Alameda Municipal Power (AMP) issued a heads-up on Facebook [1] about a misleading flyer labeled “Public Utility Notice” that is currently circulating around Alameda. It references California Public Utilities Code 379.6 and is designed to look official, but it’s not.
[2]Don’t be fooled, AMP warns. That flyer is actually a marketing piece from a private company—NOT from AMP, PG&E, the City of Alameda, or any other government agency.
Here’s what to watch out for, according to the AMP warning:
- False claims: The flyer says you’ll “pay 37% more” for electricity if you don’t enroll in their program. That is NOT true. There is no penalty or surcharge for not installing solar or home batteries.
- Impersonation tactics: The flyer uses government-style language about wildfire settlements and “state-licensed administrators” to create a sense of urgency. Don’t fall for it. This is a marketing flyer from a private company trying to get your business.
- Real program for PG&E customers, fake pressure: California’s Self-Generation Incentive Program [3] (SGIP) is real, but you do not need a specific company to access it. It’s designed for investor-owned utility customers. Alamedans already get clean energy at lower rates from AMP, our community-owned public power provider.
If you have any questions, or to get accurate information about your electric bill or legitimate rebates available to AMP customers, call Alameda Municipal Power at 510-748-3900, email [email protected] [4], or visit the official AMP [5] website.
If you believe you’ve been scammed, call the Alameda Police Department at 510-337-8340 (non-emergency).