Scottish Power advert banned over 20% saving claim

A Scottish Power advert for a remote control heating system has been banned over claims it could save customers up to 20% off their gas bills.

The advert on the provider's website claimed a trial of the Connect Remote Heating Control in 70 homes found they were using their heating 20% less of the time compared with others.

Scottish Power Energy Retail said a survey by a third party found 60% of the trial participants who engaged remotely with the product more than once a week had their boilers on for an average of 21% less than those who used it less than once a week.

The "Big Six" energy firm said it had amended the headline claim to make it clear that the data showed that a user could reduce their gas heating usage by up to 20% by using the product, and that the claim was based on a sample of 70 homes.

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) said consumers would understand that if they bought and used the product, which allows them to adjust their heating and hot water remotely, they could save up to 20% off their gas heating bills.

The ASA said its own review of the trial data was "problematic" because it found the survey did not adequately control for other factors that could influence energy usage, such as the number of people living in a home or the size, age and design of the house.

It ruled the advertisement must not appear again in its current form and told Scottish Power "to ensure they held sufficient evidence" to substantiate any claims.