The Andrews Labor Government will ban the telemarketing of products under the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program, in a suite of reforms that will protect consumers and strengthen compliance while helping Victorians cut their bills and reduce emissions at home.
Under the ban, announced last month, accredited providers under the VEU program will no longer be allowed to use cold calling to spruik products and services included in the program.
Consumer groups and industry will be consulted on the design, timing and implementation of this ban – which simply strengthens the 2022 VEU Code of Conduct, already banning high-pressure tactics in market and sell products, following a similar ban in late 2021 for energy retailers.
Stronger requirements for accredited providers and scheme participants have now been introduced, improving compliance through measures like penalties for misconduct of third parties participating in the program.
More than 2 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.
Even those who do not participate in the program will save on their bills – with households saving $150 and business saving $870 over the next 10 years.
The quickest and most effective way to drive down energy bills is to help people take up efficient electric alternatives – that’s why the program has expanded to provide more electrification options and gas appliances are no longer availabe.
To have your say visit, engage.vic.gov.au/marketing-under-the-victorian-energy-upgrades-program or engage.vic.gov.au/Victorian-energy-upgrades-updates-refridgerated-display-cabinets.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio
“Victorians need to be able to make informed decisions as they upgrade and make their homes more energy efficient. We’ve heard them on unwanted telemarketing calls and are taking action to stop this practice.”
Quote attributable to Member for Ripon Martha Haylett
“I have received a lot of feedback from locals about unwanted cold calls and telemarking as part of the VEU program. I’m so glad we’ve now put a stop to it for good.”
