In a significant move aimed at curbing aggressive and deceptive energy sales tactics, Victoria has introduced a new regulation that bans door-to-door solicitation of energy-saving products and appliances under the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) scheme, effective from August 01, 2024. This regulation follows a previous ban on unsolicited telemarketing introduced in May and builds on a 2021 restriction related to the Solar Homes scheme. The new policy aims to heighten trust in Victoria’s energy programs, reduce emissions, lower energy bills, and foster local job growth and supply chains.
The VEU is a certificate-based program designed to encourage the replacement of outdated gas appliances with energy-efficient electric counterparts. By providing substantial discounts, the program has already yielded significant annual savings for consumers. Unlike the Solar Homes scheme, VEU’s rebates are universally available to all households and businesses, which produce Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEECs) for accredited providers. These certificates are then sold to energy retailers to help meet emissions targets. The new regulation aims to ensure that these benefits are not overshadowed by aggressive and deceptive marketing practices.
Strengthening Consumer Protection
Under the new regulation, the Essential Services Commission (ESC) mandates that businesses must obtain prior consumer consent before marketing energy upgrades. This move aims to protect consumers from unsolicited approaches that often lead to confusion and mistrust. With robust enforcement mechanisms now in place, businesses that fail to comply could face civil and criminal legal actions, penalty notices, and even the suspension or cancellation of their accreditations. The emphasis is clearly on ensuring transparency and fair practices in the marketing and sales of energy-efficient products.
Consumers are also encouraged to report any breaches of the new regulation to the ESC for investigation. By providing a clear avenue for addressing grievances, the regulation aims to empower consumers and uphold their rights. This development marks a significant shift towards a more consumer-centric approach in the energy sector, ensuring that the benefits of energy efficiency programs are not undermined by questionable sales tactics. The collaborative effort between the government, the ESC, and consumers is expected to sustain the integrity and growth of Victoria’s renewable energy initiatives.
Enhancing Trust and Ensuring Compliance
Victoria has taken a major step to eliminate aggressive and deceptive energy sales tactics by introducing a new regulation that prohibits door-to-door solicitation of energy-saving products and appliances under the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) scheme. This regulation will take effect on August 1, 2024. It builds on a previous ban on unsolicited telemarketing introduced in May 2021 related to the Solar Homes scheme. The primary aim is to enhance trust in Victoria’s energy programs, reduce emissions, lower energy bills, and stimulate local job growth and supply chains.
The VEU is a certificate-based initiative designed to encourage replacing old gas appliances with energy-efficient electric ones. It offers substantial discounts, leading to significant annual savings for consumers. Unlike the Solar Homes scheme, VEU rebates are available to all households and businesses. This generates Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEECs) that accredited providers sell to energy retailers to meet emissions targets. The new rule intends to ensure these benefits are not diminished by aggressive marketing practices.
