Utility Rate Switch Program Identified As A Scam

HARTFORD — Attorney General Richard Blumenthal warned consumers to be suspicious of any unexpected solicitation callers or visitors claiming to represent Connecticut Light & Power (CL&P) and offering to lower electric rates.

The solicitors may actually be representatives of competing suppliers seeking to switch consumers, without proper consent, by accessing their utility account information.

A consumer recently reported an incident to Mr Blumenthal’s office in which she received a call from someone claiming to be from CL&P stating that he could reduce her electric bill. The caller requested her account number to make the switch. The marketer provided his CL&P “badge number” as proof and a number to reach him (a New Jersey number).

The consumer hung up without providing the information and then looked up and called CL&P’s legitimate number to confirm the caller was not associated with CL&P. The call is similar to recent door-to-door solicitations by people claiming to represent CL&P. The solicitors typically offer to switch the consumer’s electric supplier or otherwise lower the consumer’s bill.

Mr Blumenthal, who is also a US Senate candidate, said the Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC) is currently conducting a code of conduct proceeding to set new rules for suppliers and aggregators — including assurances that sales representatives don’t mislead consumers.

“These callers and visitors make flagrantly false claims about what company they represent — and then use personal account information to surreptitiously switch a consumer’s supplier without their consent,” Mr Blumenthal said. “The lesson from this scheme is the same as all others — never provide private information to unsolicited or unknown callers or visitors. Protect your private information fiercely, even when offers claim to come from legitimate sources — including companies in which you have ongoing business relationships.”

Mr Blumenthal reiterated recent warnings by utility companies that consumers should know or do the following if they receive such solicitations:

*Hang up the phone or decline a door-to-door offer, even if the caller claims some form of proof, such as a “badge number” from the utility company. Call the company directly — using the number on your bill or from the phone book — to confirm any offers.

*Never provide personal financial information to any unsolicited caller or visitor, even if the caller seems legitimate.

*Report the incident to local police.

*Remember that CL&P does not conduct such solicitation calls or visits.