Connecticut Attorney General William Tong announced an investigation into EnergyBillCruncher for making false claims that the government would cover solar installation costs, misusing the state seal, and creating false urgency. The investigation seeks information on the company's ownership, consumer interactions, and partnerships. This is part of broader actions against deceptive solar sales tactics.
In-house legal teams should review all customer-facing agreements (including solar installation contracts, financing agreements, and lead generation partnerships) and vendor agreements with marketing/sales partners. Key clauses to scrutinize include: representations and warranties regarding government rebates or coverage; prohibitions on misuse of government seals or insignia; restrictions on creating false urgency (e.g., artificial deadlines); requirements for clear disclosure of partnerships; and audit rights for marketing materials. Contracts may need amendments to mandate pre-approval of all advertising, include explicit 'no government endorsement' disclaimers, and require partners to warrant compliance with state consumer protection laws. Vendor agreements should also include indemnification for deceptive marketing claims and robust cooperation clauses for regulatory inquiries.
Entity
EnergyBillCruncher.com
Also known as: EnergyBillCruncher
Industry
OtherOfficial Press Release
https://portal.ct.gov/ag/press-releases/2024-press-releases/attorney-general-tong-announces-investigation-into-energybillcruncher
2024 08 02 energybillcruncher letter.pdf?rev=f5c516e57d1f4df
https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/ag/press_releases/2024/2024-08-02-energybillcruncher-letter.pdf?rev=f5c516e57d1f4df8a7d17ca5eaae82bf&hash=6A831D0DDF6CAADC3DEB832938346811
Connecticut Attorney General Enforcement Page
https://portal.ct.gov/AG/Privacy/Privacy-Resources
$20K
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong announced a $20,000 settlement with EnergyBillCruncher.com for misleading solar marketing tactics, including false claims about government coverage, misuse of the state seal, and false urgency in social media ads. The company must cease these practices and notify its solar installer partners.
$500K
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong announced settlements with SunRun, Inc., Elevate Solar Solutions, and two salespeople over allegations of deceptive solar sales, including impersonating consumers and locking homeowners into long-term contracts without consent. SunRun must pay $300,000 and provide consumer relief; Elevate and the salespeople face a stated $200,000 penalty, with $100,000 suspended subject to ongoing compliance.
$8.0M
Connecticut announced an $8 million settlement with Mylan over allegations that it used agreements to delay generic EpiPen competitors and took other actions that inflated prices. Mylan also agreed to provide 10,000 free EpiPens; the release states that Mylan denies wrongdoing.
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong joined a coalition of 22 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief challenging DHS’s policy and practice of conducting warrantless civil immigration arrests. The press release describes a court challenge, not a privacy enforcement action or monetary penalty.
$625K
Connecticut reached a $625,000 settlement with Frontier Communications Parent Inc. over an April 2024 breach in which compromised employee and vendor credentials were used to access internal systems and exfiltrate unencrypted personal information of 58,841 Connecticut residents. The settlement requires Frontier to strengthen its security program, implement specific safeguards and training, and obtain an independent third-party assessment.
$2.6M
Connecticut and New York found that Boston Children’s Health Physicians and its security vendor, XTIUM, failed to use reasonable safeguards, resulting in hackers accessing sensitive personal, medical, and employee information. The companies agreed to pay penalties totaling $2.64 million and implement enhanced cybersecurity measures.