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Watchdog group to Nevada AG: Investigate mysterious 'renewable energy' notices

Posted at 4:08 PM, Nov 12, 2018
and last updated 2018-11-13 02:37:08-05

A consumer watchdog group has asked the Nevada Attorney General's office to investigate some mysterious renewable energy notices that have popped up on dozens of Las Vegas valley homes.

"When I saw the language that was used, I was immediately suspicious," said Allan Eaton, who received the yellow notice on his home.

The notices are addressed to NV Energy customers, cites a state law, and leaves a phone number to call.

The language has lead some to think it was coming from NV Energy, but the utility company says it is not affiliated with the fliers.

"What we found is that across the country, consumers are upset with how rooftop solar companies are treating them," said Daniel Stevens, the executive director for Campaign for Accountability.

Stevens says the watchdog group has been investigating complaints from consumers since 2016.

The group has received similar complaints in Florida, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California.

Stevens says the fliers, which were highlighted by 13 Action News in September, are alarming.

"If someone picks up one of these flyers are out of their mailbox, or on their front door, it looks like the utility company saying they need to change their practices," said Stevens.

"In fact, that is misleading," he added.

"It seems like the phone number associated with these fliers is tied to a Vivint salesperson," said Stevens.

13 Action News called the number on the notice in September, and a man by the name of Joseph said he was with Vivint Solar.

At the time, a Vivint Solar spokesperson said the company was launching an investigation adding the use of the fliers is not in line with policy, however, the fliers may have been used by their Nevada dealers.

The spokesperson added any employee caught using such methods would face discipline, which may include termination.

Campaign for Accountability has sent a formal request to the Nevada Attorney General's Office to investigate the fliers as a potential violation of Nevada's Deceptive Trade Practices Act.

A spokesperson for the Nevada Attorney General's Office says, as a matter of policy, the agency cannot confirm nor deny any ongoing or potential investigation.

The agency does take these matters extremely seriously and would like to hear about similar complaints.

SUBMIT A CONSUMER COMPLAINT TO THE NEVADA ATTORNEY GENERAL HERE

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