Energy News

Energy companies among worst for cold calling

Thursday, 26 August 2010

By Dominic Welling - dominic.welling@consumerchoices.co.uk

British Gas, EDF, E.ON and Homeserve are regularly cold-calling Brits at home – and they don’t like it.

Consumers receive an average of six calls a month from energy, telecoms and other big firms. But 75% of people think cold calls should be banned, according to a new Which? Survey of 2,092 respondents.

Most people consider these calls an interruption to their daily lives, and 60% said they immediately hang up on cold callers. Only a handful of people said they had ever bought or changed a product or service off the back of a cold call.

The best way to cut the number of cold calls you receive is to register for free with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS).

Chris Eagle, marketing director at Energychoices.co.uk said: “You should never feel obliged to sign-up for an energy product if someone cold calls you. Even if they tell you it’s the best or cheapest deal available.

“Always do your own research – go online and compare energy prices – that way you’ll be able to pick the best deal for you regardless of which company is offering it. By signing up online for a new energy deal, you may also get access to exclusive offers.

“And remember, if you want to save even more money on your energy bills, manage your account online and pay by monthly direct debit.”