What to Do When an Energy Salesperson Comes to Your Door

You're halfway through your afternoon cuppa when there's a knock at the door. It's not a friend or a delivery driver—but rather, someone holding a clipboard and ready to talk to you about your energy plan. While door-to-door energy sales might seem like a relic of the past, they're still common across parts of Australia.

Some salespeople might be offering a genuinely competitive deal. Others, however, may pressure you into signing a contract without giving you enough time—or information—to make an informed decision. So, what should you do when an energy salesperson appears at your door? Here's what you need to know.

Are Door-to-Door Energy Sales Legal in Australia?

Yes. Door-to-door sales are still legal across Australia, including for energy retailers. However, these salespeople must follow strict rules under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL).

When someone visits your home to promote an energy offer, they're required to tell you their name, the company they represent, and the reason for their visit. They must also let you know that you can ask them to leave at any time—and once you do, they must leave immediately and not return for at least 30 days.

To avoid these visits altogether, you can place a "Do Not Knock", similar to the do not call list for energy providers, sticker on your front door. These can be downloaded for free from the ACCC website. If a salesperson ignores your sticker, visits outside the permitted hours, or refuses to leave, they may be in breach of the law—and could be trespassing.

Is It a Scam or a Legitimate Offer?

While some door-to-door representatives may work for reputable energy companies, unfortunately, not all are trustworthy. It's important to be aware of potential scams. If a salesperson refuses to show ID, pressures you to sign immediately, or makes promises that sound too good to be true, that's a red flag.

Trustworthy reps will be upfront about who they work for and what they're offering. Be cautious if they:

If something feels off, you can report suspicious activity to Scamwatch, your local consumer protection agency, or the ACCC.

What to Ask an Energy Salesperson

If you decide to engage with the salesperson, you should be equipped to ask the right questions. Don't rely solely on what they say—ask for the details in writing and take your time to read them later.

Remember: under the ACL, you're entitled to a 10-day cooling-off period once you agree to any energy contract signed at your home. During this time, you can cancel the contract with no penalties—no questions asked.

Do Energy Companies Still Use Door Knockers?

Many of Australia's major energy providers have phased out door-to-door sales, largely due to customer complaints and past breaches of consumer law. However, some smaller or newer retailers still use this method to attract customers. In many cases, the salesperson you're speaking with may not work directly for the energy retailer—they may be employed by a third-party marketing agency hired to sell on their behalf.

If you're ever unsure whether the rep is legitimate, don't hesitate to close the door or request more information in writing.

Should You Sign Up to an Energy Deal at the Door?

While some energy door knockers may offer genuinely competitive deals—particularly if you've never switched providers or are on a costly standing offer—you're under no obligation to sign up on the spot. In fact, we strongly recommend you don't.

Because these visits are unexpected, it's easy to feel caught off guard or pressured into agreeing to something without understanding the full picture. Instead of signing immediately, ask the salesperson to leave their contact details or a copy of the plan so you can review it in your own time.

Once you've got the details, compare the offer against others in the market. Prices, discounts, and benefits can vary significantly between energy providers—so it's worth doing your homework.

By Savannah Walker

Energy & Telecom SEO Specialist

Savannah Walker is Selectra’s SEO Project Manager and Editor, leading the team that focuses on energy, telecommunications and consumer technology, across news, reviews and how-tos.