Residents from Caerphilly county borough can now be assured that they no longer need to worry about being bothered by energy firms selling services door to door.
Following a campaign by the Trading Standards Institute (TSI) and energy watchdog Consumer Focus, together with Trading Standards teams from across the country, the ‘Big Six’ energy companies have said they are committed to respecting the wishes of people who do not want their salespeople to call door to door.
Salespeople from the ‘Big Six’ energy companies, British Gas, EDF Energy, E-on, Npower, Scottish Power and Scottish and Southern Energy (including Swalec, Atlantic, Scottish Hydro and Southern Electric), have committed to no longer making unsolicited call at homes in designated ‘No Cold Calling Zones’ or at homes displaying signs or stickers saying no to cold callers.
Research has shown that in the past, it has been routine practice for some energy agents to ignore householders requests not to receive unsolicited calls, even when they live in a No Cold Calling Zone or display a sticker in the window or door of their home warning off doorstep callers.
Cllr Lyn Ackerman welcomed the move, saying, “I am pleased that these energy companies have signed up to respect the wishes of consumers when calling door to door. A proportion of our residents are vulnerable and therefore it is important that they feel safe in their own homes without having the worry of salespeople cold calling”.
TSI and Consumer Focus say that energy companies should have strict penalties for any sales staff that break the commitment on cold callers.
Brian Smith, Crime and Disorder Lead Officer at TSI said, “The energy companies’ recognition of the signage and No Cold Calling Zones will assist Trading Standards and the Police in their fight against doorstep crime and rogue traders.”
He continued, “It gives a positive lead in the business sector and should be seen as an example of good practice and ethical behaviour by all companies that cold call consumers in their homes.”
Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Trading Standards team have a stock of ‘No Cold Calling’ window stickers available free of charge to residents. These are available at Cash Offices and Customer First Centres, located throughout the county borough.
Residents who still receive cold calls at their door from energy suppliers despite clearly displaying a sign (which can even be homemade) requesting not to do so, should complain directly to the energy firm, and also alert Consumer Direct on 08454 040 506.
