Penalty Amount
$5,000,000
The Connecticut Attorney General obtained a $5 million stipulated judgment against Vision Solar for alleged deceptive sales practices, including high-pressure tactics, misrepresentations, and performing unpermitted work. Although the company is bankrupt and cannot pay, the judgment establishes binding operational standards for solar companies in Connecticut regarding disclosures, contracting, permitting, and use of licensed contractors.
The judgment imposes a $5 million civil penalty and includes injunctive relief requiring: clear disclosure of solar generation estimates and costs; itemization of all services; prohibition on using tablets/phones for signatures and same-day contract signing after first visit; prohibition on work before obtaining permits; and requirement to use licensed electricians for electrical work.
In-house legal teams should review all customer-facing agreements, particularly residential solar sales contracts and installation service agreements. Key clauses to examine include: disclosure statements (ensuring no misrepresentations about costs, performance, or permits), contract execution terms (prohibiting same-day signing after first visit and restricting electronic signatures via tablets/phones), permitting responsibilities (requiring contractor to obtain all permits before work begins), and contractor licensing mandates (verifying use of licensed contractors). Agreements may need amendments to add a mandatory cooling-off period, explicit affordability/credit checks, and strengthened representations/warranties regarding permit acquisition and system activation.
Entity
Vision Solar
Industry
OtherOfficial Press Release
https://portal.ct.gov/ag/press-releases/2024-press-releases/attorney-general-tong-announces-5-million-judgment-against-bankrupt-vision-solar
vision solar motion for judgment w exhibit.pdf?rev=a97cfa248
https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/ag/press_releases/2024/vision-solar-motion-for-judgment-w-exhibit.pdf?rev=a97cfa248c1545109cb915273b8f35ea&hash=8CBD2E884B72B6E834114C46C6F74217
Connecticut Attorney General Enforcement Page
https://portal.ct.gov/AG/Privacy/Privacy-Resources
$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.
Connecticut joined a coalition of state attorneys general filing a notice in Character Technologies, Inc.’s bankruptcy proceedings, raising concerns about the company’s safety and privacy practices and the sensitive information it holds. The states seek protections for children and consumers if the company’s business or assets are sold or transferred; the filing does not impose a fine or other remedy.