PUC issues warning regarding door-to-door sales

PUC Services issued a warning today regarding door-to-door salespeople in the area attempting to sell solar panels to residents.

"PUC is not affiliated with Sunwave or any company that goes door-to-door selling products, nor would PUC show up at your home unannounced, asking to see your bill," a PUC news release states.

Full text of the release follows:

PUC Services has been receiving phone calls and emails from customers reporting that salespeople from southern Ontario are going door to-door offering to sell solar panels. 

The salespeople are requesting to see the customer's PUC bills as well.  

PUC is not affiliated with Sunwave or any company that goes door-to-door selling products, nor would PUC show up at your home unannounced, asking to see your bill. We recommend that you never share your bill or any personal information with someone who comes to your door uninvited. 

The provincial government recently changed the rules for door-to door salespeople.  

Certain products and services can no longer be offered or sold at your home unless you initiate the transaction (for example, by calling or emailing a business and asking them to come to your  home for the purpose of entering into a contract.) There are some exceptions, including  instances where you already have a contract in place. 

These restricted products and services include:

• furnaces
• air conditioners
• air cleaners 
• air purifiers
• water heaters
• water treatment devices
• water purifiers
• water filters
• water softeners
• duct cleaning services
• any good or service that performs or combines one or more of the above functions

Businesses will be able to enter into a contract at your home if you contact them ahead of time  and invited them to your home for the purpose of buying or leasing one of the restricted  products and services. 

If you call for a repair, maintenance, an energy assessment, or any reason other than entering  into a contract for one of these items and the business comes to your home, the business  cannot enter into a new contract with you. They will only be able to leave information about the products and services they offer.