HARTFORD, Conn — The state of Connecticut has settled with EnergyBillCruncher.com for $20,000 to resolve an investigation regarding false social media claims, as was announced on Thursday by Attorney General William Tong.
EnergyBillCruncher is a referral service generating leads for solar installers; their advertisements generated 1,456 inquiries from Connecticut customers, which they shared with installers, according to Tong.
The referral service launched social media adds claiming the government would cover the cost to install solar. It also inappropriately used the Connecticut state seal and created a false sense of urgency by claiming homeowners had to commit before a specific date.
In a release, Tong emphasized that Connecticut state government does not endorse any solar company or program. Some solar installations may have no up-front cost, and tax credits may be available, but free solar systems do not regularly exist.
For each homeowner, the costs and benefits of a solar system vary, so consumers are encouraged to do their own research to determine if investing in solar is a wise choice.
Beyond paying $20,000, EnergyBillCruncher must stop its misleading marketing tactics, which have included false deadlines, misuse of the state seal and false representations regarding government payments. The company must make each solar company it contracts with aware of these terms.
Tong said the state is forcing EnergyBillCruncher to end their misleading advertisements, which duped hundreds of customers with false promises and fake deadlines.
“Energy bills are through the roof right now, and it makes sense that a lot of families are looking for ways to control their costs,” tong said. “Solar may be a good option, but it’s not free and it’s not right for every home. Consumers need accurate, honest information, and time to do their research free from high pressure, deceptive tactics.”
Tong and the state have taken a series of actions pertaining to unfair solar panel tactics. Earlier this month, Tong announced that a Hartford Superior Court judge imposed a $5 million stipulated judgment against Vision Solar to settle the lawsuit brought to Tong’s office over high-pressure sales tactics, misrepresentations, delays and unpermitted work.
While Vision Solar filed for bankruptcy and does not have sufficient assets to pay the judgement, Tong hopes the ruling delivered a clear message to other solar companies operating in a similar manner.
Tong also sued SunRun, Inc.; SunRun Installation Services; Bright Planet Solar, Inc.; Elevate Solar Solutions LLC and salespeople Dakota Grumet and Sierra Howes with allegations of deceptive, unfair and otherwise illegal sales of solar panel systems. Their tactics allegedly included locking customers into long-term contracts without consent by various means, including impersonating consumers and installing non-functional systems.
Tong and the state Department of Consumer Protection announced in 2022 an investigation and enforcement action against Solar Wolf Energy over failures to complete, or even begin, promised work. Now, Solar Wolf is blocked from doing business in Connecticut because of a court order. The company has since filed for bankruptcy.
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Dalton Zbierski is a digital content producer and writer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dzbierski@FOX61.com.
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