While canvassing in the energy renovation sector is in the government's sights, could electricity and gas suppliers also be prohibited from soliciting consumers directly, by phone or at home? It is in any case the request of the national energy mediator, Olivier Challan Belval, who launched an appeal on this subject.
"We are increasingly seized of disputes relating to abusive canvassing: there were 1,883 cases in 2019 against 1,416 the previous year," he details before giving some examples. “One of our employees was asked by an interlocutor posing as the energy mediator's comparator of offers! This person told him that gas prices would soon double and that he could offer him a very interesting contract with Eni, ”he says.
Misleading arguments
There is also this lady aged over 80 who was contacted directly at her home. "He was made to sign a new gas contract without leaving him a copy. She no longer remembered whom she signed with. His son only discovered it after fourteen days, once the withdrawal period had passed, "he continues.
The direct sellers in question often put forward the argument of the end of regulated sales prices to convince customers to sign very quickly. “They make it look like it's coming soon. However, for gas, it is not before 2023! And electricity is not even concerned, "recalls Olivier Challan Belval, who thus pleads for the prohibition of doorstep selling in this sector" at least for five to eight years, the time that consumers get used to the end regulated tariffs ”. "Otherwise, at least this practice must be strictly supervised!" Claims the mediator.
Don't sign anything
He asked in particular that the direct seller could not have a new contract signed directly, but rather that the document be sent, after the fact, by post or email "so that there was time for reflection." He also claims to prohibit "starting the execution of a new contract before the expiration of the period of fourteen days" to avoid having to initiate new steps if one changes his mind during this period.
While waiting for these possible arrangements, keep these tips in mind: do not sign anything at the time and do not leave any document (invoice, etc.) with your direct seller.