Doorstep sales (istock)Misleading energy sales  

Ofgem, the energy regulator, has begun investigations to establish whether four energy suppliers are complying with new obligations to prevent misselling. Ofgem has also set up a hotline (08454 04 05 06) for customers to call if they have concerns.

We welcome the  investigation into doorstep and telephone energy sales practices by four of the ‘Big Six’ energy suppliers.

To help consumers to get the best energy deal for them, Consumer Focus and Ofgem have produced an leaflet with practical advice and information. We are also urging customers thinking about switching to call or go online to an accredited price comparison service to get unbiased information on the best deal. Information on how to switch suppliers can be found in our advice section.

For more information please see our press release.

Any customer who feels they have been misled by a doorstep or telephone energy salesman should also report this to Consumer Direct so action can be taken.

Looking to make a complaint?

consumer-directIf you have an enquiry or need advice about a problem; including about energy or post, you should contact Consumer Direct. There is more information on the complaints process on our website.

Cut your energy bills

Use our online help finder to find out what grants, discounts or free energy help and assistance are available. Our price comparison tool can help you get the best deal or visit one of the price comparison websites approved under our confidence code.

Our Annual Plan 2010/11

Consumer Focus was created by the Consumers Estate Agents and Redress (CEAR) Act 2007 to improve the lives and experiences of consumers, especially those who are most vulnerable. Our Annual Plan 2010/11 (pdf 774 kb) shows where we will focus our efforts to use our resources effectively and achieve a positive impact for consumers in a very challenging year. For a list of our achievements in 2009/2010 and a review of our work see the Annual Review section (PDF 1.4KB) or for the detailed figures see the Accounts section (PDF 3.4MB).

Stay private

StayPrivate.org provides an easy way of opting out of receiving junk mail and sales calls by simplifying the process of registering with the Direct Marketing Association’s (DMA) various preference services.

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Faulty products

Product recalls gives details of recalls issued by manufacturers and allows users to stay up to date with new notices through email alerts and rss feeds.

Mobiles Best Deal Guide

Mobiles-best-deal-cover1Consumer Focus, with Ofcom and the Consumer Communications Panel has launched a Mobiles best deal guide to help consumers get the most from their mobile package and save money.

Only one in five of us finds it easy to navigate the mobile phone market, with close to 70 per cent feeling that there are too many tariffs available, according to our research.  

Go into free solar panel deals with your eyes open  

Solar-panelFollowing an announcement from a company who intend to provide free solar panels to 100,000 households, Consumer Focus and the Centre for Sustainable Energy are warning consumers to investigate the details of such schemes to avoid future problems.

For more information see our microgeneration factsheet or press release.