The Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program has banned cold call telemarketing starting today (1/05/2024) and will ban doorknocking starting 1 August 2024. Below is a media release from the program.
About the bans
The Victorian Government introduced the bans in response to consumer complaints about problematic telemarketing and doorknocking practices under the program.
The bans will protect consumers from unwanted marketing phone calls and visits about the VEU program, empowering consumers to choose whether they want to be contacted for marketing purposes.?Once the bans take effect, businesses must obtain consent from consumers before telephoning or visiting them to market energy efficient upgrades, products and services under the VEU program.?
Industry support and compliance
The Essential Services Commission (ESC) has engaged and supported accredited businesses and scheme participants in the lead up to the bans to help them prepare and comply.
Compliance with the bans will be actively monitored through an expanded range of tools, such as consumer surveys, audits, and by investigating complaints. Strong enforcement action will be taken against businesses for breaches of the bans.?
Consumers should report breaches of the telemarketing ban from 1 May 2024 to the commission via 03 9032 1310 or veu@esc.vic.gov.au so that the ESC can investigate and act.?
For more information, guidance and resources about the ban are available on the VEU website via these links:
- For consumers: Your consumer rights in the Victorian Energy Upgrades program
- For industry: Meeting your obligations under the VEU code of conduct