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Have your say on planned telemarketing ban an increased compliance to reduce energy needs and emissions in Victorian homes

The Andrews Labor government will ban telemarketing for products under the VEU program, strengthen compliance, consult consumer groups, and reintroduce incentives for energy-efficient refrigerated cabinets.

By news@gippsland - 12th July 2023 - Back to News

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.

Share your thoughts on implementing a ban to curb industry misconduct in marketing VEU products and services

Enhancing consumer protections

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 will also commence on 1 July, improving compliance through measures like penalties for misconduct of third parties participating in the program.

The Essential Services Commission (ESC) has completed its review of the program's refrigerated cabinet activity, following its removal from the VEU last year. The Labor government is proposing to reintroduce incentives for energy-efficient refrigerated cabinets and will be consulting with stakeholders on further protections to complement their reintroduction.

The government is also working to further enhance the ESC's powers to promote the independent, robust certification of eligible products and to ensure suppliers do not benefit from providing inaccurate information to the regulator.

Have your say

Consultation papers on the telemarketing ban and reintroduction of refrigerated cabinets are now available for consumer and industry feedback submissions on the Engage Victoria website. 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 businesses 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 will no longer be available after July 1. To have your say visit, General public survey page.

Empowering energy consumers

Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D'Ambrosio said, "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. We have helped two million households and businesses slash their power bills through our nation-leading Victorian Energy Upgrades program as we work towards net zero by 2045."

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing said, "We know that high-pressure sales tactics are unwanted and can be really annoying - and we want to make sure that Victorians are getting a good deal without the pressure of constant calls. The VEU program has helped countless people across eastern Victoria to save money and run a more energy efficient household, and these reforms will help people to find the plan that works for them."

Pictures from Harriet Shing MP Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  A section of the Main Northern Channel near Brewers Hill Road, Maffra, damaged by wombats, has been repaired. Water will return to full capacity, and normal delivery will resume tomorrow.
• Martin Cameron demands Labor guarantee Traralgon PSOs won’t be removed amid redeployment to retail precincts
  Martin Cameron has urged the Allan Labor Government to guarantee PSOs won’t be removed from Traralgon, warning redeployment to shopping centres could compromise safety on the region’s already under-resourced rail network.
• Danny O'Brien condemns Labor for empty social housing amid growing waitlists and rental shortages in Gippsland
  Danny O'Brien has criticised Labor for leaving social housing vacant as waitlists grow, citing fewer homes, shrinking rental availability, rising costs, and failed policies driving investment away in Gippsland South.
• CFA faces critical staffing shortages in Gippsland as Labor government fails to act before dangerous fire season
  A new report reveals serious CFA staffing shortages in Gippsland, with vacancies, fatigue, and leadership gaps risking slower responses this dangerous fire season. Labor must act urgently.
• Danny O'Brien criticises Labor for closing Sale and Bairnsdale courts on non-sitting days, inconveniencing locals
  Danny O'Brien condemns the Labor government for closing Sale and Bairnsdale courts on non-sitting days, restricting public access and causing significant inconvenience for Gippsland communities who rely on local court assistance.
• Field and Game petition exceeds 12,000 signatures, prompting Victorian Parliament debate on firearm laws and community safety concerns
  A Field and Game Australia petition, supported by Melina Bath, surpasses 12,000 signatures, prompting Victorian Parliament debate on firearm laws, urging evidence-based policy and protecting law-abiding gun owners.
• Six-year Thurra River campground closure triggers renewed demands for urgent government action before summer
  Tim Bull says East Gippslanders face another summer without Thurra River’s main campground, urging the Minister to expedite long-delayed approvals after six years, stressing local businesses rely on its reopening.
• Martin Cameron condemns Labor for blocking Jack’s Law, pledges action to combat knife crime
  Martin Cameron condemned the Allan Labor government for blocking Jack’s Law, pledging to introduce it if elected, giving police powers to combat knife crime, following its success in other Australian states.
• Drouin Picnic Racing Club receives $13,519 upgrade boost through Allan Labor government's Regional Customer Facilities Program
  Drouin Picnic Racing Club will receive $13,519 to upgrade facilities and enhance race day experiences, part of the Allan Labor government's $730,000 investment improving regional racing venues statewide.
• Council urges transparent, community-focused approach for battery energy storage systems across Baw Baw
  Baw Baw Council raises concerns over proposed BESS projects, urging transparency, protection of prime agricultural land, community input, and stronger oversight of sites outside designated renewable energy zones.
• Melina Bath criticises Labor for six-year delay restoring Thurra River Campground after 2019-20 bushfires
  Eastern Victoria MP Melina Bath criticises Labor’s six-year delay restoring Thurra River Campground, highlighting unsafe facilities, limited capacity, and urgent need for infrastructure replacement to support local families and tourism.
• Danny O'Brien slams Labor for funding maintenance at Sale College instead of new campus
  Danny O'Brien has criticised Labor for allocating $273,175 in maintenance to Sale College, arguing funds should instead deliver the long-promised new consolidated campus the community has campaigned for since 2017.
• Melina Bath condemns Allan government, warns emergency services tax delay is political, not scrapped
  Melina Bath condemned the Allan Government for misleading regional Victorians, warning the emergency services tax delay is political, not scrapped, and calling for its full abolition to protect farmers and communities.
• Tim Bull slams government over firewood shortages, fuel loads and lack of practical solutions
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull has slammed government policy for firewood shortages, warning rising bush fuel loads pose serious risks, calling for extended collection areas, longer seasons and practical fire management.
• Tim Bull urges state government to fund Surf Life Saving, preventing East Gippsland ratepayers covering government shortfalls
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull urges state government to fund Surf Life Saving Victoria, warning councils face doubled contributions while new Emergency Services levy strains East Gippsland and Wellington budgets.
• Darren Chester urges federal support for forest scientists making Australia's sustainable native hardwood timber industry
  Darren Chester has urged the Albanese government to support credible forest scientists backing Australia's sustainable native hardwood timber industry, criticising activist influence and government bans harming regional jobs and communities.
• Michelle Garvan of Lakes Entrance honoured with national medals for outstanding dedication and service to community safety
  Six Victorian lifesavers have been awarded National Medals, recognising 15-25 years of dedicated volunteer service protecting the community and ensuring public safety in Australian waterways.
• Gippsland Water reaches 100 percent renewable electricity target, cutting emissions by 20,000 tonnes toward 2030 net zero
  Gippsland Water has achieved 100% renewable electricity by 2025, cutting 20,000 tonnes of emissions annually and advancing its ambitious goal of net zero emissions by 2030, 20 years ahead of schedule.