The energy company AGL has been ordered to pay $1.56 million for using illegal door-to-door sales tactics, while the marketing company that carried out the sales, CPM Australia, has been ordered to pay $200,000.

The Federal Court found that a CPM salesperson selling gas for AGL in Victoria misled consumers by telling them he was not trying to sell them anything and made false or misleading statements about pricing.

A second salesperson in South Australia was also found to have engaged in misleading and deceptive conduct.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) had initiated the court action against AGL.

In a statement ACCC Chairman Rod Sims said energy companies have been put on notice.

"These significant penalties send a clear message to businesses that do not adhere to their obligations under the Australian Consumer Law," he said.

"The ACCC will not hesitate to take action to protect consumers in their homes from unscrupulous sales tactics and enforce compliance with the laws."

The watchdog says it is continuing to target the conduct of energy companies going door to door.

It says proceedings are continuing against Energy Australia and four marketing companies it engaged for sales.