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Your Bulk LPG Propane Gas Switch Questions Answered

Home Bulk Tank LPG – Tank Compliance

Is your LPG Tank Compliant?

All Domestic LPG Bulk Tank Storage Tanks should now be fully compliant with the Industry Codes of Practice for Fixed Bulk Tank Installations.

Summary

The area around your tank (Above Ground or Below Ground) and to a distance of 1m, must be free of all screening, debris and overgrown vegetation. A line of sight must also be maintained between the vessel and the tanker to ensure the continued safe delivery of LPG to your home.

Home Bulk LPG storage tanks with a gas capacity of 1200 litres (1410 water capacity) or 2000 litres (2400 water Capacity) must also be located at least 3m from all buildings, boundaries and any source of fixed ignition.

A fire-wall, also known as a blast-wall can be present on one or even two sides of the tank with a separation distance of 1m to 1.5m from the tank.

Home Bulk Tank LPG delivery is normally made by way of a industry standard mini-bulker with a width of 2.6m (8’6”) requiring a minimum gateway width of 2.75m and a minimum access road width of 3m.

Vessels must not be sited directly beneath electric power cables and where the voltage is below 1kV the tank must be sited 1.5 metres from a plane drawn vertically downwards from the power cable. For cables operating at a voltage of 1kV or greater the distance should be increased to 10 metres.

  • 1m from all screening, bushes and small trees but with no overhanging branches
  • 3m from all buildings (including sheds and greenhouses), boundaries, open drains and any fixed sources of ignition
  • 1m to 1.5m from a fire-wall, located on one or two sides of the tank only
  • 10m from all electricity cables greater than 1kv and 1.5m from cables less than 1kv
  • Direct Line of sight from the tanker to the tank
  • Maximum distance from tanker to the tank is 35m

Screening. There are many screening options, the most common being:

  • Panel, lattice or ranch type screening may be present on upto 2 sides of the tank but no closer than 1m from the tank
  • Hedging may be present along one or two sides of the tank but no closer than 1m

Should you have any questions in relation to the location and suitability of your Home Bulk Tank LPG installation please call or email us at any time.

You can also send a photograph of your Home Bulk Tank Installation to switch@powerandgas.co.uk

Can I switch to another Home Bulk Tank LPG Supplier?

If you are a domestic user of Bulk Tank LPG (Propane) with a dedicated LPG storage tank (Above Ground or Below Ground) then from 13th April 2009 you are able to switch LPG supplier without the need to exchange or uplift your Bulk LPG Tank. Instead, ownership of the tank will simply transfer to your new LPG supplier making the switching process easier and quicker for both you and your new Bulk LPG Tank supplier.

When can I switch my Bulk Tank LPG supplier?

All Home Bulk Tank LPG Supply Agreements are for 2 years only.

If you are outside of your 2 year Supply Agreement or you are within 28 days of your most recent Supply Agreement, then you are immediately eligible to switch your supplier.

Importantly, you do not have to give your current supplier 42 days notice, your new supplier will do this for you so, you don’t need to lift a finger!

New Owners: If you are new to the property then you are immediately eligible to select your own Home Bulk Tank LPG Supplier.

If you sell your property, or if you are a tenant and you vacate the property, then the Supply Agreement will immediately terminate.

How much does it cost to switch to another Bulk Tank LPG supplier?

Switching your Bulk Tank LPG supplier is FREE. There are no charges to you what so ever.

Will my gas supply be interrupted?

During the switching process your domestic LPG supply will not be interrupted. Because your tank is not being exchanged you are guaranteed continuity of supply, your existing supplier being obligated to provide you with gas right up until the tank ownership has been transferred to your new supplier.

What is Telemetry?

A ‘Telemetry Unit’ may be fitted to your Home Bulk LPG tank upon switch completion. This will allow you and your LPG provider to see ‘remotely’ how much gas is in the Tank.

What is Automatic ‘Top-up’?

Should you wish to do so, you can also select to be on ‘Top-up’. When your tank reaches the agreed safety stock, normally 25-30%, a delivery will be created for you automatically and your tank ‘Topped-up’, ensuring that you never run out of gas!

Payment Options?

You can choose the delivery and payment option that is just right for you. Budget DD; where you spread the cost of your gas over 12 months; Variable DD where the full amount owed is taken by DD, Credit or Debit Card, Cheque or BACS.

Tank Rental / Standing Charges?

The typical tank rental is between £60pa and £70pa for an ‘Above Ground’ LPG Storage Tank and £90pa to £130pa for a ‘Below Ground’ LPG Storage Tank.

Once you have switched your supplier you will only pay the tank rental to your new supplier as they will now own the LPG tank.

Who will deal with the switch paperwork?

If you decide to switch suppliers then ‘LPG-Save’ and your new LPG supplier will take care of everything (all of the paperwork!), from putting your existing supplier on notice, to organising a payment and delivery plan that’s just right for you!