October 2005 - Small Business News

Energywatch warns of the following types of Broker scam:

 - “You don’t have a supply – you must sign up now or else you won’t have any power to run your business”

•  - “Did you know you’re likely to be disconnected if you don’t find a supplier”       
  
   - “I’m  ringing on behalf of the government to check that they are getting the best energy rate”

Energywatch Business spokesperson, Karl Brookes, said: “One of the definitely dodgy things is disreputable brokers pretending to be independent. They ring up offering to help find the best deal possible but they really only represent one or two firms and then try to pass them off as the cheapest.”

He added that it was unfortunate that some shady brokers were harming the reputation of the industry as a whole, which included a lot of good ones. 

The watchdog advises all businesses, especially new ones to:

• Be careful what you say over the phone when negotiating energy deals – it could represent a binding verbal contract

• Shop around and do your own research – energywatch’s business unit can help you on 0845 9060708 or business.enquiries@energywatch.org.uk