Energy News

Think twice about doorstep energy deals, expert warns

Monday, 18 January 2010

By Hazel Cottrell - hazel@consumerchoices.co.uk

Customers are now better protected when energy salesmen call on them at home, but they should still proceed with caution.

Doorstep energy salesmen must now provide written quotes to potential customers, following the introduction of new rules today.

The rules, from energy regulator Ofgem (www.ofgem.gov.uk), mean anyone being sold an energy tariff face-to-face must now be provided with a written quote before the sale can go through.

This means that consumers will have proof of the deal they were offered, but it does not mean they are getting the best deal available to them.

Chris Eagle, commercial manager at Energychoices.co.uk, said: “This is a positive step to increase transparency and will hopefully reduce cases of mis-selling.”

However, Eagle stressed that it will be up to the consumer to make use of this information and ensure they are getting a good deal.

He advised: “If you get a quote from a doorstep salesman, you should take the time to check the deal is the best for you, by doing an accurate energy comparison online, before you sign up to anything.”

The new doorstep selling rules were announced in October last year.