A Guide to Spotting Energy Scams in Alameda and San Joaquin County

These are criminal scams designed to steal your money or personal information. The right response is simple: don’t engage, and report it.

Impersonation

Someone claims to represent Ava, PG&E, or a government program to gain access to your home or your account information. Ava does not send field representatives to your door. PG&E may send technicians for meter checks or grid maintenance, but they carry photo ID and can be verified by calling PG&E at the number on your bill.

Shutoff threats

A caller tells you your power will be turned off unless you pay immediately, often requesting gift cards or a prepaid debit card. Neither Ava nor PG&E demands same-day payment by phone. Shutoff notices always come by mail from PG&E first.

Account takeover (also known as “slamming”)

A third-party supplier uses your account information to switch your electricity service without your knowledge. Never share your PG&E account number with anyone who contacts you unsolicited.

This category is harder to spot because it often involves real, licensed companies doing things that may be legal, but are designed to work against you. These salespeople often target residents door-to-door for solar installations, home batteries, and third-party gas supply. They may represent themselves as being from Ava, PG&E, your building, or a government program. 

Demanding to enter your home without a scheduled appointment

A legitimate technician or installer does not show up unannounced and ask to come inside. If someone is pressuring you to let them in, you are not obligated to do so. You can call 911 if you feel unsafe.

Promises of free equipment or full government coverage

There are very few programs that offer no-cost solar installation, and they are all listed on the CPUC website. Otherwise, no legitimate program provides solar panels or home batteries entirely for free. Honest installers tell you exactly what the system will cost, what incentives or rebates may apply, and what you’ll actually owe. Anyone claiming otherwise is misrepresenting the program. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

High-pressure sales tactics and obscured contracts

A salesperson asks you to sign an agreement on a tablet immediately without showing you the full terms, or tells you the offer expires today. This is a sales tactic, not a deadline. You have the right to read any contract in full before signing, and under California and federal law, you have three days to cancel a contract signed at your home. A legitimate installer will tell you this. 

Introductory rates that increase over time 

Some contracts start with lower payments that quietly escalate over the life of the agreement. Read the payment schedule carefully and ask what your maximum monthly payment could be.

Large upfront deposits

A significant deposit before any work begins can signal a company that won’t be around to finish the job. Legitimate providers work with you on financing without requiring large cash payments up front.

Claiming it’s mandatory

A salesperson tells you that signing up is a neighborhood requirement, that everyone in your building has to do it, or that you’ve been selected for a mandatory program. No energy enrollment is mandatory. Legitimate providers give you a choice.

Under California and federal law, you have the right to cancel most contracts signed at your home within three business days. This is called the “cooling-off period.” A trustworthy installer will explain this to you before you sign. Get any cancellation policy in writing.

For fraud: End the interaction without sharing personal or financial information. If you’ve already shared financial information or made a payment, contact your bank immediately.

For a contract you want to cancel: Act quickly. Contact the company in writing within three business days of signing to exercise your cancellation rights. Keep a copy of everything.

To report either situation: