Victoria’s Ban on Door-to-Door Sales Tactics for Energy-Efficient Upgrades: What You Need to Know.

In a significant move to protect consumers, the Victorian government has recently enacted a ban on door-to-door sales tactics for energy-efficient upgrades, marking a new chapter in consumer protection and ethical marketing. This decision was driven by mounting complaints from households across the state, who felt pressured or misled by salespeople promoting energy upgrades as part of the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program.

This ban, which came into effect in August 2024, targets companies that have relied on high-pressure, unsolicited visits to sell energy-efficient products and services. The measure follows earlier restrictions introduced in May 2024 on telemarketing for similar purposes. With this new framework, the Victorian government aims to ensure that households are informed, empowered, and protected from the kind of aggressive sales tactics that have long been associated with the energy sector.

Door-to-Door Sales

What Prompted the Ban?

The Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program, formerly known as the Victorian Energy Efficiency Target (VEET), was established to help reduce energy consumption by offering discounts on energy-efficient products like LED lighting, solar panels, and home insulation. Over time, however, some companies began using unethical methods, particularly door-to-door sales and cold calling, to sell their services. These aggressive practices often resulted in consumers being misled, confused, or rushed into purchasing upgrades that they didn’t fully understand or need.

According to Energy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio, many complaints involved consumers feeling pressured by salespeople who used pushy tactics to secure sales. Vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly, non-English speakers, and people with disabilities, were often the primary targets of these tactics. “Victorians need information they can trust,” D’Ambrosio said.

As a response to these concerns, the Victorian government has taken strong action to ban unsolicited door-to-door sales for energy-efficient products. By doing so, they hope to protect households from falling victim to unwanted sales pitches while still allowing consumers to access valuable energy-saving solutions on their own terms.

What Does the Ban Cover?

The ban prohibits companies from knocking on doors without prior consent from the household. Under the new rules, businesses are also no longer allowed to cold-call potential customers to sell energy-efficient upgrades. Any company participating in the VEU program must now get the homeowner’s approval before initiating any sales outreach. This approach is designed to foster transparency and ensure that consumers have a chance to make informed decisions without feeling pressured.

This prohibition is part of a larger framework aimed at improving consumer protection in the energy sector. Telemarketing restrictions had already been introduced in May 2024, and the door-to-door ban complements those efforts. Together, these measures mark a shift away from high-pressure sales environments and towards more ethical, transparent marketing strategies.

The Role of the VEU Program

The Victorian Energy Upgrades program has been a cornerstone of the state’s push towards energy efficiency and sustainability. The initiative offers significant discounts on energy-saving products, helping households and businesses reduce their carbon footprint while saving money on utility bills. However, as with any large-scale program, there have been challenges with implementation—chief among them, the methods some companies have used to promote the upgrades.

With the door-knocking ban, the Victorian government seeks to maintain the program’s benefits while ensuring that the consumer experience is more positive. Consumers will still have access to the same energy-saving products and services, but they will no longer be subjected to unwanted visits or aggressive sales tactics. Instead, they can seek out reputable service providers when they are ready, ensuring a more balanced, customer-friendly approach to energy upgrades.

The Impact on Consumers

For consumers, the ban offers several key benefits:

  1. Reduced Pressure: Homeowners will no longer need to worry about opening the door to pushy salespeople, allowing them to make energy-related decisions at their own pace. This is especially important for vulnerable groups who may have previously felt coerced into making commitments on the spot.
  2. Improved Trust: By eliminating high-pressure tactics, the government hopes to foster greater trust in the VEU program and in energy companies more generally. Consumers can feel more confident in their decisions, knowing that they won’t be pressured into making snap judgments.
  3. Informed Decisions: The ban encourages consumers to take the time to properly research their options, ensuring that they choose the energy solutions that are right for them. This will likely lead to more informed, thoughtful investments in energy efficiency, as consumers can compare products and providers without feeling rushed.
  4. Protection for Vulnerable Populations: Perhaps most importantly, the ban safeguards elderly residents, non-native English speakers, and others who are more susceptible to high-pressure tactics. These groups are often the primary targets of unsolicited door-to-door sales, and the ban ensures they are no longer put in uncomfortable or compromising situations.

What Does This Mean for Energy Companies?

For businesses operating within the Victorian Energy Upgrades program, the door-to-door sales ban represents a significant shift in marketing strategy. Previously, many companies relied on face-to-face interactions to generate leads and secure sales. Now, they must adapt to a new reality where direct engagement with consumers will be more limited.

This doesn’t mean that companies can no longer promote energy-efficient upgrades. Rather, they must do so through more transparent, customer-initiated channels. Instead of knocking on doors or making cold calls, businesses will need to focus on digital marketing, partnerships with trusted retailers, and providing clear, accessible information on their websites. While this may initially seem like a restriction, it actually offers an opportunity for companies to build more meaningful, long-term relationships with their customers based on trust and transparency.

How to Report Violations

If consumers in Victoria encounter businesses violating the new door-knocking or telemarketing restrictions, they are encouraged to report the breaches. Complaints can be lodged with the Essential Services Commission, which is responsible for enforcing the ban. Victorians can also reach out to consumer advocacy groups or their local government offices for assistance.

The government has made it clear that it will take violations seriously, with penalties in place for companies that fail to comply. The ban is intended to create a safer, more transparent marketplace, and businesses that don’t adhere to the rules risk damaging their reputation and facing legal consequences.

How Can Consumers Benefit from the VEU Program Now?

The ban on door-to-door sales doesn’t mean that consumers can’t access the benefits of the VEU program. In fact, the Victorian government remains committed to helping households and businesses reduce their energy consumption and lower their electricity bills. Here’s how you can still take advantage of the program:

  1. Do Your Research: Instead of waiting for a knock at the door, homeowners should proactively seek out information about energy-efficient products and services. Many companies offer detailed resources online, allowing you to compare options and make informed decisions.
  2. Look for Reputable Providers: The VEU program is filled with legitimate, trustworthy businesses, but consumers should be wary of any company that seems too pushy or vague about its offerings. Be sure to read reviews, ask for recommendations, and choose providers with a proven track record of success.
  3. Contact Providers Directly: If you’re interested in upgrading your home’s energy efficiency, reach out to certified businesses directly. This ensures that you’ll be dealing with professionals who are following the new guidelines and offering services that align with your needs.
  4. Stay Informed: The Victorian government regularly updates its guidelines and provides resources to help consumers navigate the VEU program. Keep an eye on official websites and government communications to stay up to date on the latest information and offerings.

A Step Towards a Safer, More Transparent Future

The ban on door-to-door sales for energy-efficient upgrades marks a major step forward in consumer protection. By removing high-pressure sales tactics from the equation, the Victorian government is helping to create a marketplace that prioritises informed decision-making and customer satisfaction. Consumers can now explore energy-efficient solutions without feeling rushed or misled, ensuring that they make the best choices for their homes and their budgets.

At the same time, the ban challenges companies to rethink their marketing strategies and focus on building trust with their customers. In the long run, this shift will likely lead to a healthier, more sustainable relationship between businesses and consumers, benefiting everyone involved.

For more information on the ban and how to take advantage of the Victorian Energy Upgrades program, visit the official Victorian Energy Upgrades website.


By taking this consumer-friendly approach and banning door-to-door sales, Victoria is setting an example for other regions, emphasising that the road to sustainability doesn’t need to be paved with pressure and misleading tactics. This ban provides a blueprint for how energy programs can balance accessibility with ethical marketing, ensuring that everyone benefits from the shift towards a greener, more energy-efficient future.

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email