Electricity Salesmen Go Door-to-Door in the Area

Manayunk resident Thomas Elliot recently heard a knock at his door. 

When he answered, the person who knocked told Elliot that his area had been “red-flagged,” and he asked Elliot if he could see his electric bill. 

The man persisted, and Elliot said that the man implied that some sort of action needed to be taken.

The man Elliot was talking to turned out to be a salesman—an electricity salesman.

Pennsylvania recently deregulated its electricity industry.  You no longer have to buy your electricity from PECO or any other local provider. 

Electric companies from all over have begun to send people door-to-door to sell electricity.

So, here some tips from Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane's office in case you are approached by a door-to-door salesman:

• Utilities do not normally come to your door, unless you have called them.
• Ask for identification.
• Call the utility company to verify if they have a salesman in the area especially if the person claims to be a utility representative needing to get inside your home.
• Supplier representatives are required to prominently display a photo ID showing their name and the name of the supplier for whom they are working.
• Suppliers will only need your account information when you are ready to make the switch.