It seems like barely a week goes by without someone knocking on my door promising to dramatically reduce my energy bill.

A representative from one of the 'big 6' came calling on Saturday actually and was incredibly reluctant to accept my reassurances that I was on the right tariff even when I explained that I worked for money.co.uk - if I didn't know better I'd think it was nice of him to be so concerned about my finances...

Unfortunately, far too many people get caught out by door stop energy salesmen who promise them much but sadly don't always deliver. Ofgem, the energy regulator, found that almost 50% of households that switched energy supplier after a direct sales pitch ended up paying more than they were before. So it just goes to show that you shouldn't take a stranger's word above your own research when it comes to finding a product or service that's right for you.

Thankfully, Consumer Focus have championed our interests once again and won a prolonged battle with energy suppliers to protect our doorsteps from unwanted sales calls.

The Big 6 energy companies have agreed to stop disturbing households who clearly display a sign outside their home indicating they would rather not receive visits from salesmen. Homes in No Cold Caller Zones will also be given a wide berth (apparently they weren't before!).

If one of their representatives flouts this guarantee then you are well within your rights to complain to both the energy company in question and Consumer Direct and the company in question will be penalised.

I'm off to make a sign...

Hannah

Shopping

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Food

	£10 for 3 BBQ Meats at Sainsbury's Get 3 BBQ meat dishes for only £10 at Sainsbury's.
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Travel

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Lifestyle

	Free Pint at a Youngs Pub Get a free pint or glass of wine at a Youngs pub.
	Free Tickets to Renault World Series Racing Get free tickets to the Renault World Series Racing being held at Silverstone.
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