Energy supplier faces fine from regulator
Gas and electricity supplier Npower is to be fined £1.8 million for failing to take adequate action over the mis-selling of contracts to consumers. The fine has been imposed by the regulator Ofgem, after customer complaints about Npower's doorstep salespeople were not dealt with proactively enough.Original allegations of improper sales practices at the UK energy supplier came from a Sunday Times report.The newspaper had sent a journalist undercover in order to uncover the techniques used by Npower's doorstep teams.Sarah Harrison, Ofgem managing director of corporate affairs, said: "Failing customers and falling short of the licence standards will lead to Ofgem action."Misselling undermines consumer confidence, but getting it right on the doorstep can help customers make effective choices in the energy market."Npower's sanction follows a charge of £2 million imposed by the regulator on London Electricity in 2002, a fine which also concerned poor sales practices among doorstep salespeople.
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