Energy giant Centrica (CNA.L) was fined by the UK regulator Ofgem after admitting recently that it had missold power and gas deals to consumers under its British Gas and Sainsburys brands
The company had already released a statement detailing misselling by its sales staff and potentially exaggerated saving claims on switching energy deals. Staff did not compare tariffs on a like for like basis. ”In some cases, customers were told they would save money by switching, but in fact they paid more with Sainsbury’s Energy or British Gas than they would have if they had stayed with their current supplier,” Ofgem said in a statement.
Ofgem’s Sarah Harrison said: “Ofgem expects all suppliers to put this poor behaviour behind them and really start acting in a way that will help consumers trust energy suppliers. Where they don’t, Ofgem will act.”
In addition, staff and branding in Sainsbury’s stores did not make clear that British Gas was the supply partner for Sainsbury’s Energy,
Both British Gas and Sainsburys affected customers have already been identified and compensated on average £130 each.
Energy giant Centrica (CNA.L) was fined by the UK regulator Ofgem after admitting recently that it had missold power and gas deals to consumers under its British Gas and Sainsburys brands
The company had already released a statement detailing misselling by its sales staff and potentially exaggerated saving claims on switching energy deals. Staff did not compare tariffs on a like for like basis. ”In some cases, customers were told they would save money by switching, but in fact they paid more with Sainsbury’s Energy or British Gas than they would have if they had stayed with their current supplier,” Ofgem said in a statement.
Ofgem’s Sarah Harrison said: “Ofgem expects all suppliers to put this poor behaviour behind them and really start acting in a way that will help consumers trust energy suppliers. Where they don’t, Ofgem will act.”
In addition, staff and branding in Sainsbury’s stores did not make clear that British Gas was the supply partner for Sainsbury’s Energy,
Both British Gas and Sainsburys affected customers have already been identified and compensated on average £130 each.