A Mid-Essex man is warning people to beware of telesales agreements after he was mis-sold a gas contract.

When David Bigg, of Maldon Road, Witham, contacted Powergen to give his electricity meter reading on January 14, he was asked if he wanted to buy gas from the company as well.

Mr Bigg does not use his gas supply, but asked for an information pack because he was told it could save him money on his standing charge.

But the next thing he knew a letter arrived from Powergen, saying the company had signed him up as a gas customer.

He spent five days trying to cancel the contract, only to be told the person who signed the letter sent to him "didn't exist."

A Powergen spokeswoman said: "We have investigated Mr Bigg's complaint and have spoken to him.

"We are very sorry for the distress caused to Mr Bigg and will be sending a goodwill payment to him by way of apology, along with a written apology and explanation.

"We can confirm that we are taking disciplinary action against the employee who sold gas to Mr Bigg against his wishes."

Published Thursday January 22, 2004

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