Energy advice 'denied'

CONSUMERS are being denied advice on cutting fuel bills despite the commitment by the privatised companies to greater energy efficiency, according to a Consumers' Association survey.

Even where they do manage to get advice it can be wrong, incomplete or even biased, a report published yesterday says.

The most serious failing comes in the telephone advice lines set up by British Gas regions and the 14 electricity supply companies. Many callers are told that advice cannot possibly be given over the telephone, the report says.