Easter Opening Times

Lambs

Whether it’s boiler servicing or a heating oil top up you need, your local team will be happy to help with any enquiries.

If you have your account details and order number to hand, you can also use our online order tracker to keep an eye on progress.

We hope you have a lovely Easter break and look forward to delivering for you again soon!

Scotland

Friday 29th March 24 – Normal trading hours

Saturday 30th March & Sunday 31st March – Closed

Monday 1st April 24 – Reopen at 8am

Customer Update: Heavy Objects on Heating Oil Tanks

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HEAVY OBJECTS ON TOP OF TANKS

To help us provide a seamless oil delivery experience, we’d like to highlight the importance of removing any heavy objects from a heating oil tank, when our drivers arrive at a property.

WHAT IS CLASSED AS A HEAVY OBJECT?

A heavy object can be a stone, brick or anything that restricts our driver’s ability to safely deliver heating oil.

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

We want to ensure our customers have a great delivery experience with Scottish Fuels, whilst also complying with our site safety regulations.

Based on the above, we’d like to kindly request for our customers to please take note of the following information.

DELIVERY PROCESS

  • Due to Scottish Fuels’ site safety precautions, we’d now like to highlight the following delivery process:
  • If our driver arrives and there is a stone/ brick/ rock/ heavy object on top of the tank, they will knock on the customer’s door and request the object is removed. This allows the driver to complete the delivery and other formal checks which take place during each heating oil drop. The customer can place the object back on the tank if they wish to do so but this needs to be done once our driver has left site. 
  • If the customer is not at home when we find an object on top of a tank, our driver will abort the delivery and leave a Site Safety report. This advises that there is an object on top of the heating oil tank which the driver is unable to move due to our company regulations. If the object is a substitute for a tank lid, we unfortunately cannot deliver as this is against our Site Safety policies. Various issues can arise from this, such as water leaking into a tank and affecting the quality of the heating oil.
  • To help support a smooth delivery experience, we’d like to request our customers remove any objects on tanks in preparation for our arrival, prior to the delivery.

CONTACT

If you have any questions or concerns about the above, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 0345 800 8844 or fill in our enquiry form

Strathcarron Hospice Charity Shop

Strathcarron Hospice

Back in 2023, our very own Larbert-based teams visited the Strathcarron Hospice Charity Shop on Hallam Road, Stenhousemuir. This shop is regularly buzzing with activity, with staff and supporters of the charity and volunteering programme offering their time to support their local Hospice. Members of our Credit teams in Larbert volunteered their time to help perform a number of jobs around the shop, including hanging clothes, alphabetising books, checking the working order of electrical goods and moving furniture; the team even helped to price, tag and display them.

The Strathcarron Hospice Charity Shop were hugely grateful to the “enthusiastic, tidy and incredibly helpful volunteers” who chose to support their local Hospice Charity shop which is just a short 5-minute drive from the Larbert office! Other helpful tasks included unloading and organising the many bags and boxes of fantastic, supporter donations from other local members of the public.

We’d like to say a huge thanks to our Larbert Credit teams, who attended 4 volunteer events for Strathcarron Hospice in 2023!

Colleagues Making a Difference for Children and Families in Falkirk

Falkirk Community Day

What do you get if you combine some bright-coloured paint, fetching yellow gloves, an old bathtub, and eight enthusiastic Scottish Fuels colleagues? Well, we’ll tell you…

At the end of September, eight of our colleagues took on the challenge of giving the Aberlour Children’s Charity headquarters a much-needed makeover! As part of the Hands in the Community volunteering initiative, the team braved the Falkirk elements to make a real difference to the children and families of their local community.

Aberlour Children’s Charity do some amazing work in the local community, helping children and families affected by poverty, substance abuse, and disability (among other things) in the local areas, including on the doorstep of our Larbert office. In fact, the impact that Aberlour have in the community, and the difference they can make in disadvantaged children’s lives was a large factor in why the team voted to support them on their volunteering day.

Naturally, the elements played their part, and although it was largely dry throughout the day, the wind made things a little challenging, and a tad chilly, but that certainly didn’t stop the team rejuvenating the Family Service garden, making it a little brighter and more welcoming for whoever might need to use it.

While the weeding, cleaning, sorting, and moving garden furniture was an important part of their task list, it’s the painting and stencilling that’s making the headlines! Once-dingy tyre-planters were transformed into explosions of bright pink and blue colour; little cute cobbles were given similar treatment and dotted around the place for little hands to find. Even coat racks, shelves, and other furniture got the same treatment – nothing escaped the creative touches of our volunteers.

The team really embraced the spirit of the task and put their hearts and souls into helping make a difference to those who need our support the most. One of our colleagues, Beatrice, said that ‘it was very rewarding to contribute to making the place somewhere that the people supported by the charity would feel more comfortable and welcome. We all gained a better understanding of the type of work the charity does after speaking with the staff. The day was definitely worth the effort that was put in by the team.’

The work that the team have done highlights how fulfilling and impactful volunteering in local communities can be. In fact, through the funding and volunteering to date, we have directly helped over 58,000 people in need. Well done to everyone who has devoted their time and effort to these good causes – long may it continue.

Government Announcement on Oil Boilers

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21st September 2023

The government have announced plans to delay the ban on oil boilers until 2035, providing a 9-year extension on the proposals made in October 2021. The original ban would have meant no oil boilers could be replaced from 2026 and instead a heat pump would need to be installed. That date has been pushed out to 2035, while a proposed 20% of very hard to convert homes, will be exempt all together.

As you may have seen, Certas Energy (Scottish Fuels) and our trade association UKIFDA have been working hard on making the case for Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) as a replacement for kerosene (the current heating oil used in the UK). This would reduce CO2 in heating oil homes by 90%. You can find more information on that here

We at Scottish Fuels fundamentally support the need to achieve net zero by 2050, in fact our strategy is to reduce our and our customers carbon intensity by half by 2030. That means we will continue to work on how HVO can realistically and economically be provided as an option to homeowners. Moreover, we are investing in other renewable energy sectors such as solar and heat pumps so that we can enable our customers to take part in their own energy transition when it is best for them.

Meanwhile, this change in government policy gives you more time to look at the options that are right for you and your home.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR ME?

The delay allows households who run on heating oil and the Government, the time to reduce the cost of conversion to heat pumps and ensure there is a thorough and in-depth, exploration of other suitable options such as renewable liquid fuel alternatives like HVO.

As the UK’s most trusted and number one supplier of heating oil in the UK, we are working hard to ensure that as soon HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) becomes affordable for households, we will be able to offer it to our customers in the same way in which you order your current heating oil.

A recent survey of over 3,000 UK Certas Energy (Scottish Fuels) customers identified that 73% of households we unclear about the proposals to ban oil boilers in the UK and 83% were “unsure about my options for heating my home if oil boilers are banned”. We have been working closely with the Future Ready Fuel campaign led by UKIFDA and OFTEC calling on the government to:

• Provide more support for renewable liquid fuels
• Make it easier for homeowners to switch to renewable heating

We will continue to keep you informed and keep supplying you with heating oil.

Pride at Scottish Fuels 2023

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This June, we’re celebrating Pride Month for our third year. Here at Scottish Fuels, we understand that Pride Month is a time that allows us all, whatever our identity, to play a part in helping to raise awareness of the LGBTQ+ rights movement, as well as to celebrate equality, love and visibility as a community.

Proud of our Colleagues

Here at Scottish Fuels, we are PROUD of all our employees and continue to be a beacon of inclusion for the LGBTQ+ community and its allies, to enable them to be their true, authentic selves. We actively encourage our colleagues to decorate their workplaces to show their support to the LGBTQ+ community.

Pride at Certas

Proud of our Initiatives

This year, we’re celebrating Pride Month by fundraising for The Terrence Higgins Trust, the UK’s leading HIV and sexual health charity.

We’re also hosting fun competitions and quizzes throughout the month, aimed at raising awareness of the LGBTQ+ community, including a “Know Your LGBTQ+ Flags quiz!” We’ve challenged our colleagues to research and name 15 different community flags; some well-known, others somewhat more obscure!

We’re also educating our colleagues this year on Trans Awareness and even have a guest speaker lined up for our special Trans Awareness webinar.

Terrence Higgins Trust

How we’re responding to the Scotland energy Crisis

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Recently, we’ve seen a significant rise in the price of energy in Scotland, which is having a direct impact on heating oil customers up and down the country. At Scottish Fuels, we’re committed to supporting our customers during this challenging period. If you’re worried about your energy bills rising and need some advice on how to keep on top of your payments, you’ve come to the right place.

Read on to find out how we’re responding to the energy crisis in Scotland through:

  • Offering honest prices and flexible payments methods
  • Helping you monitor and manage your energy consumption
  • Breaking down complex government schemes into understandable snippets
  • Sharing useful insights to help you cut your energy usage 

 

We provide honest prices & flexible payment options, all year round

 

Choose from flexible payment options to suit your needs

In the midst of the energy crisis in Scotland, it’s more important than ever that we offer flexible and hassle-free payment options to suit a range of needs. From Direct Debit to Pay As You Go, choose from our flexible payment options below:

Pay As You Go: Pay in full each time you top up your fuel by debit or credit card. This payment method is a way to help with budgeting. As you’ll already know what’s exactly in your bank account, you can avoid any surprise bills and pay nothing in between top ups. Pay over the phone or online by entering your details on our secure site. 

PLANNED Pay Monthly: Pay in 12 monthly direct debit instalments with our PLANNED payment option. This method will allow you to cover large bills in smaller instalments and you’ll avoid unexpected bills that can feel overwhelming.

We’ll arrange automatic refuels when you need them, so you can rest assured that your home will never fall cold, particularly during Scottish winters. You’ll even receive price and delivery alerts before we dispatch your fuel, so you can plan your budget accordingly.

PREDICT Pay Monthly: PREDICT allows you to split your energy bills into monthly chunks, like our PLANNED payment option. But if you need a little more warning before your next delivery, PREDICT is the plan for you. We’ll send you helpful reminders via email or SMS, three weeks before we think you’re ready to top up your fuel. This payment method allows you to order fuel when it suits you, and pay in monthly instalments throughout the year. Call us today on 0345 300 8844 or use your online account to place an order.

Choose from our range of payment options to help you take control of your spending and prepare for any upcoming bills. Contact your local Scottish Fuels team on 0345 300 8844 to discuss our payment options in more detail.

 

We can help you to manage your energy usage

Install our smart monitor app to gauge your fuel usage accurately

Our new smart monitor app, FoxRadar, makes state-of-the-art technology accessible to our customers across Scotland. Estimated bills can lead to you overpaying for fuel that you haven’t used. You might even risk underpaying and be hit with a large, unexpected bill in the future. FoxRadar tells you exactly how much energy you’re consuming, so you can wave goodbye to estimated billing.

Speak to your local Scottish Fuels team to learn more about our FoxRadar rollout plan across the country.

 

Reduce your fuel consumption to save on energy bills

A smart fuel monitor provides you with regular updates on how much heating oil you’re using and when, in real time. With this data, you can make conscious decisions about the appliances you use at home and the amount of fuel you really need.

Read our guide to saving fuel and consider how accurate meter readings could help you. 

 

We support you with useful information

 

Answering common questions 

As one of the largest heating oil providers in Scotland, we have unparalleled insight into what people really want to know. Customers all over the country have asked us about the UK energy price cap and how this affects heating oil users.  

The government announced an energy price guarantee to help protect people’s finances whilst allowing them to heat their homes. Unfortunately, there is no price cap on heating oil. Heating oil customers must continue to seek the most competitive prices from a range of companies and providers.

Get an online quote to discover the latest heating oil prices in your area.

Sharing insights for saving energy

At Scottish Fuels, we are passionate about sharing our knowledge and recommendations with clients, as we continue to help them navigate the Scottish energy crisis.

Our news area features a range of useful articles to help you cut your fuel usage and save money, all year round. From simple habits to longer-term investments, we’re here to help you make the most out of the heating oil that you pay for. 

Read our guides for top tips on how to save fuel and avoid heating oil theft.

We’re here to help

We understand that the energy crisis is a worrying time for many Scottish households. Even with support from the government, many people may struggle with energy payments this winter. If you’re struggling to pay your bills right now, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team for guidance.

Contact our team for support by email at: myhome@scottishfuels.co.uk 

Or speak to us on the phone: 0345 300 8844

Energy Bills Support Scheme

Hot Coffee

ENERGY PRICE GUARANTEE: WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR OIL-HEATED HOMES?

Update 13/04/23

Change in £200 Domestic Alternative Fuel Payment terms

The government today, 12th April 2023,  has extended the receipt window for those heating oil customers wishing to apply through the government portal for their £200 domestic alternative fuel payment.

The previous window was from September 2022 to May 2023. This window has been extended back to June 2022 to ensure that households who purchased fuel in bulk ahead of the winter are able to receive the £200 energy bill support they are entitled to.

The AFP application portal can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/apply-alternative-fuel-bill-support-if-not-automatic and will be open until the end of May.

For applicants without online access living in Great Britain, the contact centre helpline number is 0808 1753943. 

The helpline is open from 8 am to 6 pm on Monday to Friday, and a representative will guide applicants through the process.

To apply through the portal, customers will need to have the following ready:

  • Proof of address
  • Bank account details
  • Proof of heating oil purchases with a value of £200 or more and with a date between May 2022 and the end of the application window (31 May 2023).

After a number of checks, customers will receive payments through their local authority. Be aware of scams.

We advise customers to be aware that no one will contact them about this matter unless they first contact the government.

PLEASE NOTE

The vast majority of customers who use heating oil for their homes should have automatically received the £200 Alternative Fuel Payment via their current electricity provider. The government utilised data they have identifying properties “not on the gas grid” as a means of capturing qualifying homes. There is a recognition that this will mean some people are not automatically credited. We would recommend you check your bank and your electricity statement for the past 3 months. If you don’t see the payment being made, please use this link https://www.gov.uk/apply-alternative-fuel-bill-support-if-not-automatic to apply for the £200.

HELPFUL INFORMATION

WHAT WERE THE MEASURES ANNOUNCED TO HELP HOUSEHOLDS WITH THEIR ENERGY BILLS?

  • Energy Bills Support Scheme – The Energy Bills Support Scheme provides a £400 non-repayable discount to help with energy bills over the coming winter. All households with a domestic electricity connection in England, Scotland and Wales are eligible and the discount is automatic.
  • The new Energy Price Guarantee – The Energy Price Guarantee reduces the unit cost of electricity and gas, so typical households will pay around £2,500 a year for the next two years. This is applied in addition to the Energy Bills Support Scheme
  • £1200 of support to the most vulnerable UK households paid in instalments over the year through discounts to Council Tax and Cost of Living payments.

HOW WILL THE ENERGY BILLS SUPPORT SCHEME WORK?

The Energy Bills Support Scheme provides a £400 non-repayable discount to households to help with their energy bills over winter. All households with a domestic electricity connection in England, Scotland and Wales are eligible. The £400 discount will be automatically applied to monthly household electricity bills for 6 months, starting from October 2022.

Households will receive:

  • £66 in October and November
  • £67 in December, January, February and March

The discount will be received monthly, even by those who pay for their energy costs quarterly or use a payment card. Traditional prepayment meter users will receive equivalent vouchers which they will need to redeem.

HOW WILL THE ENERGY PRICE GUARANTEE WORK?

The Energy Price Guarantee limits how much consumers are charged per unit of gas or electricity. The discount is applied automatically when your bill is calculated. Your exact bill will still be influenced by exactly how much energy you use.

This means that dual fuel customers on a standard variable tariff paying by direct debit will be limited to 34.0p/kWh for electricity and 10.3p/kWh for gas, inclusive of VAT, from 1 October. Unit price reductions of up to 17p/kWh for electricity and 4.2p/kWh for gas will apply to fixed tariff customers that currently have unit rates above the Energy Price Guarantee.

This will cap energy bills at £2,500 for a typical household, based on the median average usage for all properties across the UK. This represents a saving of over £1,000 a year, based on the October Ofgem energy bills price cap of £3,549.

CAN I GET HELP WITH HEATING OIL COSTS?

Off grid households will also receive additional help with heating oil bills.

Households which are not on the gas grid but are connected to the electricity network will still receive support on their electricity costs through the Energy Price Guarantee. They will also receive support through the Energy Bills Support Scheme. As these homes will be unable to receive support through the scheme for heating costs, the government will provide an additional payment of £100. This payment compensates for the rising costs of heating fuels such as heating oil.

UKIFDA, the trade body for the liquid fuel distribution industry, has met with the government to discuss the most efficient way of getting the £100 fixed payment to heating oil customers.

Given the highly competitive nature of the heating oil market, customers have the ability to purchase from a number of different distributors and outlets. Consequently, they are likely to hold multiple accounts, which makes the fixed payment distribution more challenging to deliver.

Inevitably this will take some time, so we strongly recommend that customers do not wait if they need heating oil urgently. We are working closely with the government to find a solution and ensure that heating oil households receive their £100 as soon as possible.

WHAT HAPPENS IF MY BILLS ARE INCLUDED IN MY RENT?

Landlords will benefit from the Energy Price Guarantee if they have a domestic electricity or gas contract with a licensed electricity or gas supplier. They should reflect this in the price they charge from 1 October.

Similarly, if your landlord receives the Energy Bills Support Scheme, they should pass it on to tenants. Your landlord should pass on the discount irrespective of how you pay for your energy use. 

If your landlord has a non-domestic contract, they will benefit from the Energy Bill Relief Scheme and should still pass the savings on to you.

Festive Opening Times

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Whether it’s boiler servicing or a heating oil top up you need, your local team will be happy to help with any enquiries.

If you have your Scottish Fuels account details and order number to hand, you can also use our online order tracker to keep an eye on progress.

We hope you have a lovely festive season and look forward to delivering for you again soon!

Friday 22nd December: 8.00am – 3.00pm

Saturday 23rd – Tuesday 26th December: Closed

Wednesday 27th – Thursday 28th December: 8.00am – 5.00pm

Friday 29th December: 8.00am – 3.00pm

Saturday 30th December – Tuesday 2nd January 2024: Closed

Wednesday 3rd January 2024: Reopen

How to prep your oil-heated home for winter

Hot Coffee

How to get your oil-heated home ready for Scottish winters

Off-grid living in Scotland can leave your home more susceptible to the harsh winter conditions. Whether you’re up in the Highlands or down by the borders, you’re likely to experience negative temperatures and at least some snow for several weeks of the year. 

If this is your first winter in an off-grid oil-heated home, or you’re looking for some general advice for preparing for the Scottish winter, you’ve come to the right place.

We’ve gathered our top tips to form this helpful winter guide for households using heating oil in Scotland. By following our advice, you can experience the consistency of on-grid heating while living off-grid. Get your home ready for winter with help from our experts.

Heating oil orders for winter in Scotland

The key to reliable off-grid oil heating in Scotland is preparation. Follow our advice below to avoid getting caught out when the cold weather hits

When should I order my heating oil for winter in Scotland?

Make sure you plan your oil delivery in late summer or early autumn. Scotland has a relatively large number of oil-heated homes, so orders start to pile up in winter. As winter months are peak season for oil deliveries, it’s a good idea to place your order by October.

Ordering your fuel ahead of winter can also lead to cheaper heating oil prices too. If you place your order in December/January when demand is high, you may end up paying more for your oil. Order early to find the best deal and fastest delivery.

It’s also worth noting that bad weather and snowstorms can affect delivery times. Our vehicles may have limited access to certain locations due to fallen trees or excess snow. 

Don’t wait until the first cold spell hits before you order winter fuel. Avoid battling increased demand and longer waiting times by ordering winter fuel in advance – especially if you live in more rural parts of Scotland.

Order heating oil direct from Scottish Fuels online

How much heating oil do I need for winter in Scotland?

Estimating your heating oil usage for Scottish winters depends on a few factors. Generally speaking you need to consider:

  • the size of your home 
  • the number of people living in your household
  • any guests you may be expecting (particularly around the festive period)
  • upcoming weather warnings

Oil tanks tend to hold around 1,000 litres of oil or more, so consider stocking up to avoid any uncertainty.

Take a look at our heating oil estimate calculation guide to help predict your usage this winter.

Should I monitor my oil level?

Keeping an eye on your oil level is vital during the winter months. Your estimate might be a little off due if the Scottish snow sets in early. What’s more, small cracks in your tank may be vulnerable to cold temperatures, causing your tank to leak. It’s important to catch any issues early to avoid running out of fuel during winter.

Our FoxRadar oil tank level indicator makes monitoring easy. Get low-level alerts straight to your phone wherever you are.

Speak to our local team, wherever you are, to find out more about the FoxRadar rollout plan across Scotland.

Oil boiler tips for off grid living in Scotland

Home heating oil boilers are put to work almost constantly between October and March. To get your home reader for winter in Scotland, you’ll need a boiler you can rely on. 

To ensure that your boiler will last all winter, arrange your annual service by an approved local engineer. Servicing your oil boiler every year will catch any minor issues early and prevent breakdowns.

Aim to schedule your engineer visit outside of peak times. Heating engineers tend to be busy with emergency work during the winter.

To get an idea of the cost of annual maintenance and boiler cover, take a look at our oil boiler servicing prices and packages.

Oil boiler settings

Ahead of cold Scottish winters, you may want to check the settings on your oil boiler. If you’re not sure what settings to use, get in touch with our engineers near you.

If you plan to leave your home empty for any period during the winter months, you may want to shut off the water supply completely. This can help to avoid burst pipes and water damage, as well as saving you money on heating oil. Alternatively, set your boiler to heat your home at least once a day whilst you’re away. 

Call us on 03457 620 620 to book your boiler service or discuss your needs.

Oil tank advice for Scottish winters

Outdoor oil tanks are strong but not immune to impact from bad weather. To make sure that you can stay warm this winter season, take preventative measures to protect your outdoor oil tank from cold winters and storms. 

How to prepare your domestic oil tank for the winter months in Scotland

Check your tank regularly for any potential issues and continue this routine all year round to avoid a winter crisis when engineers are the busiest. Checking your tank helps to prevent leaks and other costly problems. 

Our engineers will always take a look at your tank during your oil delivery. But it’s important for you to keep an eye out for cracks, splits or anything unusual between visits as well.

Beyond inspecting the tank itself, take a look at the concrete supports and surface of the ground under it as well. When a heating oil tank is full, it weighs a lot, so its stand could become damaged over time without any obvious faults or incidents. Temperature changes can also affect the ground underneath the tank. 

If you notice any cracking or caving, you should replace or repair the supports ahead of winter to avoid any damage to your tank. Bear in mind that the lifespan of an outdoor oil tank is roughly 15 years. Replace your tank before the 15 years is up to avoid any age-related issues.

Browse our range of long-lasting heating oil tanks to prepare for a risk-free winter.

Domestic oil tank care during the winter in Scotland

Check the area near your oil tank to spot anything that might damage the tank during a storm. If there are any trees likely to fall or low-hanging branches nearby, it’s best to remove these potential risks where possible. Large icicles can also be a threat to your tank so break them off safely.

If you have any oil tank related queries or wish to replace your tank, contact one of our dedicated tank team on 0345 600 3423.

What to do if you run out of heating oil in winter in Scotland

The advice listed above will greatly reduce your chance of running out of heating oil during a cold spell. Ending up without heating in winter isn’t something that anybody should experience. If your oil supply does run out, contact our team straight away. 

We have engineers located across Scotland, so we should never be far away. Get in touch to discuss the quickest possible delivery times.

How to prepare your Scottish off-grid home for winter – step-by-step guide:

  • Early winter months: If anyone in your household is over the age of 75, sign up to our Cold Weather Priority list. We’ll prioritise your home in the event of extreme weather or fuel shortages.
  • May – August: Arrange a professional boiler service and oil tank inspection. Try to book an appointment during the summer months, to beat the peak season rush. 
  • August – September: Order heating oil direct to your home, to fill your tank before the seasons change. 
  • Weekly throughout the year but especially in winter: Monitor the oil level in your tank and consider installing a smart monitoring system.
  • Monthly throughout the year: Inspect your tank for any signs of wear and tear or weather stripping.

Get a quote today online or call us on 0345 600 4040

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