SWEPCO warns customers about possible scam involving solar panels - Texarkana Gazette

SWEPCO warns customers about possible scam involving solar panels | Texarkana Gazette

SWEPCO is warning customers about people claiming to be partners with the utility company and wanting to install solar panels on their home.

"It's important for our customers to know SWEPCO does not sell solar panels and is not partnered with any companies that do," William Bradford Jr., vice president of External Affairs, said in a news release.

Solar panels can be an option for customers looking to reduce their environmental footprint and potentially the amount they pay for electric service.

"There are many factors that determine if that will make financial sense for a customer," said Jeff Thigpen, manager for alternative energy resources. "That's an important reason why SWEPCO encourages customers to ask questions and be informed before making any commitments, especially ones that could include hidden costs."

If installed correctly, solar systems can produce electrical energy. Whether this self-produced energy saves the homeowner money or not is highly dependent on the amount the customer will be paying for the system.

Payment for the system will be in addition to the customer's SWEPCO bill, which will not be eliminated completely.

SWEPCO does not send anyone door to door to sell any product, including solar.

State attorneys general in Louisiana, Texas and Arkansas encourage those who think they purchased a product on fraud or deception to call their state's attorney general.

-- Louisiana Attorney General's Office: 1-800-351-4889

-- Texas Attorney General's Office: 1-800-621-0508

-- Arkansas Attorney General's Office: 501-682-2007

Complaints also can be filed online at each attorney general's website.

To learn more about fraud and scams, visit swepco.com/account/bills/fraud-scams.