The Attorney Genera’s Consumer Protection Unit is warning of several instances where Delaware homeowners have received visits by salespersons who attempt to convince them to switch utility providers.
The salespersons claim the company they represent can guarantee lower prices, and have been described as acting aggressively in convincing homeowners to change their energy provider by signing a contract on the spot. Consumers who resisted the sales pitch have reported being told that they would be contacted by additional sales representatives. Some consumers have found door-to-door solicitors at their door on multiple occasions.
“Consumers should be very careful when being approached by salespeople who make unsolicited visits to their homes,” said Attorney General Beau Biden. “Above all, always ask for identification, resist high pressure sales tactics, and carefully read any contract presented by a salesperson before signing it.”
In Delaware, energy services are open to competition. Visits that consumers receive may, in fact, be from representatives of legitimate companies who are licensed to sell power to Delaware consumers.
However, Delaware’s Home Solicitation Sales Act protects consumers from high-pressure door-to-door sales tactics and ambiguous or misleading contracts. That law also limits door-to-door sales to the hours of 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and requires door-to-door salespersons to prominently display a state-issued identification card.
As telemarketing restrictions have gone into place, developments have seen more door-to-door sales, with roofers, TV providers and home improvement contractors.
Biden advised customers to never share their utility bills with door-to-door salespeople, resist overly pushy pitches and never sign any contract on the spot.
Those with complaints can contact the Delaware Public Service Commission (PSC) which regulates utilities in the State. The PSC website provides information about energy deregulation in Delaware and a list of Delaware certified electric suppliers at http://depsc.delaware.gov/electric/elecsupplierinfo.pdf. Contact information for the agency is available on its website at http://www.depsc.delaware.gov/contact.shtml, and an online complaint form is posted online at http://smu.depsc.delaware.gov/cgi-bin/mail.php?frm_cmplnt.
Residents can also contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Unit, which enforces the Delaware Home Solicitation Sales Act, by calling its toll-free Consumer Hotline at 800-220-5424 or e-mailconsumer.protection@state.de.us.
