Eversource Warns Stonington Customers of Fake Company “Representatives”

BERLIN, CT – Eversource is warning customers to be on the lookout for people posing as representatives of the company.

Eversource business and residential customers across the state continue to report unsolicited phone calls and home visits from individuals selling “discounted power,” claiming to be representatives or partners of the company, according to a release. In light of this, Eversource is warning customers that these individuals are not affiliated with them.

The company said these people are most likely either scammers or third-party suppliers choosing to use deceptive marketing tactics.

“If you’re receiving phone calls from someone saying they’re a ‘representative’ of Eversource and offering to sell you discounted power, this is not us," said Eversource Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer Penni Conner. "We are a regulated delivery company and don't market electricity supply to our customers. Though electricity customers in Connecticut do have the option of choosing a competitive energy supplier, and most competitive suppliers do follow the rules, we urge customers to do their due diligence and check the validity of any company or offer being made.”

Eversource rarely makes unsolicited phone calls and never solicits door-to-door on behalf of a competitive supplier. All employees additionally carry company-issued identification.

Any electrical contractors working with the company must carry documentation explaining the nature and location of their work. Customers can always call Eversource to verify this information.

Customers considering a switch to a third-party supplier are urged to evaluate factors such as the length and terms of a contract with a supplier, cancellation fees or other related information before providing any financial or account information. The Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority licenses competitive suppliers in the state and maintains a list of current offers available from suppliers.

Eversource has also provided a list of reminders when dealing with these situations:

• Never provide a copy of your utility bill or account information to any unsolicited person on the phone, at the door, or online, particularly if you question their legitimacy.
• Customers can verify they are speaking with an Eversource representative by asking for some basic information about their account like the name on the account, the account address, and the exact balance due.
• If you don’t feel comfortable, close the door or hang up the phone.

The company urges anyone who believes they are the target of improper solicitation to contact them immediately at 1-800-286-2000. The company tracks these types of customer concerns and reports them to state regulators.

The Eversource website provides more information on how to protect personal information and avoid becoming a victim of utility scams.