Following lengthy campaigning by energy watchdog Consumer Focus and the Trading Standards Institute, the big six energy companies – British Gas, EDF Energy, E-ON, NPower, Scottish Power and SSE – have said they are now committed to respecting the wishes of people who live in recognised ‘No Cold Calling Zones' or display signs saying no to cold callers.
The move has been welcomed by East Sussex County Council. Councillor Bob Tidy, Lead Member for Community Services at the Council said: “Even though we started to introduce No Cold Calling Zones In East Sussex over four years ago, evidence has shown that it has been routine practice for energy agents to ignore householders' requests not to receive unsolicited callers, even when they live in a No Cold Calling Zone or display a sticker outside their home warning off doorstep sellers.
“I am very pleased that we have now got assurances from the main energy companies that they will respect the zones.”
A Consumer Focus survey in July 2009 revealed that nearly seven out of 10 consumers who had received a direct sales call from an energy supplier rated the experience as negative and a third described the experience as intimidating.
No Cold Calling Zones in East Sussex are supported by the Police, Neighbourhood Watch, local councils and community groups. The zones have been growing in popularity over the years and there are now 38 zones across the county. Residents within the zones report feeling safer and more confident in dealing with doorstep callers.
“The zones are not just designed to deter rogues, a major aim is to protect residents, especially the vulnerable, from feeling pressured in their homes by unwanted sales calls,” said Councillor Tidy. “We are firmly of the view that 'No' means 'No' and that both the zones and the door stickers should be respected by all doorstep sales people”.
To obtain your free no cold calling door sticker, contact Trading Standards – phone: 01323 463420 or email: trading.standards@eastsussex.gov.uk .
For more general information about the work of Trading Standards visit our section Trading standards – help and advice for consumers.
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