###

Local residents this week are getting knocks on their front doors from clipboard-wielding representatives of a company called SFE Energy, a natural gas supplier whose salespeople often say they can lower your PG&E bills. 

SFE logo

While not quite an out-and-out scam (the company is licensed as a “Core Gas Aggregation Service,” i.e. a third-party supplier, with branches in numerous states across the country), SFE has an abysmal reputation. 

The Better Business Bureau has rescinded its accreditation of the company following a deluge of complaints. In fact, due to the extraordinary volume of reports, the BBB has published a portion of those complaints from people who were convinced to sign up, only to regret it later.

Last year, the Maryland Public Service Commission launched an “enforcement blitz” after receiving a record number of complaints about SFE, according to the Baltimore Sun. 

“The commission’s consumer affairs division had received dozens of complaints against SFE from Jan. 1, 2020, through Sept. 30, 2022, including allegations that SFE used deceptive marketing practices, failed to comply with contracting requirements and enrolled customers without their consent, a practice known as ‘slamming,’” the Sun says.

In January, SFE reached a settlement in the state, requiring it to pay a $150,000 civil penalty and refund $400,000 to certain customers.

SFE sent teams to Humboldt County in 2016 and again in 2018.

Be careful out there, folks, and if you have any elderly neighbors who aren’t online much, maybe warn them, too.