I find the report of Fred Ford’s experiences very disturbing.

Electricity and gas consumers who are approached by door-to-door salespeople should be assured they are under no obligation to change their existing retailer.

Your readers should be advised that electricity and gas distributors — those companies which operate poles-and-wires or pipeline networks — do not directly bill householders for the electricity or gas they consume.

In Victoria’s North East, SP AusNet is the electricity distributor and Envestra is the gas distributor, while several energy retailers service the area.

Most sales agents of energy retailers perform their task honestly.

But the Essential Services Commission will occasionally intervene in cases of alleged misrepresentation to consumers, where this is brought to the commission’s attention.

I will raise the matters brought to light in your article directly with the energy retailers operating in Victoria.

Customers seeking details of electricity or gas retailers or further information on their retail energy options should call 1300 134 575.

— DR RON BEN-DAVID

chairman,

Essential Services Commission, Melbourne