The Polish competition authority, UOKiK, has penalized Centrum Dotacji OZE for engaging in direct marketing without obtaining prior consent from consumers. The company, which previously operated under the name Eko Centrum, was found to have contacted consumers using purchased databases and algorithmically generated phone numbers.

UOKiK determined that the company was not merely scheduling meetings but was actively marketing services related to renewable energy installations. The authority imposed a fine of over 300,000 PLN on the company and an additional 100,000 PLN on its managing director, Adam Szymelfenig, for knowingly allowing these practices.

UOKiK's president, Tomasz Chróstny, stated that having a consumer's phone number does not equate to having their consent for marketing calls. Consent must be obtained beforehand and must be clear and voluntary. The authority highlighted that the company failed to demonstrate that it had prior consent from consumers for marketing communications.

The decision is not yet final, as both the company and the managing director have the right to appeal to the Court of Competition and Consumer Protection within a month of receiving the decision.