PUC Tells Customers to Be "Wary" of Door-to-Door Solicitors

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission issued a news release on Friday which, "remind[ed] Pennsylvania residents to be wary of door-to-door solicitors, noting that PUC personnel will never go door to door to target customers."

"If a person comes to your door and says he or she works for the PUC, that's an immediate red flag," said PUC Chairman Robert F. Powelson. "PUC employees will never cold call or come to your door, and they will never ask to see your electric meter or your utility bill. If a person comes to your door making that claim, you should immediately call the PUC and/or local authorities to report the incident."

"Since this winter's polar vortex and the significant electric generation price increases that resulted, some Pennsylvania residents have seen an increase in the number of door-to-door and telemarketing sales pitches from competitive electric suppliers. Additionally, some residents have been visited by solicitors posing as PUC personnel, requesting access to their electric meter and/or electric bill and offering an opportunity to save money," the PUC said.

"We want every consumer to have a positive shopping experience. We at the PUC will not pursue customers for information, and we encourage shoppers to carefully weigh offers from an electric generation supplier, ensuring they are legitimate before sharing any personal or account information," Chairman Powelson said. "When in doubt about an offer, turn away the solicitor and call the PUC to confirm the supplier information."