Trading Standards issue safety warning on energy saving devices

Buckinghamshire and Surrey Trading Standards have issued a safety warning to residents after testing a number of energy saving electrical products.

The products (pictured below) in question are:

• Energy Power Saver Box – “Electricity Saving Spike Buster”
• Electricity Saving Box – “Electricity Saving Spike Buster”
• Voltbox – “Electricity Saving Spike Buster”
• Portable Electric Heater 500W UK plug Timer & Remote-Control digital display

The products are being marketed in response to the ongoing cost of living crisis. Not only were the products found to be unsafe, but they also falsely claimed to save customers money by saving electricity.

Several of the products claimed to work by improving the efficiency of electrical appliances and saving electricity by stabilising voltage supply, with websites hosting the products advertising savings as high as 90% on electricity.

However, following testing by Trading Standards officers it was discovered that electrical consumption actually increased when using the products. Safety issues were also discovered, with poor construction and access to live parts examples of some of the faults with the products.

Whilst the sellers of the items mentioned above have now been informed, a high number of similar products remain available for purchase online.

Ian Smith, Buckinghamshire and Surrey Trading Standards Regulation Supervisor, said: “These products are clearly intended to mislead consumers and exploit those who are suffering during the current cost of living and energy crises.

“Not only do they fail to provide any energy-saving benefits, but these products are also poorly made and pose numerous safety risks.

“Our message to residents is to always remain vigilant when purchasing online – if it looks too good to be true then it probably is. And if you do encounter a misleading claim or product, please report it to us.”

Denise-Turner Stewart, Surrey County Council Cabinet Member for Communities and Community Safety, said: “These products are a shameless attempt to cash in on those who are currently struggling with higher energy bills.

“I’m pleased our Trading Standards officers have exposed these products for what they are, and I thank them for their work on this.

“Together, we’ll continue to work to keep our residents safe, protected and informed.”  

Find out more about scams and how to prevent them by visiting: www.surreycc.gov.uk/business-and-consumers/trading-standards.