Central Maine Power Co. is urging its customers to be wary of door-to-door energy sales people who may be misrepresenting themselves as CMP employees. The utility is asking the Maine Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) and the Maine Attorney General’s office to investigate the door-to-door marketing practices of one energy supplier seeking to enroll customers in the utility’s service area.

CMP sought the investigation after receiving many customer complaints about the supplier’s salespeople misrepresenting themselves as working for, or on behalf of CMP, demanding to see copies of customers’ CMP bills, and for providing false and misleading information about energy prices.

“CMP is not affiliated with any energy supplier, and we do not have people going door-to-door demanding customers produce their bill,” said Gail Rice, spokesperson for CMP. “We want to warn our customers they are under no obligation to provide account details or any personal information to any sales representative, no matter how persistent or aggressive that representative becomes.”

Since March 1, 2000, Maine electric utility customers have been able to choose their energy supply company while their local utility continues to deliver power, maintain the grid, and restore service following outages. Customers who do not choose get their energy supply through the standard offer, which the MPUC administers through a competitive bidding process.

The MPUC licenses suppliers. CMP has worked with more than 50 supply companies to enroll customers over the past 15 years, and contacts the Commission only if it appears that the provider has violated State regulation. This summer’s request marks only the second time that CMP has formally asked the MPUC to look into the practices of an energy supplier. The utility withdrew a prior complaint after working out issues with the supplier.

CMP also sought action from the Attorney General’s office because that agency enforces laws related to deceptive trade practices.

Customers who believe they’ve been subjected to an energy supplier’s deceptive sales practices should call the MPUC at 1-800-452-4699. To file a complaint on line, go to www.state.me.us/mpuc/consumer/file_complaint.shtml.

The Maine Office of the Public Advocate has information for customers with questions about energy suppliers, including price comparisons and advice about factors customers should consider as they look at supply options: www.maine.gov/meopa/utilities/electric/supply.html.