Scottish and Southern Energy appeal rejected in the High Court

Detail:

The Court of Appeal today rejected Scottish and Southern Energy’s appeal against a conviction for misleading potential customers, in order to persuade them to switch energy supplier. The original prosecution was brought by Surrey County Council Trading Standards.

Quote:

Kay Hammond, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: “This case shone a spotlight on the dubious practice of doorstep selling. Five of the big six energy firms have now stopped doing it because they recognise it’s not in the best interests of their businesses or their customers.

“We’ll continue our work in ensuring people, especially the vulnerable, get a fair deal. Our advice, as always, remains the same – never deal with cold calling doorstep traders.”

Further information:

In May 2011, Scottish and Southern Energy were found guilty at Guildford Crown Court of taking part in misleading selling practices relating to a sales script, between September 2008 and July 2009.

The company issued its doorstep sales staff with a misleading script, which led householders to believe the salesperson knew they we overpaying with their current energy supplier, when in fact the salesperson did not have such information.

The prosecution is believed to be the first of its kind in the country brought against one of the big six energy firms. Scottish and Southern Energy was found not guilty on five other similar matters.

ENDS

For more information and interviews with the Surrey County Council Trading Standards officer in charge of the case, contact Surrey County Council senior media relations officer James Oxley on 0208 541 7259.