Residential Customers & Utility Companies

We have all – at one time or another – received information or a telephone call from a utility company asking us to avail of their facilities in our homes, offices and business premises. It is important however to remember some basic rules when it comes to dealing with utility companies so that confusion and expense do not muddy the waters of an otherwise calm relationship.

Why Do Utility Companies Need to Contact Me?

As you are probably aware at the present time there are increases in fuel prices across the board so the utility companies that supply us with gas, coal, electricity and water are obliged by law to make us aware of these changes as and when they occur.

To this end you may find that you are regularly in receipt of information through the post, via electronic mail or in telephone calls made to you at home.

I Receive Information About Pricing Etc All the Time Why?

The utilities market is a very competitive one especially in light of the rises in fuel prices – as we have already mentioned. To this end utility companies have to keep you informed of any promotions or offers so that you stay with them or likewise so that you may consider moving to them from your existing suppliers.

It is important to remember that when it comes to the utilities market most residential customers will stay with the companies they are with unless they are offered an extremely attractive deal elsewhere or unless they have been badly let down by their current suppliers.

Utility companies – just like other sectors of business – look to capitalise on the shortfalls and misgivings of other companies so keeping them in the forefront of your mind is a key sales technique.

When They Call It’s always at the Wrong Time

This is true of so many companies and businesses who want to talk to you about their services and products. It is the case that sometimes they can call at the wrong time but this is often the case if they have tried to call you during the course of the day and you have been at work or beyond telephone reach.

Utility companies often have their staff call after 6pm at night in the hope of catching you and discussing either the status of your existing service with them or to try and offer you a new deal. If you do not wish to discuss these matters with them – and indeed if there is nothing pressing in relation to your account – then you should politely ask them to contact you at a time of your choosing or to post or email information to you.

Can I Stop Them Calling Altogether?

It is often the case that it is difficult to stop them calling especially if you are an existing customer. You can ask them to call you only if there is a problem with your account or the nature of your service and hope that they make note of this on their system.

If it is a company you have no dealings with then you can ask them to remove you from their database and not to call you again. Registering for the Telephone Preference Service is a good way of ensuring your details are removed from the databases of companies you have no dealings with.