The Dutch competition authority (ACM), the Dutch Consumers’ Association, the Fraud Help Desk, the Legal Help Desk, and the Dutch Homeowners Association have joined forces after receiving increasing reports about questionable sellers of home batteries, heat pumps, and sustainability consulting services. On 2 November, at the start of Climate Week, ACM launched the awareness campaign “End that conversation. Start your own investigation,” using radio, social media, and online articles.

Reports describe consumers paying hundreds of euros for misleading sustainability advice, older people being misled into buying expensive products, and home batteries being sold for more than €20,000—and sometimes as much as €50,000. An ACM survey of 1,800 people found that nearly half had been approached at home or by phone by sellers of solar panels (33%), home batteries (30%), sustainability advice (29%), or heat pumps (18%).

The survey also found that 37% of respondents want to make their homes more sustainable, and 65% of that group are considering multiple measures. However, 42% say the number of options makes it difficult to choose; this rises to 53% among people experiencing financial hardship. Among that financially struggling group, 45% feel pressure to act quickly because they fear energy will otherwise become unaffordable.

ACM says sellers exploit uncertainty caused by high energy costs, the planned end of the net-metering scheme on 1 January 2027, and the wide range of available products. Reported tactics include claiming that a battery will quickly pay for itself, saying a subsidy is about to expire, or presenting a discount as available only that day. Sellers may withhold important information or misrepresent a signature or deposit as necessary only for a free, no-obligation consultation. Some consumers also report difficulty recovering deposits after cancelling.

The campaign advises consumers to end unexpected sales calls or close the door, then research what their home needs at their own pace. It recommends seeking independent help from municipal energy information desks or energy coaches, comparing providers, checking company reliability, and discussing decisions with friends or neighbors. ACM also encourages consumers to report misleading pitches, unsolicited calls, and pressure to buy, even if they did not make a purchase. The campaign website provides examples of sales tactics, practical advice, and information on cancellation and where to seek help.