Beware of bogus energy assessments
JOBURG - Eskom warns homeowners to be wary of companies offering free energy assessments and selling dodgy devices.
Reports have emerged of a solar water heater supplier posing as an Eskom agent, and offering free energy assessments. The company targets pensioners by telephone, and persuades them to allow a sales representative into their homes.
Those who agree to a consultation are allegedly treated aggressively, and given a bogus evaluation of their household’s energy usage.
The home’s geyser consumption is usually highlighted as the critical cause of high energy consumption, and people are subsequently coerced into purchasing a solar water heater from the company.
Andrew Etzinger, Eskom’s senior general manager for Integrated Demand Management, has advised homeowners against letting anyone into their homes, confirming that Eskom has not commissioned any suppliers to conduct free energy assessments. Homeowners are also advised against purchasing energy saving technologies from suppliers claiming that the devices have been tested and endorsed by Eskom.
“When Eskom does implement residential energy savings interventions, we ensure that residents are notified beforehand and run awareness campaigns in the local media,” advised Etzinger.
“You are under no obligation to allow anyone into your home to conduct energy assessments or sell you energy saving products. If you are approached by sales personnel claiming that a technology or device has been endorsed by Eskom, be sceptical. “Always purchase energy saving technologies from a reputable supplier and look for the SABS mark.”
Consumers are encouraged to call Eskom’s Solar Help Desk or visit the Eskom website for a list of accredited solar water heating system suppliers.
Details: Solar Help Desk 011 800 4744; www.eskom.co.za/idm or https://bit.ly/accreditedsolarsuppliers
