Telemarketing ban
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Melina Bath MLC
May 7, 2024, 1:06:23 AM5/7/24
to warrawee...@googlegroups.com
Dear Loreene,
I am writing to advise that, from this week, Eastern Victoria residents will no longer face forceful sales tactics from energy companies after the Nationals were successful in advocating for a ban on telemarketing and door knocking.
From May 1, providers and participants in the Victorian Energy Upgrades program – an initiative that provides state government incentives for households that install certain energy-efficient products and services – will not be allowed to cold call you to promote products and services.
A ban on door knocking will come into effect on August 1.
The changes also mean that providers and participants cannot purchase your contact details from a third party or arrange a contractor or other agent to call or door knock on their behalf.
Many residents have contacted my office to protest the aggressive tactics used by some companies involved in the VEU program to promote products from hot water systems to shower heads, clothes dryers and fridges.
Even residents who had signed up to the Do Not Call register were being repeatedly harassed.
These new bans are a necessary protection for you, and will ensure that energy companies and third parties cannot pressure you into signing up for products or services you do not want.
The Essential Services Commission will monitor compliance with the new laws, with companies found to be in breach liable for fines of up to $46,000. They can also be suspended or removed from the Victorian Energy Upgrades program.
If you are aware of any breaches to these new laws, I encourage you to make a report to the commission by calling 03 9032 1310 or by emailing: v...@esc.vic.gov.au
You can also lodge a complaint with Consumer Affairs Victoria online at: https://forms.consumer.vic.gov.au/gef or by calling 131 450.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like any further information.
Warm regards,
Melina
I am writing to advise that, from this week, Eastern Victoria residents will no longer face forceful sales tactics from energy companies after the Nationals were successful in advocating for a ban on telemarketing and door knocking.
From May 1, providers and participants in the Victorian Energy Upgrades program – an initiative that provides state government incentives for households that install certain energy-efficient products and services – will not be allowed to cold call you to promote products and services.
A ban on door knocking will come into effect on August 1.
The changes also mean that providers and participants cannot purchase your contact details from a third party or arrange a contractor or other agent to call or door knock on their behalf.
Many residents have contacted my office to protest the aggressive tactics used by some companies involved in the VEU program to promote products from hot water systems to shower heads, clothes dryers and fridges.
Even residents who had signed up to the Do Not Call register were being repeatedly harassed.
These new bans are a necessary protection for you, and will ensure that energy companies and third parties cannot pressure you into signing up for products or services you do not want.
The Essential Services Commission will monitor compliance with the new laws, with companies found to be in breach liable for fines of up to $46,000. They can also be suspended or removed from the Victorian Energy Upgrades program.
If you are aware of any breaches to these new laws, I encourage you to make a report to the commission by calling 03 9032 1310 or by emailing: v...@esc.vic.gov.au
You can also lodge a complaint with Consumer Affairs Victoria online at: https://forms.consumer.vic.gov.au/gef or by calling 131 450.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like any further information.
Warm regards,
Melina
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