A ban on doorknocking under the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program finally kicks in tomorrow, following on from a telemarketing ban implemented earlier this year.
The VEU is a Victorian government program that facilitates discounts for households and businesses on a wide range of energy-efficient products; from low-flow shower heads to eligible electric heating and cooling systems. It’s been a long-running program, supporting more than 2 million households in upgrading appliances and equipment since 2009.
The discounts are funded by Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates, with each certificate representing one tonne of greenhouse gas avoided. Accredited companies provide the upgrades and then sell the certificates to energy retailers, who use them to meet annual emissions targets set by the Victorian Government.
Telemarketing and doorknocking have been among the methods used by accredited companies to promote the upgrades, and it was inevitable what was going to happen. Some providers behaved badly, engaging in high pressure and other shonky tactics.
One of the examples submitted during consultation about telemarketing and doorknocking problems was a 92- year-old woman who reportedly received telemarketing calls every day for twelve months. Despite telling the marketers she already had the items they were trying to flog, or requesting to be taken off their contact lists, the calls continued. One representative actually turned up on her doorstep because he did not believe that she had the item he was trying to sell her.
VEU Code Of Conduct Fails To Rein In Cowboys
Even though a Code of Conduct was introduced and the program’s regulator, the Essential Services Commission (ESC), was granted additional enforcement powers, marketing misconduct complaints increased and the nature of this misconduct worsened. The bad behaviour of some was leading to consumer mistrust and damaging the integrity and reputation of the VEU program.
Victoria’s Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) undertook a couple of consultations regarding the issues and developed three policy options. Option one was a ban on telemarketing, but doorknocking would be permitted to continue. The second option was a ban on both to commence on 1 May, 2024. The third was a ban on both, but with the telemarketing ban starting in May and the doorknocking ban in force from August 1, which was the option chosen.
From tomorrow, the only circumstances where doorknocking will be permitted are where the person has provided express consent – and there are guidelines around keeping records of that consent. Also banned is purchasing consumer contact details obtained from calling at a consumer’s home or business premises.
“The ESC will actively monitor compliance once the ban is in effect through an expanded range of tools and will take strong enforcement action for breaches of the ban,” states DEECA.
Breaches may result in suspended, cancelled or disqualified accreditation; or the application of accreditation restrictions. Enforcement action may also include penalty notices, civil penalty litigation and prosecution.
If you’re still getting VEU doorknockers showing up on your doorstep after tomorrow, the Essential Services Commission encourages you to contact them on (03) 9032 1310 or email [email protected] with the details. Consumers can find out more information on their rights under the VEU program here.
Solar Homes Bans Already In Place
Another Victorian government program that saw bad marketing behaviour from some is the Solar Homes program, which provides Victoria’s solar panel rebate and other incentives. A doorknocking ban was implemented in 2021, and a ban on telemarketing came into effect on May 1 this year.
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