Poundsgate resident receives a welcome boost ahead of the Dartmoor winter
With many rural households across Devon relying on heating oil to keep their homes warm, one Poundsgate resident has been given a welcome reason to feel more confident about the colder months
A Dartmoor resident has won 500 litres of heating oil in a prize draw, providing a welcome boost ahead of the colder winter months.
Catherine Lee, who shares her home near Poundsgate with her brother, was surprised to discover she had won the fuel through Moorland Fuels' quarterly Cosy Heating Club draw.
The retired civil servant said the prize would make a significant difference to the household, which relies entirely on heating oil for heating, hot water and cooking.
"We were thrilled to discover we'd won the 500 litres of free heating oil, especially at a time when the cost of oil is so high," she said.
"One of the team left a voice message saying they had good news for us, but we couldn't think what that might be.
"So, it was a complete bolt out of the blue to discover that we'd won."
Catherine said the household's dependence on heating oil made the prize particularly valuable, especially during the winter when fuel deliveries are needed more frequently.
"The good news is that the 500 litres of oil will help us through most of the winter, and the money saved will go straight back into the pot to go towards our next order," she said.
Moorland Fuels, based in Okehampton, runs the quarterly draw as part of its Cosy Heating Club, which is open to customers who pay for their fuel by monthly Direct Debit.
The company supplies domestic, agricultural and commercial customers across the region and has been employee-owned since 2022.
The prize comes as households reliant on heating oil face the challenge of managing winter fuel costs.
Unlike homes connected to the gas network, many rural properties across Dartmoor depend on oil for their heating and hot water.
Catherine said she had not realised that Direct Debit customers were automatically entered into the prize draws.
She added that she would be recommending the arrangement to friends, as monthly payments help spread the cost of fuel throughout the year.
Moorland Fuels said its Cosy Heating Club also offers members benefits including priority delivery, an annual tank inspection and the option to order smaller quantities of heating oil.