SOUTHERN Electric have been reported to the regulatory body OFGEM after allegedly failing to curb rogue salesmen operating in the local area.

The energy giant's poor selling practices will now be scrutinised and they could face regulatory action, including a substantial fine.

The evidence has been passed on by gas and electricity watchdog Energywatch, who have already warned Southern Electric about the behaviour of their salesmen.

Chris Brian, from Inwood Road, Hounslow, has been subject to the unscrupulous selling tactics of one such salesman. He opened the door to a sales agent wearing a Southern Electric branded jacket with a clipboard. The sales rep claimed that gas and electricity meters in the area were incorrectly set and charging customers too much.

Presuming the man to be official, Mr Brian let him in to check the meter. Once inside, the sales rep opened his clipboard and only then did Mr Brian realise it was a sales pitch.

Mr Brian said: "I felt it was a very underhand way of getting into my home. Once I realised that he was a salesman, I showed him the door. Then I phoned my supplier to warn it in case he tried to transfer me anyway."

A spokesman for Southern Electric said they were working to reduce the number of such complaints: "When misbehaviour has been brought to our attention and a sales agent has broken codes of practice we sack them."

Worried consumers should contact Energywatch on 08459 060708.