INISHOWEN householders
are enjoying an extended holiday from their heating
bills thanks to the long hot summer.
Many homes haven't switched on their central heating
in several months as the country swelters in the
high heat and humidity.
Fuel suppliers are reporting business from domestic
customers at almost a standstill since late April.
But with the good weather optimum for harvesting,
busy Irish farmers are making up the shortfall.
"We always see people cutting back substantially
during the summer months but this has been a
particularly long warm spell of weather and people
have completely switched off their heating," said
Mark Doherty of A&N Fuels in Co Donegal.
"When our summers weren't as good, you might see a
bit of usage when the evenings got cooler but it's
been warm around the clock lately.
"It's the farmers that are keeping us busy these
days because they are out and about using their
tractors and machinery a lot more because of the
good weather."
Mr Doherty added: "Older people tend to keep their
tanks topped up by buying smaller amounts throughout
the year whether it's summer or winter. But we won't
see a return to normal domestic demand until
September when the schools go back."
Last summer when Ireland saw the longest running
heat-wave for two decades, fuel suppliers saw demand
for home heating supplies drop by between 30 and 50
per cent. That figure is likely to be higher this
year since the mild weather kicked in earlier and
has stayed longer.
However, the Irish Petroleum Industry Association (IPIA)
which represents kerosene suppliers across the
country, said the very hot summer would have little
short-term impact.
"People tend to buy home heating fuel when they need
it rather than stock pile in the summer. As regards
the future (price), we are not in a position to make
predictions," said an IPIA spokesperson. |
