New Hampshire Consumer Advocate Issues Alert to Electric Customers Over Telemarketing

The New Hampshire Office of the Consumer Advocate (OCA) yesterday issued an alert reminding customers that, "telemarketers offering a new rate or discount on your electricity bill must follow Public Utilities Commission's Consumer Protection rules."

"For example, the telemarketer must:

• Clearly identify which company he or she represents;

• State the telephone number or address at which the company can be reached; and

• Maintain a Do Not Call List."

"The telemarketer should be able to inform you of their electric supply rates or discounts WITHOUT requiring identifying account information. You only need to provide identifying account information (such as account number & name of your current electric provider) to the telemarketer if you choose to switch suppliers," the OCA informed customers.