British Gas is currently under investigation by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) after it was accused of sending out dubious marketing emails informing customers that their old meters may catch fire if not replaced.
Complaints were made to the ASA after the energy provider admitted to panicked customers that it was just a new marketing strategy designed to drive greater take-up of smart meters. The strategy has unsurprisingly been called “misleading and irresponsible” by irked users.
These pressure tactics may have been prompted by government-imposed targets requiring providers to install a set number of smart meters every year. Although these can help cut costs for suppliers, customers are under no obligation to have them fitted.
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According to The Times, a similar tactic has been used by Eon in recent months. When contacted by the paper, British Gas clarified that there was no major risk with ‘unsafe, older meters’ and that broadly speaking – meters becoming unsafe was a rare occurrence.
In a statement, the energy regulator Ofgem said: “Ofgem considers safety to be an integral part of the smart meter rollout and an important consideration for existing smart and analogue meters. Energy suppliers are responsible for ensuring appropriate metering arrangements are in place for their customers.”
It added: “We expect all suppliers to communicate clearly with their customers, treating them fairly and not to use misleading communications.”
