Ulster Unionist Economy spokesperson, Mike Nesbitt, has expressed his disappointment that Firmus Energy have been criticised by the Advertising Standards Authority over misleading press and radio claims about their business. The ASA ruled that Firmus misled the public by claiming 5,000 customers had switched from their rival supplier, Phoenix Gas.
The Strangford MLA said:
"To mislead is unfortunate to say the least. To mislead on the issue of switching is doubly so, given so few customers are switching energy suppliers in Northern Ireland. The introduction of competition was seen as the great hope for keeping prices down and this just is not happening. I imagine there are a number of reasons why so few people are switching energy supplier here, but a fundamental factor has to be that you trust who you are dealing with.
"This ruling from the ASA will do Firmus no good in helping establish that trust, particularly coming on the back of the fact they issued a news release earlier this year which failed to mention they were hiking their prices in some areas by well over 30%.
"Competition can only flourish if we create a sector where the players offer an honest, credible, efficient, cost-effective service. This is a blow to the concept of competition, as well as the company."