Man feels ‘bullied’ by over housing body’s gas switch

Man feels ‘bullied’ by over housing body’s gas switch

23 February 2022

A DOWNPATRICK man has claimed the Housing Executive tried to force him into possible fuel poverty by its insistence that his home heating was switched from oil to gas.

Peadar O’Deighain, from Drumcloon Walk near the Meadowlands estate, initially agreed to the switch.

But the recent price increases in gas alarmed him and, worried that he might not to be able to afford to heat his home, Mr O’Deighain told the Executive he wished to retain the oil heating.

However, he claimed he was recently told the Executive would no longer fix or maintain his home’s oil heating system and that he would eventually have to accept gas.

It is current Housing Executive policy to replace oil heating systems with gas in its housing stock. 

Mr O’Deighain also claimed an Executive representative also raised an issue with his oil tank and its position, and the need for a fireguard around it, potentially costing thousands of pounds.

He told the Recorder: “I was then told that I needed a double-skinned oil tank, and would have to remove the oil in my tank, which I could not do, and was 

informed that I would have to ask my oil supplier to remove the oil and then put the oil back.

“I was also informed me I have to have a fireguard which would cost us £1,500, which they later changed to £3,500.

“I told the patch manager I could not afford £1,500 for a fireguard, and her response was to change over to gas, and again I informed her that we do not want gas.

“I was then informed that once the heating oil ceases to work, they will not repair or upgrade our oil heating, and we I will have to change to gas.

“I feel we are being bullied into having gas heating, and in the process it could put us into fuel poverty. We are both on Disability, and this is affecting my wife Sinead’s health, as she suffers from anxiety, panic attacks and depression.”

A Housing Executive spokesperson said the organisation would continue to work with Mr O’Deighain to resolve any issues and had accepted his choice for oil heating.

She said: “It is Housing Executive policy to replace oil heating systems with gas in its housing stock. However, this tenant has been taken out of the scheme as he does not want the heating upgrade to gas.

“Government Building Control regulations now require an oil tank location to be risk assessed and the oil tank to be double skinned.  

“The tenant’s heating remains operational and we will continue to annually service and maintain the existing heating system. 

“Gas, like all amenities such as oil, has increased in price but, unlike oil supply, a pay as you go gas meter provides a more suitable method of budgeting and reducing fuel poverty.”

Mr O’Deighain raised the issue with South Down MLA Colin McGrath from Downpatrick, who contacted the Housing Executive on his behalf.

The SDLP politician said: “I understand the NIHE policy to move away from oil and to strive for more energy efficiency, but I also understands the concerns of this tenant.

The global energy market is incredibly volatile at present and people are rightly very concerned and worried about what the future may hold for them and their families — be that with the increasing cost of gas and oil.”

He added: “I welcome the fact that the NIHE will work will this tenant ensuring that they are consulted and their views considered through each step in the process.

Fuel poverty here in Northern Ireland is a major issue and more must be done by central Government to support and alleviate the very real fears that are out there.”