February 8, 2012 – PowerStream, a municipally owned electricity distribution company in Ontario, is cautioning its customers to be aware of telemarketers claiming to have a new power-saving device that can help them significantly reduce their electricity consumption.

In recent weeks, electricity customers throughout PowerStream’s service territory have been receiving telephone calls from sales staff representing companies claiming to have such a device, are using high-pressure selling tactics and may, in some cases, imply that they are in the possession of customer consumption data.

PowerStream does not endorse any of these companies and has been made aware of similar claims and tactics used in other provinces, including British Columbia and Alberta. Furthermore, PowerStream’s individual customer account information, including electricity consumption, is protected under provincial and federal privacy laws.

Customers who have been contacted by telemarketers about these devices are advised to be cautious.

PowerStream says the Better Business Bureau has included “power-saving scams” as one of the “Top Ten Scams for 2012”. Individuals who would like to file a complaint can visit the website of the Better Business Bureau serving Mid-Western and Central Ontario at www.mwco.bbb.org or call (800) 459-8875. Misleading advertising can also be reported through the federal government’s Competition Bureau website at competitionbureau.gc.ca.