Energy sales activity

energywatch frequently receives complaints about the way they have been sold an energy supply contract or about the contract itself. Some of the most common issues are:

The consumer wants to take advantage of a cheaper offer but is tied in to a long term contract.
Following a move to new premises, somebody calls threatening to cut off the supply if the new tenant or occupier does not provide bank details and sign up as the new consumer.
The consumer is approached by somebody promising to find the cheapest deal, and the consumer is switched, but later finds out that the deal was not as promised.
The consumer has been switched to a new supplier without signing anything, but did receive a phone call from somebody offering a good deal, provided some information but nothing was agreed.

Before you give out any information to anybody who telephones or calls inviting you to change supplier, or certainly before agreeing to anything at all, find out who the call or visit is from, and take down the name, address and contact details of the person you are talking to and the organization they represent. It could be from an energy supplier but it could also be from an agent or broker looking for your business.

Be aware that as a business consumer you do not have the same rights and protections as a domestic consumer e.g.

There is no legal requirement to have a cooling off period following signature of supply contract – once you have agreed you are committed.
There are no price comparisons for business supplies – you need to either do your own research, or use a broker or agent you can trust to help you choose.
Most business supply contracts are for a fixed period, usually between 1 and 5 years and you cannot usually leave the contract early unless you pay a penalty.
There is no code of practice that regulates the selling activity of suppliers or third parties – placing even more onus on you to read and understand before you sign.
Under some circumstances if you agree to switch suppliers on the phone or during a conversation, this may constitute a legally binding contract even though you have not signed anything.
You should discuss your usage needs with a potential supplier before making a commitment. Suppliers have a range of different contract types and rates and you should ensure that the contract you agree to meets your needs e.g. if you aim to change (increase or reduce) consumption, implement energy saving measures or are uncertain about how long you will be in the premises for.

The choice of supplier is yours. Do not give in to pressure or threats. If you are suspicious about the integrity of the caller, take down as much information as you can about the caller, terminate the conversation and then call energywatch to speak to one of our advisors.