Butte, Mont. – January 28, 2010 – NorthWestern Energy reminds Montana consumers to study their options carefully when selecting a contractor to perform energy efficiency work in their homes.
Increased attention to energy efficiency along with utility rebates and state and federal tax credits have more Montanans looking to installers to perform work in their homes. In addition, numerous new businesses selling energy efficiency products and services are entering the market. NorthWestern Energy customers should note that although the utility offers rebates for qualifying energy efficiency improvements, it does not endorse products or contractors.
“We encourage customers to make qualifying energy efficiency improvements in their homes and customer satisfaction and safety are important to us,” said Bill Thomas, NorthWestern Energy Manager of Regulatory Support Services. “That’s why we’re offering tips to help customers identify the contractor they are comfortable with to install measures for which NorthWestern Energy offers rebates.” The utility offers a list of Preferred Contractors who are licensed and insured, and who agree to follow the E+ program requirements as a start. “As with any investment in your home,” Thomas adds, “It’s a good idea to check credentials and shop around.”
When selecting a contractor, NorthWestern Energy offers the following tips:
- Request bids from several contractors and compare the details of the job as well as costs.
- Talk to friends and neighbors about their experiences with a contractor.
- Ask all contractors to provide proof of their contractor’s license and insurance (e.g., worker’s compensation, property damage and personal liability).
- Understand what you are buying: Is the language in the contract agreeable to you; what does the price include; how and when is payment due; what is the timeline for completion; and what warranty is provided for products and services provided.
NorthWestern Energy reminds customers that neither its employees nor its service providers conduct door-to-door calls on residential customers for energy efficiency programs. Additionally, Thomas reminds the public that NorthWestern Energy employees and its service providers carry company identification. Customers should notify NorthWestern Energy or law enforcement immediately if they witness suspicious individuals representing themselves as NorthWestern Energy employees or service providers. Customers may call NorthWestern Energy at (888)467-2669 to verify the identity of a NorthWestern Energy employee or service provider and the NorthWestern Energy activity provided.
Details about NorthWestern Energy’s E+ energy efficiency programs and rebates and more tips about choosing a contractor are available under “Save with 5” on our Web site or by calling the NorthWestern Energy Efficiency program phone line at (800) 823-5995.
About NorthWestern Energy
NorthWestern Energy provides electricity and natural gas in the Upper Midwest and Northwest, serving approximately 656,000 customers in Montana, South Dakota and Nebraska. More information on NorthWestern Energy is available on the Company's Web site.
Media Contact:
Deb Young
(406) 497-2339
deb.young@northwestern.com
back to top