ENERGYWATCH North West has urged companies to do more to protect vulnerable consumers following the death of an elderly couple who had their gas supply cut off.
George and Gertrude Bates, who were both in their late 80s, were left without heating or cooking facilities after being disconnected by British Gas in August.
The couple were found dead in their home in South London 13 weeks later.
The inquest did not blame British Gas for the couple's deaths but did recommend that, in future, social services should be involved in cases of this kind.
British Gas claimed that the Data Protection Act prevented them from sharing information on the couple with social services as they were not on the Priority Services Register (PSR) due to lack of consent.
David Sidebottom, Director of energywatch North West, said: "This is a tragic case. Companies have a legal obligation to recognise and to protect vulnerable consumers."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article