Site calls for crackdown on intimidating doorstep sales

25/09/2009

Regulators must get tough on doorstep sellers of energy deals who do not offer customers best value for money, uSwitch.com has said.

According to the price comparison site, only 22 per cent of people who have taken out a tariff through this form of direct sales are now happy with their deal.

Moreover, the research found that six in ten consumers feel that they are being "pressured" too much by the salesmen, while 53 per cent want an "outright ban" on doorstepping from energy firms.

uSwitch.com acknowledged that Ofgem, the energy industry watchdog, is currently planning to introduce new regulations on the sales - but said that these planned changes should be made even tougher to protect consumers.

Ann Robinson, director of consumer policy at the site, commented: "At the moment consumers are running scared of doorstep sellers and quite rightly so.

"With the right rules in place direct selling could be an effective way of reaching a wider range of consumers and encouraging people to switch to a better energy deal. It could particularly help the vulnerable and elderly who like the reassurance of face-to-face contact and are the groups missing out most on the benefits of a competitive energy market."

uSwitch.com also said that seven million UK households had taken out an energy plan through direct sales, including doorstep sales.

Tags; Housing Debt and Bills, Retirement Money Problems, Credit Card Lifestyle,

Regional Debt Advice; Debt Advice Epping,

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