General News
3 August, 2023
Crack down on cold calls from energy program
Locals can expect some respite from telemarketers with the State Government introducing new changes to the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program. Providers recognised under the program — designed to help residents cut their bills and reduce...
Locals can expect some respite from telemarketers with the State Government introducing new changes to the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program.
Providers recognised under the program — designed to help residents cut their bills and reduce emissions at home by giving households and businesses access to discounted energy-efficient products and services — are now prohibited from using cold calling to promote products and services covered in the VEU as part of a ban planned by the government.
A consultation process involving input from consumer groups and industry stakeholders will be under-taken prior to the implementation of the ban which reinforces and strengthens the existing 2022 VEU Code of Conduct that banned high pressure tactics in marketing and selling products.
Member for Ripon Martha Haylett said that feedback from locals highlighted the need for a relevant ban.
“A number of residents have contacted my office, concerned and frustrated by the number of phone calls they have received from VEU providers,” she said.
“Across the state, complaints in relation to telemarketing under the program has increased significantly since 2021.
“We know how frustrating it can be to receive unwanted phone calls which is why I’m glad we’re stepping in and implementing this ban.
“Different methods of promotion, including door knocking and advertising online, on radio, television, and in newspapers, will still be used to promote the program.”
According to official estimates provided by the government, more than two million households and 150,000 business premises have participated in the VEU program since it commenced in 2009, reducing Victoria’s greenhouse gas emissions by over 75 million tonnes to date with average annual bill savings of $110 for participating households and $3700 for participating businesses.
To have your say on how the ban should be put in place visit, engage.vic.gov.au/marketing-under-the-victorian-energy-upgrades-program