Community Fuel Scheme
(20-Feb-2015)
Thinking Fuel is Norfolk RCC’s domestic oil bulk buying scheme. The scheme is a partnership between Norfolk RCC and AF Affinity. This allows it to benefit from one of the largest agricultural purchasing groups in East Anglia.
What does it cost?
The group needs to become a member of Norfolk RCC, this costs £15 per year (Note: The Parish Council is paying this for the Middleton group). There are no other charges and the fee is the same no matter how many are in your group. Joining is straightforward and once you have joined there is no obligation to buy. To benefit from the scheme you need to set up a local group. We provide a basic group constitution and all the relevant forms.
How do I join?
A simple registration form is provided (please contact the Parish Clerk for form) for this which asks for your name, contact details and a payment preference. Signing also accepts a data protection statement. This simply allows us to pass information between ourselves, AF Affinity and you. Information is used for no other purpose.
Who does what?
Norfolk RCC handles the administration of the membership and AF Affinity manages the Bulk Buying process. Once we have processed the forms the information is forwarded to AF Affinity and they set up your account. They will contact you directly with ordering instructions and all ordering is done through them. All you have to do is ring or e-mail your order directly to AF Affinity.
How do I pay?
The group membership fee is paid to Norfolk RCC and you can pay using any method including cheques. Payment is made for the fuel orders to AF Affinity. Payment can be made by direct debit, or debit/credit card, unfortunately cheques are not accepted. There is a small charge when using credit cards. Credit will be given where a tank reaches its limit before you have all of your fuel.
What are the benefits?
The scheme is designed to be very user friendly. You place your order directly with AF Affinity when you need fuel. There is no need to collate large orders through a coordinator, you can order whenever you need fuel instead of waiting for a syndicate to place an order two or three times a year and the price will be among the lowest you can find. If you order on the first of the month you can also gain additional discounts depending on how many others in your group order. You can order a range of fuel products through the scheme – Oil LPG gas and coal, and there are additional opportunities to buy a wide range of products through the scheme.(For example: insurance, building materials, washing machines and even cars)
What does Norfolk RCC get out of it?
Norfolk RCC is a charity which supports rural communities across Norfolk. Our aim in developing this scheme is to try and provide rural communities with cheaper fuel. Your involvement in the scheme not only helps you find a consistently good price it helps to support rural communities throughout Norfolk as any profits are used to support more communities such as yours.
How Long Does it Take before I can order?
Once we receive your form you should be able to order by the 1st working day of the next month.
Are you using cheap oil to keep the cost down? No! AF Affinity keep the cost down because they buy very large amounts. They use the same suppliers that you will have been using already.
How much can I save?
Our prices are consistently low but we cannot guarantee to always be the lowest. In 2010 the average saving was 8%, the lowest being 4% and the highest 16%. It is important to remember that this is an average however and that oil prices fluctuate. We will endeavour to quote you the best price on the day and will hold an order for a few days if we believe we can get a better price by doing so. We will always contact you if there is a change of more than 3%. You can gain additional savings depending on how many of your group order at the same time.