Astra Green Solutions Pty Ltd (trading as Astra Green) has been penalised $69,231 for breaching a ban on cold-call telemarketing in the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program.
This coincides with the one-year anniversary of the VEU telemarketing ban and sends a strong message to all VEU accredited businesses – they must ensure anyone working on their behalf complies with the program’s rules.
The commission alleges Astra Green acquired consumer contact details through unsolicited marketing phone calls conducted by overseas businesses, between May and June 2024.
Under the telemarketing and doorknocking bans, businesses must get consumer consent before phoning or visiting them to market VEU energy efficient upgrades, products and services.
The Essential Services Commission has:
served three penalty notices on Astra Green, totalling $69,231
ordered the surrender of 28 Victorian energy efficiency certificates which are allegedly non-compliant, valued at around $3,000.
New data shows the ban is working – complaints have dropped sharply, with telemarketing down 24% and doorknocking down 75%. Where cold calling persists, the commission will investigate and take action to protect consumers.
The commission encourages consumers and industry to report breaches of VEU program rules by calling 03 9032 1310 or emailing veu@esc.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Essential Services Commission Chairperson and Commissioner Gerard Brody
“Telemarketing undermines consumer choice and trust in the VEU program. The ban was introduced to stamp out the practice and the Essential Services Commission is here to make sure it does just that.”
“Our action has prompted Astra Green to improve its practices and sends a strong message to all VEU accredited businesses – they must ensure anyone working on their behalf complies with the program’s rules. They can’t outsource their way out of the ban.”
Payment of a penalty notice by Astra Green is not an admission of a contravention of a civil penalty requirement. If the penalty is not paid, the commission may consider additional action.
About the Victorian Energy Upgrades program
The Victorian Energy Upgrades program helps Victorians reduce their energy bills and greenhouse gas emissions by providing access to discounted energy efficient products and services. The program also encourages investment, employment and innovation in industries that supply these products and services.
Large energy retailers are required to acquire and surrender Victorian energy efficiency certificates (certificates) to meet annual targets set in Victorian legislation. ‘Accredited persons’ that carry out eligible upgrade activities by installing energy-efficient products in residential or non-residential premises can create certificates.
