EDF Energy has today suspended unsolicited doorstep selling – the third of the Big Six energy giants to do so in three months.
Doorstep selling – a form of cold calling – has been heavily criticised by consumer groups in recent years for leaving customers feeling bullied into switching to a different energy deal that may not right for them.
EDF’s move to suspend doorstep selling is in answer to a petition by Consumer Focus calling for a 90 day moratorium on this type of highly pressurised sales tactic while alternatives are discussed.
EDF however claimed around 300 employees could lose their job as a result of its decision to suspend the sales practice, and said it is currently consulting with affected staff while it carries out a review of the company's sales channel.
Jim Poole, director of residential customers, said: ‘We understand that the majority of customers do not want to be sold energy on their doorstep via unsolicited calls, so today we have suspended this activity while we review the channel’.
‘We will continue to invest in attracting new customers and also in keeping our existing customers – so they not only choose to stay with us, but also recommend us to their friends and family,’ he said. ‘We recognise that face to face advice is important to some customers and this will continue with sales at retail venues and via appointment’.
Scottish and Southern Energy was the first energy company to announce the temporary closure of its doorstep sales operations in July, closely followed by British Gas just last month.
Scottish Power has so far refused to follow suit while E.ON and npower have yet to commit either way.
Richard Lloyd, executive director at Which?, said: ‘Very few people think energy suppliers are trustworthy, so this suspension will do little to restore customers’ faith if suppliers simply use other forms of cold calling as an opportunity for hard selling’.
‘Instead, they should now be looking for ways to help everyone access the best energy deals, including those who do not have access to the internet,’ he said.
EDF Energy is the only energy supplier not to partake in the recent round of price hikes, which has seen gas and electricity prices rise by up to 19% for millions of customers. It is however expected to announce an increase soon.
07/09/11 - citywire.co.uk
Are you looking to switch energy supplier? Check out the Reduce Comparison Gas & Electricity Comparison Service now!
No comments:
Post a Comment