ICO Fines Two Energy Companies Combined £250,000 for Making Unlawful Marketing Calls

The Information Commissioner's Office (“ICO”) has fined two energy companies, Maxen Power Supply Ltd and Crown Glazing Ltd, a total of £250,000 for engaging in unlawful marketing practices. Both companies made unsolicited marketing calls to individuals and businesses registered on the UK's 'do not call' list, falsely claiming to represent other organizations such as the National Grid, other energy suppliers, or the UK Government. Under the law, organizations are prohibited from making marketing calls to individuals or businesses who have registered with the Telephone Preference Service (“TPS”) and Corporate Telephone Preference Service (“CTPS”) unless explicit consent has been given to receive such calls.

Crown Glazing Ltd received a £130,000 fine for making over 500,000 marketing calls to individuals registered with the TPS, resulting in 37 complaints. The calls primarily advertised double-glazing and free energy tests, but some complainants alleged that the company falsely implied it was working on behalf of the UK Government to improve energy savings.

Maxen Power Supply Ltd was fined £120,000 after receiving over 100 complaints about unsolicited marketing calls to businesses and individuals registered with the TPS and CTPS. Complaints highlighted multiple calls in a single day, persistent calls despite opt-out requests, and aggressive marketing tactics that potentially caused financial harm.

Additionally, complaints revealed that Maxen Power Supply Ltd made calls from overseas call centers claiming to be from the National Grid or the recipient's current energy supplier. The company promised to help people save money on their energy bills by switching contracts while gathering information about their current supplier and meter readings. Maxen Power Supply Ltd denied responsibility for the complaints, attributing them to independent contractors and third-party intermediaries operating the international call centers.

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