New Law Would Protect Homeowners Against Energy Efficiency Scams

A new Suffolk County law promises to protect homeowners from fraudulent home energy audit providers.

The bill was sponsored by Legislator Wayne Horsley, chairman of the Economic Development, Higher Education and Energy Committee, who says the standard established is the first of its kind in the nation. It now await signature by County Executive Steve Levy.

"There are instances when homeowners are misled by unscrupulous contractors," Horsley said in a press statement. "This bill ends deceptive practices by standardizing home energy audits in Suffolk County. It will ensure that homeowners seeking to make their homes more energy efficient in order to lower their utility bills will receive consistent value from their home energy improvement investment." This bill requires any contractor who advertises or performs a home energy audit to register with the Suffolk County  Department of Consumer Affairs.

The bill has the support of LIPA. The utility company said professionally trained auditors "will be able to provide the right prescriptive plan for our customers helping them to make smart efficiency improvements in their homes, which will help them to save on electricity costs and lower their monthly bills."

The working group that drafted the bill included members of university faculty, private contractors, energy experts, LIPA representatives, Community Development Corp. of LI as well as representatives from Suffolk's towns. 

Violators are subject to fines ranging from $750 for 1st time offenders up to $1,500 for subsequent offenses.