budgeting for payments, for

example paying by instalments, prepayment or (in NI) saving for fuel payments using heating oil stamp saving schemes. Consumers should, however, be careful to assess the terms and conditions of any arrangements made to check that they can still readily monitor and control costs if needed, shop around, and exit if pricing is not competitive. The benefits of any arrangements should be balanced against any limitations on a case by case basis.

• Considering auto-top-up schemes that may help regulate and increase security of supply; however, the same caveats as above regarding terms and conditions apply.

• Making applications for grants (in relation to insulation, boiler replacement, fuel bills and so on) where qualifying criteria are met.

• In line with paragraph 3.65, the above can be complemented by:

- Considering back-up arrangements (for example portable heaters) in case of supply disruptions in winter; and more generally considering whether supplementing the central heating system with a mix of other room heating alternatives may be beneficial on an ongoing basis.

- Considering, where possible, the suitability of alternative fuels. For example consumers could research information on alternative fuels

93 Information and advice about buying groups can be found at, for example:

www.citizensadvice.org.uk/oilclubs where consumers can also download a Best Practice for Oil buying Groups guide jointly produced by Citizens Advice, ACRE and the Federation of Petroleum Suppliers. The SPA report also reviews consumers' experiences of buying groups.

towards the end of a boiler's life cycle in preparation for possible future switching opportunities.

3.69 Consumers can seek advice and obtain information on their energy

purchasing, use and options from a wide range of organisations including the EST, Citizens Advice, Citizens Advice Scotland, the Consumer

Council for NI (CCNI), Consumer Focus, Consumer Focus Scotland, Consumer Focus Wales, Which? and Action for Communities in Rural England (ACRE).

• Some useful contact details for consumers are available at:

www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/about/contact_us/key_contacts/k ey_contacts.aspx.

• Additional information about available support can be found on www.direct.gov.uk,⁹⁴ the Welsh Government website,⁹⁵ the Energy Saving Trust Scotland website⁹⁶ and www.nidirect.gov.uk.⁹⁷

• A campaign has also recently been launched by consumer groups, jointly with the industry, the Department of Energy and Climate

94 For example:

www.direct.gov.uk/en/Environmentandgreenerliving/Energyandwatersaving/index.htm

www.direct.gov.uk/en/Pensionsandretirementplanning/Benefits/BenefitsInRetirement/DG_18594 0

www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/On_a_low_inc ome/DG_10018946

95 wales.gov.uk/topics/environmentcountryside/energy/efficiency/saving/?lang=en

96 www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/scotland/Scotland-Welcome-page/At-Home/Home-Energy-Scotland/Energy-Assistance-Package

97 For example: www.nidirect.gov.uk/index/information-and-services/environment-and-greener- living/energy-and-water-saving/energy-and-water-efficiency-in-your-home/insulating-and-heating-your-home-efficiently.htm?WT.ac=Popular-Environment-Greener-Living-1

www.warm-homes.com

Change (DECC) and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), issuing guidance on buying heating oil and using buying groups.⁹⁸ CCNI also provides relevant information for NI consumers including on prices.⁹⁹

3.70 To successfully improve their energy outcomes, it will be important for consumers to be supported in the choices they need to make and with the actions they should consider.¹⁰⁰ Government, consumer

organisations and industry have an important role in considering the provision of readily available and impartial information and advice to help consumers to select the solution best fitted to their circumstances when purchasing a new heating system, to effectively supplement their

existing central heating system, to prepare for a future juncture when switching may be possible, and to become more informed buyers.