News Summary
NV Energy has issued a warning to customers about a door-to-door scam involving individuals impersonating utility workers. Residents are advised to verify the identification of anyone claiming to be from NV Energy and are reminded that legitimate employees will never demand immediate payment. Instances of solar panel scams are also rising, particularly targeting elderly homeowners. To combat this issue, the Nevada State Contractors Board has established a specialized unit to address solar-related fraud and provide support to consumers. Customers can find more information on fraud protection on NV Energy’s website.
Las Vegas, Nevada – NV Energy is alerting customers about a new door-to-door scam involving individuals who are posing as utility workers. This warning comes from the Nevada Department of Emergency Management, which has issued a statement urging residents to be vigilant against these impersonators.
State officials have clarified that while legitimate NV Energy employees may occasionally visit homes or businesses for unscheduled services, emergencies, or to leave door hangers for upcoming work, genuine utility workers are required to carry identification to verify their credentials. Customers are encouraged to request ID from anyone claiming to be an NV Energy employee if they have any doubts about the individual’s authenticity.
Moreover, NV Energy has emphasized that they will never demand immediate payment or threaten disconnection in person or via telephone, text, or email. This is a critical point to remember for customers, as scammers may employ such tactics to create a false sense of urgency. Residents should also note that NV Energy does not collaborate with outside companies for air conditioning work or solar consultations and installations.
As the rate of scam complaints rises, officials have noted a surge in instances of solar panel scams throughout the state. Reports of fraud related to solar installations have escalated significantly in recent years, climbing from 38 complaints in 2021 to 211 in 2024, which represents a staggering 455% increase. Many victims of these scams are elderly individuals aged 60 and older, indicating that scammers often target vulnerable homeowners.
A recent case highlighted the serious implications of these scams when a former solar contractor was sentenced for fraud involving nearly $250,000 taken from victims. This case is part of a growing number of reports that NV Energy’s spokesperson has acknowledged, calling attention to the frequency of such scams and urging customers to utilize available resources to verify that they are dealing with licensed companies.
To combat this issue, Nevada enacted a law that requires all solar installation companies to maintain a valid contractor’s license and mandates that they provide transparency regarding costs, payment structures, and estimated energy credits. This regulation aims to protect consumers from fraudulent practices and to create a more secure environment for solar energy investments.
The Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB) has issued advice for customers to reduce the risk of falling victim to scams. Recommendations include never paying more than 10% of the total contract or $1,000 in advance, checking the licenses and reviews of contractors before hiring, and acquiring at least three bids for any work. Furthermore, customers are advised to avoid cash payments and to be cautious of high-pressure sales tactics commonly employed by unlicensed or untrustworthy contractors.
In response to the rising number of homeowner complaints regarding solar companies, the NSCB has established a specialized Solar Investigations Unit. This unit aims to address issues that arise from solar installations and fraud, providing additional support to consumers who may seek guidance or need to report suspicious activities.
For detailed information on fraud protection and steps to report a scam, customers can visit NV Energy’s website. Safeguarding personal information and recognizing potential scams is crucial to maintaining the security and integrity of utility services among Nevada residents.
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Additional Resources
- KOLO TV: NV Energy Warns of Impersonation Scam
- Wikipedia: NV Energy
- News 3 LV: Residents Warn of NV Energy Impersonation Scams
- Google Search: NV Energy scams
- Fox 5 Vegas: NV Energy Scam Warning
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Scam
- Tahoe Daily Tribune: Increased Scam Activity Warning
- Google News: NV Energy fraud
Author: STAFF HERE LAS VEGAS WRITER
LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER The LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELasVegas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Las Vegas, Clark County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Electric Daisy Carnival, World Series of Poker, and Consumer Electronics Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Three Square Food Bank, plus leading businesses in hospitality and entertainment that power the local economy such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Las Vegas Sands. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Nevada's dynamic landscape.
