Ban on Cold Calling and Door Knocking Commences as part of Victorian Energy Upgrades program
27th May, 2024
By Roma Britnell, MP
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| Good afternoon, Some great news for anyone who has ever been hassled by energy companies using forceful sales tactics to sell energy products after my Liberal National colleagues and I were successful in advocating for a ban on telemarketing and door knocking. From May 1, providers and participants in the Victorian Energy Upgrades program– an initiative that provides state government incentives for households that install certain energy-efficient products and services – will not be allowed to cold call you to promote products and services. From the August 1, this ban will extend to door knocking. The changes also mean that providers and participants cannot purchase your contact details from a third party or arrange a contractor or other agent to call or door knock on their behalf. Over the last few years so many of you have contacted my office with examples of the aggressive tactics used by some companies involved in the VEU program to promote products from hot water systems to showerheads, clothes dryers and fridges. Even residents who had signed up to the Do Not Call register were being repeatedly harassed. These new bans are a necessary protection for you, and will ensure that energy companies and third parties cannot pressure you into signing up for products or services you do not want. The Essential Services Commission will monitor compliance with the new laws, with companies found to be in breach liable for fines of up to $46,000. They can also be suspended or removed from the Victorian Energy Upgrades program. |
| Any breaches to these new laws can be reported to the commission by calling 03 9032 1310 or by emailing veu@esc.vic.gov.au. |
| You can also lodge a complaint with Consumer Affairs Victoria online at https://forms.consumer.vic.gov.au/gef or by calling 131 450. |
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