Eskom warns against solar heating scam
Several South Coasters have already fallen prey to these smooth-talking salesmen.
A SUPPLIER of solar water heating systems in Durban and on the South Coast has been making use of a fraudulent marketing and sales technique to access people’s homes. The company’s sales people telephone homeowners and, saying they are from Eskom or the Sustainable Energy Society of Southern Africa (SESSA), offer to do ‘free energy assessments’ to help bring down the use of electricity in their homes.
Homeowners, says Eskom in a recent statement, should note that neither Eskom nor SESSA are conducting free energy assessments in the greater Durban area, and should take care to not allow solar water heating sales people who claim to represent Eskom and SESSA into their homes.
Homeowners who have taken up the fraudulent offer have been subjected to a bogus evaluation of the energy usage of appliances in their homes, including electrical element geysers, to give these sales people an opportunity to urge homeowners to replace their geysers with solar water heating systems which are supplied exclusively by their company.
Eskom reminds consumers never to let anyone into their homes without being sure they are indeed who they say they are. If you are in doubt, call Eskom’s customer contact centre at 08600 ESKOM or 08600 37566.
I think people should also know there are reputable companies like Solartech in the South Coast that can supply energy audits in a professional manner. A franchise like this can ensure best service and product.