Suspected solar panel scammers posing as Benton PUD employees

People posing as Benton PUD employees are trying to pressure folks into bogus solar energy audits.

The apparent scam artists have been going door-to-door in Kennewick in the past two days.

They pose as Benton PUD employees are pushing people to accept a “free energy audit” and order solar panels, said Jenny Sparks, the utility’s manager of communication and customer engagement.

Sparks isn’t familiar with this particular tactic, but the agency commonly deals with them calling customers falsely claiming that they need to pay a bill in an effort to get financial information.

This week, more than a dozen people have called the utility questioning about the solar audits.

The PUD doesn’t use solicitors or contractors to go door-to-door, and they don’t market or sell solar panels.

It’s not clear if the people involved actually work for a company selling solar panels or if they were trying to get financial information.

When one person asked to see their Benton PUD identification, the solicitors made a quick retreat, according to a comment on the PUD’s Facebook page.

Utility officials said they are looking into whether they should file a formal complaint with Kennewick police.

Anyone considering an investment in rooftop solar panels can contact Benton PUD solar connections program by calling 509-582-1234 of going to BentonPUD.org, said the agency.

“We’re requesting that if people have any concerns to call us directly,” Sparks said.

This story was originally published September 27, 2024 at 5:00 AM.