Case Overview:
On November 18, 2022, the French Ministry of Economy, Finance, and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty announced a fine of €11,000 against the company SOCIETE DE DISTRIBUTION GAZ ET EAUX (SDGE) for failing to comply with regulations related to consumer information.
Company Information:
- Company Name: SOCIETE DE DISTRIBUTION GAZ ET EAUX (SDGE)
- SIRET Number: 311 022 925 00102
Violation:
SDGE was found to have violated Article L. 121-14 of the French Consumer Code, which requires businesses to provide consumers with clear and accurate information about their products and services. Specifically, the company failed to provide sufficient information about the cost and terms of a contract for the supply of natural gas to a residential customer.
Investigation and Proceedings:
The investigation was carried out by the departmental directorate for the protection of populations (DDPP) of the Bouches-du-Rhône department. After gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses, the DDPP determined that SDGE had breached consumer regulations.
Sanction:
As a result of the investigation, the DDPP imposed a fine of €11,000 on SDGE. The amount of the fine is significant, reflecting the seriousness of the violation and the need to deter future non-compliance.
Significance:
This case is an important reminder to businesses of their obligations to provide clear and accurate information to consumers. Failure to comply with consumer regulations can result in significant fines and damage to a company’s reputation.
Additional Information:
- The full text of the press release announcing the fine is available on the website of the French Ministry of Economy (in French): www.economie.gouv.fr/entreprises/amende-11-000-prononcee-encontre-societe-distribution-gaz-et-eaux
- The French Consumer Code (in French): www.legifrance.gouv.fr/codes/article_lc/LEGIARTI000028328958/
- Contact information for the DDPP of the Bouches-du-Rhône department (in French): www.bouches-du-rhone.gouv.fr/Contact/Direction-Departementale-de-la-Protection-des-Populations-DDPP13-12384
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