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.
$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.
Attorney General William Tong and Consumer Counsel Claire Coleman petitioned PURA to review how Connecticut public utilities use artificial intelligence, citing potential data privacy and cybersecurity risks, algorithmic errors, and misleading outputs. The petition asks PURA to examine utility AI systems, safeguards, vendors, and data security practices; it does not report a finding of violation or an imposed penalty.
$2.0M
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong announced a settlement with RZ Smoke, Inc. over allegations that it distributed and sold high-potency cannabis products without a state license. The stipulated judgment is $2 million, with $375,000 payable to the State and $1.6 million suspended to ensure compliance; the company is barred from specified cannabis activities in Connecticut unless licensed.