|
There has been a recent flurry of Energy Service Companies (ESCO) soliciting households. Although many of them are legitimate, there are some that may be less than honest.
If you are considering obtaining electricity and/or natural gas from a supplier other than your utility, please keep the following in mind:
Utilities do not conduct door-to-door marketing. This marketing technique is conducted only by independent, unregulated companies.
You can choose to receive or reject marketing and sales information.
Before inviting a door-to-door marketing representative into your home, or engaging in contract discussions, you should request identification that includes:
• The full name of the representative
• A photograph of the representative
• The full name, business address and telephone number of the company represented
It is unnecessary to provide the sales representative a copy of your utility bill or the account number unless you are interested in receiving an offer.
Ask questions. Request a written comparison of the price offered by the supplier and the utility. You should carefully review all contract terms before signing, including the fine print and fees for early termination. Read the fine print.
After signing a contract with an energy supplier, you have three business days to opt out of that contract.
A Public Service from the
NYS Consumer Protection Board
www.nysconsumer.gov
Advocating for and Empowering NY Consumers
|
