Home energy contractor

[Jeffdbergman]

We just got a call form a company in Orlando that is offering government assistance to offset the Seco power increase. They want to do an energy audit on our home. What are your thoughts? Is this a scam?

[Carla B]

We get those calls from time to time. They don't identify the power company, they just say "Your power company." The last time I said I'd done an in-depth study on the rates and did not see an increase. They hung up.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

If you are concerned about how much increase in your power bill , I haven’t noticed one , but deco used to have a program for energy checks or I’m pretty sure they still have there program about cutting some power to your home during peak periods . What you received is a scam , like the water checkers, it’s been around for the 30 years I’ve lived in Florida

[villagetinker]

Be very careful about these calls, prior to moving to TV, and just for giggles, I went along with the caller. They had a "survey" of the house followed up with a meeting that showed several 'energy saving' options, since I was a register professional electrical engineer I saw through many of their claims, kept my wallet closed and left.
As noted above your electrical supplier will typically have a program to inspect your house and provide suggestions to lower your electrical bill, then it is completely up to you.

[retiredguy123]

We just got a call form a company in Orlando that is offering government assistance to offset the Seco power increase. They want to do an energy audit on our home. What are your thoughts? Is this a scam?
It's a scam.

[villagetinker]

Actually I thought the large power companies (Duke and Florida Power) had announced LOWER rates and since SECO buys power from these utilities they should be passing along any savings. I would call your supplier and ask them directly.

[noslices1]

Solar company trying to get you to buy solar

[camaguey48]

Don't do it, call the power company. They'll do the audit. Florida Power and Light does it for their customers. Seco should to.

[Aqtlow]

For what it’s worth, anyone who does a cold call or ( contacts you ) typically is a scam or a sales person that wants to take advantage of you not knowing something about Florida. The free water test, the landscaper with a extra palm tree to sell, etc. We did not just fall off the turnept truck and land here, so do your research , talk to your neighbors, people at the pool, and get feed back and prices before making a decision, you know look both ways before crossing the road.

[Windguy]

For what it’s worth, anyone who does a cold call or ( contacts you ) typically is a scam or a sales person that wants to take advantage of you not knowing something about Florida.
I wholeheartedly agree. I never deal with cold callers. As a matter of fact, even when I get a call from someone claiming they are from a company I do business with, I ask them where on their web site I can find the number I should call so *I* can initiate the conversation.

For instance, Florida Blue wants to do a heath assessment for me. One of the first things they ask is what is my birthday so I can prove I am me. They called me! So, I politely tell them that anyone could call me and claim they were calling from Florida Blue and that I am NOT giving my birth date to a stranger who initiates contact. They understand, but sound disappointed.

Never, ever do business with someone who initiates contact. If we all do that, then businesses would find it is no longer financially viable and we would no longer get these annoying calls.

[arbajeda]

We just got a call form a company in Orlando that is offering government assistance to offset the Seco power increase. They want to do an energy audit on our home. What are your thoughts? Is this a scam?

Yes, it is.

[Chatbrat]

Not just energy contractors, NO unsolicited calls, knocks on the door, etc.--your personal info are keys that they are really looking for ? And for your personal financial security stop using DEBIT cards

[Nucky]

Very Good that you asked others. That's what the Forum is here for.

Hang up on them without any polite response to any question they ask. Block the number they called on. Mark Yourself down for one smart person! Good Job!

[Pedrocarrasco01@yahoo.com]

Don't do it, call the power company. They'll do the audit. Florida Power and Light does it for their customers. Seco should to.

Sounds to me like someone is trying to sell you something, we have Duke power, they did a free analysis and suggested an automated cut off on water heater and AC, they performed the changes at no cost to me and are happy with the results, don’t notice any changes at all, and it’s saving me money every month. The calls that that you are getting are to sell you a solar system. Stay Away from them!!!!!!!

[riley2011]

Yes, it’s a scam.

[dplars]

Use SECO...if you are served by them, No fees goo service.

[PugMom]

we got this call within 3 months of home purchase. i spoke to the caller, a nice girl, and chatted out the true reason for her call: she was representing a solar energy company. although she was a kind person, it was clear she didnt understand all about how the company works. i politely declined. thats been 2 years, i havent heard from them since.
(due to the number of calls from several companies, i got the impression these businesses must have a sale or purchase list they refer to because other village newbs like myself were getting the same calls.) i'm going off topic but,---
the real hard sellers are the water filtration companies. they send a gift card thru the mail, usually for a free or discounted meal in exchange for an in home presentation. @ your house, they mix a few chemicals to get a visible reaction, then tell you the water isnt safe to drink. they may even have pics of damaged pipes & corrosion to further frighten you. even after you may purchase one from a competitor, they still call to get you to switch to their company for 1 reason or another

[dwhite5773]

If you are a SECO customer/member you are part of an electric cooperative. That said you do not have the option of choosing 2nd and 3rd party suppliers as Duke, FPL, AEP... customers do (the reason they are probably wanting you to perform such audit). So, that said all you need to do is tell them you are a Co-op member and hang up! As for energy audits it would be nice if SECO provided them, but overall the cost of energy, energy efficiency built into homes in TV, etc. it’s really not necessary.

[Idaholady]

If I don’t recognize a number, I don’t answer the call. If it’s important (or not) they can leave me a message and I can decide whether or not to respond. I then block the number on my phone.

[EviesGP]

Got the same call yesterday. After saying I didn't notice any significant increase, and that my bills are paid electronically, they persisted. I hung up. QED