ACM and civil-society organizations issue joint warning: beware of shady sellers of energy products

The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) and four Dutch civil-society organizations (the Dutch Consumers’ Association, the Fraud Help Desk, the Legal Help Desk, and the Dutch Homeowners Association VEH) receive more and more reports about shady sellers of home batteries, heat pumps, and sustainability consulting services. Therefore, these organizations have joined forces, and, on 2 November, ACM has launched the awareness campaign ‘End that conversation. Start your own investigation’ (in Dutch: 'Stop het gesprek. Start je eigen check’).

The reports and tip-offs that these organizations receive about shady sellers vary considerably: ranging from individuals that pay hundreds of euros for misleading sustainability consulting services, to seniors that wish to make their homes more sustainable but who are misled in those efforts, and sign contracts for expensive energy products, such as home batteries that cost more than 20,000 euros each (or even as much as 50,000 euros). ACM has launched this awareness campaign at the start of Climate Week to warn against shady businesses and to help individuals take back control. The campaign includes a radio ad, social media, and online articles.

An ACM study among 1,800 respondents has revealed that almost half of all individuals have been approached (either over the phone or at the door) by sellers of solar panels (33 percent), home batteries (30 percent), sustainability consulting services (29 percent), and heat pumps (18 percent). The study also reveals that many people wish to make their homes more sustainable, but find it difficult to make the right choice. Of all respondents, 37 percent wish to make their homes more sustainable. Of this group, 65 percent say they wish to take multiple small and large measures. At the same time, 42 percent believe that there are too many options, which makes it difficult to make the right choice. Among individuals that struggle financially, that percentage is even higher (53 percent). Moreover, of that group, 45 percent say they feel they need to make their homes more sustainable quickly, out of fear of energy becoming unaffordable otherwise.

Sellers take advantage of the uncertainty on the energy market

The high energy costs, the discontinuation of the net metering scheme from 1 January 2027, and the wide selection of sustainability products raise questions among people. Shady sellers take advantage of that uncertainty and pressure to lure consumers with misleading sales pitches into making a purchase. That is why the organizations call on consumers not to accept an offer at the door or over the phone just like that, but to find out themselves what is good for their homes.

Manon Leijten, Member of the Board of ACM, adds: “It’s good that people take measures to make their homes more sustainable and to reduce their energy costs. Home batteries, heat pumps, or new energy contracts are major purchases. That is why these kinds of products are not suitable for being sold over the phone or at the door. With this campaign, ACM is warning people against this, and we even encourage them to do their own research at their own pace.”

How shady sellers operate

People that have filed reports about deceptive sales over the phone or at the door say that, initially, sellers often come across as friendly, professional, and trustworthy. They have information about people´s homes or energy consumption patterns, or they pretend to work together with energy companies or the municipality.

These sellers then make misleading promises or put pressure on people: they claim the investment of a home battery can be recouped quickly, a subsidy scheme will end soon, or a certain discount can only be offered today. That is how they try to have people make decisions without doing proper research. In addition, they often withhold important information or they pretend a signature or down payment is only needed for a free consultation with no obligations. In addition, people also report that, when cancelling, they need to take great pains to get their down payments back.

End that conversation. Start your own investigation.

Is someone making you an unexpected offer over the phone or at the door? Hang up the phone, or close the door. Find out first what your home needs. Many municipalities have energy information desks or independent energy coaches. These often help you for free, offering you insight into your energy consumption, appropriate measures, and possible subsidies. Go to your municipality’s official website for assistance and advice in your area.

If you do decide to hire a provider for an energy product or advice, always be sure to compare multiple providers, to compare the trustworthiness of the company, and to discuss your plans with friends or neighbors. When searching online, be sure to stay alert when checking special deals, ads, and websites with promises that are too good to be true.

Call on consumers during the Climate Week

During the Climate Week, from 2 November through 8 November, activities across the Netherlands are held to help individuals make their homes more sustainable. It is important that sustainability and cost-saving opportunities are available to everyone. That is why ACM has launched this awareness campaign at the start of Climate Week.

On the website acm.nl/stophetgesprek, people can find examples of misleading sales pitches as well as practical tips for finding out yourself what cost-saving and sustainability measures are useful. In addition, people can find information on what you can do if you do accept an offer and you wish to cancel it. Also, ACM calls on people to report misleading sales pitches, unsolicited phone calls, and situations where they experienced pressure to make a purchase, even if they ultimately did not buy anything. On the campaign page, people can find information about where they can file reports, ask questions, or seek assistance.

See also

• Awareness campaign website for ‘Stop het gesprek’ (in Dutch)