OFTEC Ireland has raised strong concerns and lodged a complaint to the Advertising Standards Authority of Ireland (ASAI) regarding energy savings claims made by Calor Gas in its latest promotional campaign.

OFTEC’s formal objection follows a previous complaint lodged with the ASAI in 2012, which saw Calor remove a cost calculator from its website.

The leading trade association, which represents the domestic oil heating and cooking industry in Ireland, was compelled to lodge this latest complaint following concerns that householders are being potentially misled into making home energy decisions using incorrect information.

Calor’s current brochure and website claims that Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) is currently 11.5% cheaper than oil fired heating on an annual basis for the domestic user.    Yet according to the latest independent data from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and Sutherland Tables, the source of impartial information on domestic heating costs, in January 2013, oil is actually 50% cheaper than LPG when comparing like for like boilers on an annual basis.

David Blevings, OFTEC Ireland said, “We’re extremely concerned that householders across Ireland are being marketed heavily with energy saving claims that are contrary to the independent data available in the marketplace.”

“We believe it’s in the best interests of consumers and the industry that all energy companies behave responsibly and are brought to account when they do not.  In this tough economic environment, householders are looking for ways to make energy savings and that’s why we asked ASAI to investigate this matter. These consumers are entitled to fair and independent data when researching fuel costs.”

For additional information, log on to www.oftec.org or contact 018775450.