Customers in Oxfordshire are now entitled to £250 compensation from energy companies if their gas or electricty supply is switched without their consent.

This follows a string of cases in the county where sales staff have signed up residents without a signature.

Industry watchdog Energywatch says the companies involved must now pay compensation, under its new Association of Energy Suppliers Code of Conduct. It has appointed a panel and an administrator to operate the code.

Energywatch Southern Region director Paula Rowe said: "The tactics of some energy sales agents have been scandalous and consumers are weary of being the targets of their unscrupulous behaviour."

Meanwhile, Oxfordshire pensioners on Powergen's Staywarm low-rate tariff are being warned they could face high price rises.

Energywatch is urging the customers to change suppliers, claiming customers could face price rises of up to 8.8 per cent. It said a lone pensioner in a one-bedroom flat would pay up to £36 extra per year and a couple with two bedrooms up to £57.20 more.

Ms Rowe said: "The Staywarm tariff is aimed specifically at tackling fuel poverty for the over 60s, and offers energy at a fixed price for a year. It should mean that no-one is forced to skimp on adequate heating because they are frightened they haven't enough money to pay for it."

A Powergen spokesman said: "We offer Staywarm as a one-price, low cost service so people have peace of mind. Even with the price increases it is still one of the lowest cost products in the country."