Reports continue to come in about door-to-door salespeople and telemarketers falsely claiming to be working for or with Rocky Mountain Power while pressuring homeowners to buy rooftop solar systems. The salespeople are exploiting the prospect of a possible rate change for rooftop solar customers to pressure homeowners to buy solar panels immediately.

“Rocky Mountain Power supports and provides solar choices but does not endorse or affiliate with any solar installation companies,” said Cindy Crane, Rocky Mountain Power president and CEO. “Our top priority is to protect customers from misleading or false sales claims.”

The Utah Division of Consumer Protection issued a warning on January 3 about telemarketers pretending to be from a fake state government agency to sell solar panels. The salespeople claimed to be from the “Utah Public Utilities Commission” and that homeowner must act right away to receive special pricing.  The entire warning and helpful tips can be seen here <http://commerce.utah.gov/releases/17-01-03_dcp-solar-energy-imposter-scam.pdf>.

Utah has many professional and honest rooftop solar developers and installers but Rocky Mountain Power has created a Warning Signs <http://utahsolarworks.com/warning-signs-consider-choosing-rooftop-solar-installer/> website to help consumers recognize some of the misleading tactics being used by some salespeople. The website instructs customers to call Rocky Mountain Power at 1-888-221-7070 to verify if someone works for the energy company or to report someone fraudulently representing the utility.

“The Utah Solar Energy Association has been vigilant in its efforts to address the few bad actors who are making misleading claims to potential rooftop solar customers,” said Ryan Evans, Utah Solar Energy Association president. “Adhering to the highest standards of providing accurate information is in the best interests of our customers and the solar industry.”

Consumers should do their homework before making a major financial investment like rooftop solar panels.  Rocky Mountain Power has created a checklist  <https://www.rockymountainpower.net/content/dam/rocky_mountain_power/doc/Efficiency_Environment/Net_Metering_Customer_Generation/RMP_Rooftop_Solar_Checklist_short.pdf> for homeowners who are considering purchasing rooftop solar panels. The checklist helps a consumer determine whether an issue is the responsibility of the homeowner or the installer and whether more information is needed.

Rocky Mountain Power contacted one customer about an application for a solar installation because it had not been signed. The customer said she did not sign the application because she did not submit it or approve the installation.

The Utah Solar Association has also created a buyers guide <http://utsolar.org/solar-buyers-guide/> with helpful tips and links. Homeowners are also encouraged to contact Rocky Mountain Power, the Utah Division of Consumer Protection<http://www.dcp.utah.gov/> or the Utah Better Business Bureau<http://www.bbb.org/utah/> before signing a contract.

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