Colorado Springs Utilities sees an increase in solar power scams
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- As solar panel installations are on the rise, Colorado Springs Utilities says solar power scams are increasing as well.
The utility company says they are continuing to receive reports of people going door to door illegitimately claiming they're with Colorado Springs Utilities.
"A lot of our own employees have reported it to us," said Danielle Nieves with Springs Utilities, "employees who say somebody has come to their door claiming to be Colorado Springs Utilities."
While those individuals attempt to convince residents to purchase the panels, Springs Utilities wants to remind customers that they do not actually install solar panels themselves. So if residents hear that claim, it's an immediate tip off they're part of a potential scam.
The utility company's role comes in after a third-party installation, as they work with homeowners to store the excess energy their homes collect.
According to Springs Utilities, once a rooftop solar unit is connected, excess energy not used by someone's home goes to "the grid," which supplies energy to their system.
They regulate that system to give customers energy when their consumption exceeds the amount of energy their rooftop units have produced. And when their units produce more energy than they need, they see benefits.
Residents who contribute that excess energy can "bank" the energy as credits to use at another time or for bill credit.
Colorado Springs homeowners with solar panels say they hope the units will save them money on utility bills.
“I knew that the cost of energy has gone up and up, and it was smart to utilize the sun's power," said Linda Gross, a Gold Hill Mesa resident. "Knowing that Colorado has 300 plus days of sunshine, I said, 'Wow, this is going to be great!'”
However, not all residents are seeing the payoff quite yet.
Dave Zook, who lives in Old North End, says he has not saved money through adopting solar power.
"As far as does it really save me any money? Probably right now, no, if you want to know," said Zook. "But it's pretty close to break even."
But Zook said he never viewed the installation as a solely financial move. To him, the addition of solar panels to his home is an investment in the future.
"It's just kind of fun, if nothing else, knowing that you're producing some of your own energy," said Zook.
Colorado Springs Utilities currently provides a solar rebate to incentivize people to transition to solar energy use, but officials say they are not sure the rebate will continue next year due to budget concerns.
