Big Six supplier ScottishPower today announced it would join British Gas, npower, EDF Energy and SSE in halting its door to door sales, leaving only E.ON still using the practice.

Ceasing doorstep sales on 30th November 2011, ScottishPower’s CEO of Energy Retail Neil Clitheroe said: “The time has come to rethink the way the Company engages with its customers, recognising that there is a need to provide them with the information they really need in order to take their energy decisions.

“We are therefore calling a halt to selling on the doorstep in the UK. The traditional doorstep sales process is no longer relevant to the needs of today’s energy market and we recognise that we have to engage with our customers in a different way,” he said.

Consumer Focus commended the move and thought it would put pressure on E.ON, the last remaining supplier from the Big Six. Audrey Gallacher, Director of Energy at Consumer Focus, said: “It is great news that Scottish Power has finally listened to what its customers want and has agreed to end energy doorstep sales. Energy customers need to know they can rely on their suppliers to do the right thing and that they will slam the door on bad practice. As the only one of the Big Six yet to call a halt to cold-call doorstep sales, E.ON should be feeling the heat and take action to follow suit.”

However, E.ON disagreed and defended their record of dealing with the public. A spokesman told ELN: “Face to face activity continues to be an important way for many people to engage with us and to find the best deal for their circumstances. We believe that we have a very good record on doorstep selling – as evidenced by the fact that we’re one of just two companies not to be currently under investigation by Ofgem.”