Consumer Notice: Phone “Spoofing” Scam Hits Energy Commission Call Center

On a typical day, the public can call the California Energy Commission's toll-free Renewable Call Center phone number to get information or help on renewable energy programs like Energy Upgrade California, the New Solar Homes Partnership, or the California Solar Initiative.

But last week the Energy Commission learned that scam artists have been using the Renewable Call Center phone number as part of a “spoofing” scam to solicit installation of solar systems or to gain utility bill information.

In the scam, a third party has been misrepresenting itself by using the Renewable Call Center number as the caller ID. Hundreds of consumers were called last week, although the calls have greatly diminished as of Monday and Tuesday.

The Energy Commission is now working with law enforcement to rectify the situation. Consumers are being asked to be alert for phone scams that may use the Energy Commission’s name or phone number.

Consumers should know that the Energy Commission does not make unsolicited calls to consumers for any reason, and if someone calls and says they are from the Energy Commission it is a scam and should be reported to law enforcement.

The new Renewable Call Center toll-free number is: 844-421-6229, or 916-653-0237 when calling outside California. The call center takes calls from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Energy Commission apologizes for the inconvenience this has caused.