Veridian reminding customers to know who they're dealing with when there's a knock at the door

Utility receiving calls about suspicious activity in Belleville and Bowmanville

AJAX, ON, July 11, 2013 /CNW/ - For a second time in as many months, Veridian Connections is cautioning its customers to be aware of individuals claiming to be representatives of the electric utility and requesting to see their electricity bill.

Customers of the utility in Belleville and Bowmanville have reported that individuals claiming to be representatives from Veridian and the "Ontario Energy Conservation Board" visited their residences over the past few days, asking for a copy of their electricity bill and telling homeowners they can lower their bill. Veridian does not have staff carrying out this type of door-to-door canvassing, and none of these reported visits were in any way associated with Veridian.

Veridian would like to remind customers that it's important to know who they're dealing with if a salesperson knocks on their door, and to keep in mind these three things if they're approached to sign an energy contract:

1. Always make sure to get a business card and look at the salesperson's ID badge first.
2. Don't share personal information (i.e. electricity bill) unless you are sure you want to sign a contract.
3. Carefully read the contract, disclosure statement and price comparison provided by the salesperson.

The reports recently received from Veridian customers are similar to others received in late June. At that time, customers in Clarington, Gravenhurst and Pickering reported that individuals claiming to be Veridian representatives were requesting access to their smart meter to conduct a "hydro check" or "smart meter check".

The Ontario Energy Board regulates the electricity and natural gas sectors in Ontario. To help you understand your energy choices, visit OntarioEnergyBoard.ca or call 1-877-632-2727.

Veridian Connections Inc. safely and reliably delivers electricity to more than 116,000 customers in the Cities of Pickering and Belleville, the Towns of Ajax, Port Hope and Gravenhurst, and the communities of Uxbridge, Bowmanville, Newcastle, Orono, Port Perry, Beaverton, Sunderland and Cannington. Veridian Connections Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Veridian Corporation. The City of Pickering, the Town of Ajax, the Municipality of Clarington and the City of Belleville jointly own Veridian Corporation.

SOURCE: Veridian

Chris Mace
Sales & PR Representative - Corporate Communications
Veridian Connections Inc.
905-427-9870, extension 2218