Menu
28/04/2010
Misleading British Gas Advert Banned
A misleading British Gas advertisement has been banned by a watchdog authority.
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) banned the TV advert that implied British Gas would attend same day call-outs, even over Christmas.
The ASA received 11 complaints from viewers who claimed the ad gave the impression British Gas would attend all call-outs and carry out repairs on the same day, particularly over the Christmas period.
During the ad the voice-over said: "You can reach us every day. Even over Christmas."
British Gas Services Ltd said it had not intended to advertise the speed of their response, but rather demonstrate to viewers that its call centres would remain open and maintain the same level of service over Christmas.
The company believed a high level of service had been achieved despite adverse weather conditions during the festive period, which affected their ability to respond to same-day and next-day call-out requests at the level expected.
The ASA upheld the complaints, noting that the advert gave the "overall impression" that customers could expect an engineer to attend on the same day that a problem was reported.
"Because this level of performance could not always be achieved, the ad was likely to mislead," it said.
(LB/GK)
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) banned the TV advert that implied British Gas would attend same day call-outs, even over Christmas.
The ASA received 11 complaints from viewers who claimed the ad gave the impression British Gas would attend all call-outs and carry out repairs on the same day, particularly over the Christmas period.
During the ad the voice-over said: "You can reach us every day. Even over Christmas."
British Gas Services Ltd said it had not intended to advertise the speed of their response, but rather demonstrate to viewers that its call centres would remain open and maintain the same level of service over Christmas.
The company believed a high level of service had been achieved despite adverse weather conditions during the festive period, which affected their ability to respond to same-day and next-day call-out requests at the level expected.
The ASA upheld the complaints, noting that the advert gave the "overall impression" that customers could expect an engineer to attend on the same day that a problem was reported.
"Because this level of performance could not always be achieved, the ad was likely to mislead," it said.
(LB/GK)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
31 July 2008
Centrica Posts £1 Million In Profits - To Consumers Anger
British Gas owner Centrica has posted half-year profits of almost £1 billion - much to the anger of consumer groups. Centrica maintain that it has been "absolutely necessary" to raise household gas prices as profits were down 20% in the first six months of this year to £992 million - down from £1.23 billion in 2007.
Centrica Posts £1 Million In Profits - To Consumers Anger
British Gas owner Centrica has posted half-year profits of almost £1 billion - much to the anger of consumer groups. Centrica maintain that it has been "absolutely necessary" to raise household gas prices as profits were down 20% in the first six months of this year to £992 million - down from £1.23 billion in 2007.
04 February 2010
Energy Supplier Slashes Gas Price
British Gas has today cut its standard gas prices by an average 7%. The price cut, which will benefit 8 million households, takes effect immediately and makes British Gas, on average, the cheapest supplier of standard gas and electricity right across Britain - no matter which way customers choose to pay.
Energy Supplier Slashes Gas Price
British Gas has today cut its standard gas prices by an average 7%. The price cut, which will benefit 8 million households, takes effect immediately and makes British Gas, on average, the cheapest supplier of standard gas and electricity right across Britain - no matter which way customers choose to pay.
26 August 2014
200 Homes Still Without Gas After Water Leak
Around 200 homes in Wales are still without gas after a burst water pipe flooded gas lines last Thursday. Wales and West Utilities have said that some 150,000 litres of water has been pumped from gas pipes since last Thursday, with 540 of the 755 homes affected by the leak, now reconnected.
200 Homes Still Without Gas After Water Leak
Around 200 homes in Wales are still without gas after a burst water pipe flooded gas lines last Thursday. Wales and West Utilities have said that some 150,000 litres of water has been pumped from gas pipes since last Thursday, with 540 of the 755 homes affected by the leak, now reconnected.
09 September 2005
Gas and electricity prices to rise by over 14%
British Gas prices are set to rise by 14.2% for residential customers later in September. The company blamed the increase on soaring oil and gas prices. The rise follows on recent similar price hikes by Powergen and EDF Energy. The company said that the 14.
Gas and electricity prices to rise by over 14%
British Gas prices are set to rise by 14.2% for residential customers later in September. The company blamed the increase on soaring oil and gas prices. The rise follows on recent similar price hikes by Powergen and EDF Energy. The company said that the 14.
08 October 2010
Illegal Gas Fitter Sentenced
A man who falsely claimed to be a registered gas engineer has been sentenced for illegally installing gas appliances at addresses in York. Bennett Morley of Cherry Paddock, Haxby, York, was prosecuted by The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for five offences under Gas Safety legislation after complaints by householders.
Illegal Gas Fitter Sentenced
A man who falsely claimed to be a registered gas engineer has been sentenced for illegally installing gas appliances at addresses in York. Bennett Morley of Cherry Paddock, Haxby, York, was prosecuted by The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for five offences under Gas Safety legislation after complaints by householders.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
