Description
In the last month or so an electric supplier named "Direct Energy" has been sending salespeople door to door in Ansonia trying to get them to change electric suppliers. I have had three visits and they are all from young people who are very well dressed. I assume this is a requirement.
In any event, does a company need a "solicitors permit" to go door to door in Ansonia? I have read online Direct Energy is doing this in other cities and people are advised to "call the police" as Direct Energy does not have proper permits to go door to door.
However, I have never heard of someone needing such a permit in Ansonia. Has anyone had Direct Energy showing up at their door and do you know if such a permit is needed here?
13 Comments
Bob Guy (Registered User)
joe (Guest)
Display Name Blocked (344547) (Registered User)
Display Name Blocked (344547) (Registered User)
Sec. 23A-1. License required.
No solicitors, canvassers or hawkers, as defined in section 23A-3 of this chapter shall engage in any such solicitation, canvassing or hawking activities within the City of Ansonia, Connecticut without having obtained from the chief of police of the City of Ansonia, a license therefore as required by this chapter.
(Ord. of 12-10-74, § 1)
Sec. 23A-9. License to be carried at all times and to be exhibited upon request.
After any license has been issued by the chief of police for soliciting, canvassing or hawking activities, said license shall be carried by said licensee at all times, while conducting such activities in the City of Ansonia. Said license shall be exhibited by such licensee whenever he or she be requested to do so by any police officer or by any person so solicited.
(Ord. of 10-10-74, § 9)
Michael Raymond (Registered User)
Thank you Bill,
From everything I have read online (and MANY communities have had to suffer with Direct Energy door-to-door sales) they have never had a license and the young people they hire to make the calls have no idea they are breaking the law without one.
They seem to be making another round in Ansonia now. Yes, they almost demand to see your electric bill. How this company feels such visits would be welcome escapes me and I wonder how many actual new customers they get from these calls. Probably the elderly and those who feel intimidated by the call.
I will say that the laws in Connecticut were thankfully changed this year. While these companies are known for increasing rates GRATELY after a 3-6 months period they now have to send you advance notice of the change, the new rate and when it will become effective if you don't make another switch. I recently got one from my current supplier and was thrilled. No more nasty surprises. Of course, these companies hate sending those notices, I'm sure.
burkest@aol.com (Guest)
MissOldValley (Registered User)
Bob Guy (Registered User)
Michael Raymond (Registered User)
Thanks Bob Guy,
One would think Ansonia could EASILY find these people wandering the streets banging on doors and ask for their solicitors license. I've had them show four times now.
Also, I want to clarify for Dmmilt No, I would not read my POD # off to some stranger at my door. However, Connecticut DOES allow you to select an electric supplier other than UI and you MUST give them your POD # in order to take over that part of your service. So, UI, "never say never".
Lamico (Registered User)
Closed special treatment (Registered User)
Reopened Lamico (Registered User)
Closed special treatment (Registered User)