Energy marketing
You may be approached in person, by mail or by phone to
enter into an energy contract. You can contact EWON
for help with a complaint about any electricity or gas marketer
in New South Wales, including door-to-door salespeople and
telemarketers.
Marketing Code of Conduct
The Marketing Code of Conduct regulates all marketing of
energy contracts. You can contact us if you have a complaint
about a marketer that you have not been able to resolve. Generally, we would expect you to have tried to sort out
your complaint with the supplier first. Before contacting
your supplier, have a look at some of our tips for dealing with your supplier. See also your rights and obligations.
Take your time
If an energy marketer approaches you with a contract, take
the time you need before agreeing to sign anything. You
may find a better deal from another electricity
or gas supplier, so shop around.
See choosing an energy contract
for further advice, and information on what to look out
for when comparing contracts.
Energy contracts are legally enforceable; make sure you
understand the terms and conditions. If you don't understand
something, ask your energy supplier or get independent advice
on what it means.
What to look out for
If a marketer makes a verbal offer to you, make sure the
offer is written into the contract. The law says that only
things written in the contract terms and conditions form
part of the contract.
Door-to-door salespeople may come to your home or business
with a contract ready to sign. If the contract is signed
by someone other than the account holder, for example your
spouse, flat mate or an employee, the supplier may still
take this as binding. Contact
us for more information.
If you have received an offer in the mail and have called
the company to accept the contract, this may still be a
binding contract, even if you did not sign anything. Check
with your electricity or gas
supplier if you are concerned about this, or contact
us.
Consumer protection
If you do decide to sign, remember any contract you enter
into has a 10 day cooling off period. During this time you
can cancel the contract and stay with your current provider.
You will not need to pay any cancellation fees if you cancel
in writing.
There are other protection mechanisms to ensure you are
not pressured into changing energy providers. If you have
any questions about the marketing practices of a door-to-door
salesperson, you should contact the supplier to report the
matter. If you are not satisfied with their response, you
can contact us.
