§ 14. Bob RussellTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action she is taking to eradicate sales malpractices by gas and electricity suppliers. [33805]
§ Mr. WilsonRegulation of energy suppliers is for the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem). Ofgem has already, with our strong encouragement, put in place specific marketing and sales rules for suppliers that go beyond those in general consumer law, and will shortly518W consult on extending these rules. Energy watch, the statutory consumer body established under the Utilities Act 2000, recently launched its "Stop Now!" campaign to combat unscrupulous sales practices. I wrote to all suppliers in November making clear that, if they do not address the problem of dishonest sales, those of us concerned with energy supply will need to look again at how best to protect consumers.