Third 'Big Six' supplier suspends doorstep sales

12 September 2011 15:34:59

Three of the major energy suppliers have suspended doorstep sales.

EDF Energy has become the third of the UK's so-called 'Big Six' energy suppliers to suspend doorstep sales. The decision means that nPower, E.ON and Scottish Power are now the only large suppliers employing the practice, which has been blamed for confusing and misleading some consumers.

Doorstep selling under the spotlight
Regulator Ofgem is currently assessing the doorstep sales practices of Scottish Power, SSE, EDF Energy and npower. There are concerns that some consumers who buy energy in this way sign up to deals they do not fully understand, and that may be more expensive than their original ones. Of the six largest gas and electric suppliers in the UK, British Gas, SSE and, most recently, EDF Energy have now agreed to suspend unsolicited doorstep sales.

Commenting on its decision, EDF Energy's director of residential customers, Jim Poole, said: "We understand that the majority of customers do not want to be sold energy on their doorstep via unsolicited calls, so today we have suspended this activity while we review the channel." While many consumers are happy to compare gas and electric deals online, others prefer to receive face-to-face advice, and Mr Poole confirmed that this will still be possible at retail venues and via appointment.

Consumer groups welcome decision
EDF Energy's decision has been welcomed by campaign groups, including Consumer Focus. Audrey Gallacher, the organisation's director of energy, said that doorstep sales are "clearly not working" for many consumers, as people often feel pressured to switch. "We would urge all consumers to think twice before they buy on the doorstep, shop around for the best deal, and take time to think things over before making a final decision," she advised.

Mark Todd, a spokesman for energyhelpline.com, said that anyone who greets an energy salesman on their doorstep should "use the visit as a prompt to check your current tariff with an independent price comparison service instead". He added: "It's free and only takes a few minutes to get a quote."

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