Telford man to take on British Gas

A Shropshire man has been chosen from hundreds of applicants to join a panel "to take British Gas to task" on behalf of its customers. He will be given unprecedented access to the business over the next four months.

Clive Coton, from Madeley, in Telford, has been chosen to sit on a panel to scrutinise the energy giant.

Bosses at the gas firm have allowed 40 people from across the country to join the panel, more than 500 people applied, and have promised they "will be able to look behind any door and ask any question".

The 62-year-old will tour the country visiting five British Gas sites including a power station and the pricing office – where Mr Coton says he is planning to ask some tough questions.

Vulnerable

"The first thing I want to know is why when the wholesale price of gas goes up our bills are immediately increased, yet when the wholesale price goes down it takes months for us to see a reduction," said Mr Coton.

"British Gas also has a policy of helping vulnerable people and I want to know if that is something they have to do along with other providers or if it is something they do themselves."

Mr Coton joined the panel after signing up and added he plans to take energy bosses to task over the way bills appear to customers.

Lisa Malyon, from British Gas, said: "It's an opportunity to find out how an industry which affects us all, but which most consumers find very confusing, works."

After the four months, Mr Coton will make recommendations in a face-to-face meeting with the company's managing director, Phil Bentley.

Anyone who wants to give Mr Coton a question should e-mail lisa.malyon@ bluerubicon.com

By Jason Lavan