Beware of phone scammers posing as PUC bill collectors

The PUC is warning the public about a phone scam in the Sault Ste. Marie service area.

The caller demands a payment for outstanding balances on electricity bills and threatens to cut off the customer's power unless immediate payment is made by credit card or another form.

PUC says it does not threaten customers with immediate disconnection and customers who are in arrears receive multiple notifications via their bill, over the phone and through the mail, well before disconnection is considered.

Additionally, your home cannot be disconnected during the winter. Licensed electricity utilities are banned by the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) from disconnecting residential customers for non-payment during the winter months, from Nov. 15 to April 30.

Customers should report fraudulent calls to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.

Anyone with questions about their PUC account can contact the Customer Experience team at 705-759-6522 or 705-759-6555 for after-hour emergencies.

For additional information on how to pay your bills, including e-billing, click here or download the MyPUC App.