top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

€900,000 fine for French energy supplier

Engie 'flouted customer canvassing rules'

French energy supplier Engie has been fined nearly €900,000 after being found guilty of breaching rules on canvassing customers.

The Direction générale de la Concurrence, de la Consommation et de la Répression des fraudes (DGCCRF) said that, "Energy supply contracts have been concluded without confirmation of the offer made by telephone solicitation having been sent to the consumer on a durable medium", such as a letter or email."

Engie, which supplies both gas and electricity, was also sanctioned for ignoring customers' right to withdraw from contracts 'on several occasions', and failing to comply with the obligation to notify dissatisfied customers about the Energy Ombudsman in case of disputes.

The latest fine followed followed an investigation between June 2017 and February 2019, after several complaints from consumers in the Hauts-de-Seine.

Engie had already been ordered on appeal in March to pay €1million in damages for its customer solicitation practices, after rival EDF accused it of aggressively soliciting customers.

In 2017, it was fined €100million by the French Competition Authority for abuse of its dominant market position, due to the use of the customer file inherited from its former monopoly to market its market offers.

Stay informed:
Sign up to our free weekly e-newsletter
Subscribe to access all our online articles and receive our printed monthly newspaper The Connexion at your home. News analysis, features and practical help for English-speakers in France

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Healthcare in France*
Featured Help Guide
- Understand the French healthcare system, how you access it and how you are reimbursed - Useful if you are new to the French healthcare system or want a more in-depth understanding - Reader question and answer section Aimed at non-French nationals living here, the guide gives an overview of what you are (and are not) covered for. There is also information for second-home owners and regular visitors.
Get news, views and information from France