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Getting your own back - just say 'no' to energy sales

Paul Lewis

I am not naturally rude. But I only have one response when people come to my front door to sell me something. Goodbye. Actually, I usually say 'sorry but not at the door' which is slightly more polite. But the door is always shut before they can respond, says Paul Lewis

So I was amused this week that Ofgem – the energy watchdog – laid down new rules for doorstep sales staff who are sent round by energy suppliers to try to tempt customers away from their current energy supplier. In future these doorstep sales folk must give a written quote. Big deal.

I think they should be banned. Often they tell lies. They say they are from British Gas or the local electricity company when they are not. They say they are doing a survey, which they are not. Or checking that you are on the best tariff. Which they cannot. They are just there to sell you an alternative energy supply from a company that may well not be the cheapest or the best for you.

Ofgem found that nearly half those who changed their gas supplier through a doorstep sale ended up worse off. And it wasn't much better for electricity switchers – more than four out of ten ended up paying more.

If you want to save money on your electricity and gas, you should log on to one of the approved energy switching sites and put in your details. That will find you the best deal for your circumstances. If you have never switched from British Gas or your local electricity supplier then you will always make savings by doing so. And if you are willing to pay by direct debit each month that will also save you money. You tell the website what your quarterly bill is and it will find you the best price for your circumstances. A doorstep sale can never do that.

Some of these doorsteppers have even been known to charm themselves through the front door, look at energy bills, read the meter, and use that information to switch the householder without their knowledge or permission.

Doorsteppers can never offer you the best deal. Chances are they will offer you a worse one. They should be banned. And until they are just say 'no'. And, if you are feeling polite, add 'thanks' as you shut the door.

Written by Paul Lewis, this article was published in February 2010. Paul's opinions are his own and for general information only. Always seek independent financial advice.

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