The largest energy supplier in the UK has made £1 million available to compensate customers it ripped off during sales schemes at the Westfield shopping centre and Sainsbury’s stores.

British Gas mislead customers in shopping centres and supermarkets

“Looking after your world”, or perhaps not. British Gas has had to put aside £1 million to compensate customers it mislead.

Ofgem said it welcomed the package which is made up of payments of “£566,000 direct compensation to affected customers and £434,000 to help vulnerable customers via the British Gas Energy Trust”.

British Gas staff made “exaggerated savings claims” and “did not compare tariffs on a like for like basis” during the period of February 2011 to March 2013.

In some cases customers were told they would make a saving if they switched, only to end up paying more after taking up the offer of a transfer.

Sarah Harrison, Senior Partner in charge of enforcement said: “Ofgem welcomes British Gas’ action to tackle its sales failures and compensate customers quickly when it became aware of mis-selling.

“Ofgem expects all suppliers to put this poor behaviour behind them and really start acting in a way that will help consumers trust energy suppliers. Where they don’t, Ofgem will act.”

Sources: Ofgem secures £1 million payment by British Gas for mis-selling – Ofgem.gov.uk