Cheapest energy deals to be found online

Confused.com is warning households to avoid door-to-door salesmen from energy companies, this summer, as they could end up paying over £180 more than they need to on their bills.

During the warmer months, salesmen from gas and electricity companies are prolific but Confused.com warns they could be duping customers by not showing the cheapest tariffs available.

The elderly and vulnerable are particularly at risk as they are more likely to be taken in by the convenience of a salesman and less likely to be internet savvy.

Gareth Kloet, Head of Utilities at Confused.com, says: "It is unacceptable if energy companies are misleading customers like this.  We are urging them to stop this practice or make it very clear to households that better deals are available online. There is no reason why door-to-door salesmen can't show people online deals and even help households switch to them.

Confused.com warns consumers that salesmen will only ever be able to talk about the company they work for and the only way to compare all available tariffs, from all providers, is via an accredited comparison sites. It further adds that many tariffs only require online set-up and not online continual management, so consumers who don't have regular access to a computer can still take advantage of the best deals on the market.  

Kloet continues; "Our research reveals customers could end up paying £183 more than they need to as door-to-door salesmen are unable to offer the discounts that are applied online. The message to energy users is clear; they should shop around online to make sure they're getting the best deal possible and turn these salesmen away."