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THE number of gas consumers switching to smaller and cheaper service contractors is likely to rise after Monday, when the Gas Consumers Council is expected to announce a steep increase in complaints against British Gas.
In a report published this week, campaign group CO-Gas Safety claimed there had been 21 deaths and 108 "near-misses" since the beginning of November as the result of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, caused in many cases by badly installed or poorly maintained gas fires and cookers.
British Gas has 3 million service contract customers who pay more than pounds 100 each for an annual breakdown and repair service, but following the introduction of competition to the gas market, many consumers are turning to smaller, cheaper installers.
However, Labour's spokesman for consumer affairs, Nigel Griffiths, warned this week that some of the smaller companies are failing to detect major faults, putting lives at risk. Last year alone, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) secured 82 convictions for gas safety offences.
By law, all businesses which install and maintain gas appliances must be registered with the Council for Registered Gas Installers (Corgi). Only "competent"...