Illegal energy door-knockers fined

Illegal door-to-door selling has landed EnergyAustralia with a $1.2 million fine.

The Federal Court on Tuesday ordered the company pay the fine after sales people made "false and misleading" claims when knocking on doors in Victoria, Queensland and NSW.

Door-knockers for EnergyAustralia told residents they were from "the government" and could give them extra government benefits.

One sales person ignored a "Do not knock" sign and refused to leave the house.

The Federal Court agreed by consent to fine EnergyAustralia and the companies it used to hire door-knockers.

Australian Competition and Consumer Commission commissioner Sarah Court said it was another win in the commission's focus on door-to-door sales tactics in the energy industry.

Australian Power & Gas Company Limited had to pay $1.1 million for illegal door-to-door selling practices in 2013, while AGL had to pay $1.55 million.

Neighbourhood Energy was fined $1 million in 2012.