Solar Company Penalised For Telemarketing Infringements

An Australian solar energy company recently found itself shelling out $21,600 as a penalty for telemarketing to consumers on the Do Not Call Register without their consent.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority said the infringement notice was issued to Allied Construction and Roofing Pty Ltd after an investigation following complaints about its telemarketing practices.

‘The ACMA has been targeting telemarketing practices in the solar industry, following a high number of complaints from consumers,’ said ACMA Chair, Nerida O’Loughlin. ‘The rules are simple: telemarketers must not call any number on the register without consent. Non-compliant players in the industry needs to lift their game and respect the preferences of consumers.’

This is the second investigation finalised in recent months under a campaign targeting the problem. In January, Queensland-based Instyle Solar Pty Ltd paid $10,800 for failing to obtain consent to call numbers on the register.

The ACMA had previously put solar companies on notice, announcing telemarketing in the solar power industry would be a priority compliance area for 2017-18.

As to how prolific the practice is within the sector these days isn’t clear, but back in 2015, 20 per cent of all complaints made to the Do Not Call Register were concerning solar power telemarketing.

The calls can include offering appointments for home visits or to provide solar quotes, or asking consumers if they are interested in solar products, services and incentives; with view to promoting an installation company or selling their details to solar businesses as potential customers.

Australians sick of having their dinners interrupted or being otherwise disturbed by pesky telemarketers (solar and otherwise) can add their number to the register here. It’s very quick and easy to do – and for the most part, it works.

Incidentally, SolarQuotes was recently asked via Facebook whether it sells or otherwise passes on phone numbers of Australians who have submitted for solar quotes through its service to telemarketing companies . The answer is simple – absolutely not – not now, not recently, not ever.

You can read more about SQ’s golden rules for handling contact details here and its full privacy policy here.

If you’re being pestered by pushy solar telemarketers or spammed by a bunch of solar companies seemingly out of the blue, it’s possible this may have resulted from using another quoting service that doesn’t share the same level of commitment to privacy and respect for your personal details.

On a related note, discover why not all Australian solar quotes are equal.

Solar Sales Lead Due Diligence Crucial

Companies need to ensure they acquire solar sales leads from a reputable source.  Aside from the risk of reputation damage by not doing so, the financial hit for telemarketing to Australians on the Do Not Call Register without their consent can be far greater than what the companies above forked out.

“Just one call to a registered number could result in a penalty of $3,400, and the maximum penalty is $170,000 for each day on which contraventions occurred,” says the ACMA.

Solar companies wanting to learn more about the related rules of the road can consult the Do Not Call Register Act 2006 Compliance Guide.