A regulator is taking power and gas company Sumo to court for allegedly illegally going door-to-door selling energy contracts.
It is illegal to call on customers at their homes to negotiate gas or electricity contracts in Victoria.
On Wednesday, the Essential Services Commission launched Supreme Court action alleging Sumo unlawfully doorknocked more than 5900 people between December 31, 2021 and August 12, 2022.
The commission also claims Sumo had an agreement with third parties who conducted the marketing and signed up several customers to energy plans without explicit informed consent.
"Sumo allegedly did not clearly, fully and adequately disclose in plain English all matters relevant to the consent of the affected customers," the regulator said in a statement.
"Including by obtaining signatures of customers who did not know they were signing new energy contracts".
It's the first time the regulator has launched court action seeking civil penalties.
