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Press Releases 2008Article in the Era Banner by Patrick Manion here For Immediate Release April 25, 2008
CONSUMER ALERT !
(Aurora) Newmarket-Aurora MPP Frank Klees wants residents to be aware that if they get an offer at the door for home renovations that sounds too good to be true, it probably isn't true. Klees held a news conference in his Aurora constituency office today to alert residents to what he called a "potential consumer scam". He took the action after receiving a call from Aurora residents Dieter and Toni Scholz who told him that they had an offer from a door to door salesman that didn't sound quite right. They were quoted $6,700 to have their windows replaced and were told that they would get a grant from the Ontario government of $5,000 if they agreed to a home energy audit. And to kick it all off, they just had to give the salesman a cheque for $1,000.00 and he would look after the rest. “Fortunately the Scholz's didn't cut a cheque," said Klees. "What we don't know, is how many unsuspecting people did and I want to alert residents to the fact that this activity is taking place in their neighbourhood". Klees has asked the fraud unit of York Regional Police to investigate and has asked the Ministry of Energy to post an alert on the website that promotes the province's Home Energy Audit and Home Energy Retrofit program. “The audit and retrofit programs are legitimate government programs and can save homeowners money on their renovation costs. The problem is that some illegitimate players may be using those programs to rip off innocent consumers," said Klees. Klees pointed out that energy audits are provided by authorized energy advisors and the costs are in the range of $300 of which 50% will be reimbursed by the Ontario government. The Scholz's were asked to pay $1,000. “Clearly, something doesn't add up here," said Klees. “Not only is the upfront fee out of line, the quote for renovation work to be done was unrealistically low. It all points to a scam in the making and we want to stop it in its tracks.” Details on the Home Energy Retrofit Program are available at: www.homeenergyontario.ca or at the Ministry of Energy's information hotline at 1-888-668-4636. Frank Klees, MPP Newmarket-Aurora 416 509 8999
For Immediate release April 24, 2008
Media Advisory
Potential Home Energy Audit Scam Alert !
Newmarket-Aurora MPP Frank Klees will provide information concerning a possible consumer scam to which Aurora and Newmarket residents may fall prey.
Door to door solicitations are taking place offering home renovations and the promise of government rebates. Upfront fees of up to $1,000.00 are being requested and Klees urges residents to be cautious.
Seniors are being targeted.
Date: Friday April 25
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Place: Frank Klees MPP Constituency Office, Suite 201 – 14845 Yonge St, Aurora, Telephone: 905 750 0019
-30-
Contact:
Frank Klees, MPP 416 509 8999
Directions: Hunters Gate Plaza, southeast corner of Yonge and Dunning Near Golf Links Drive VIVA bus stop
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How To Get Cash Back On The Home Energy Audit Program The Ontario Home Energy Audit Program is a new energy conservation program from the Government of Ontario. A Home Energy Audit shows you how your home uses energy and where it is being leaked. It identifies improvements you can make to your home’s heating, cooling, hot water heating and other energy uses that could result in hundreds of dollars in energy savings each year. The Government of Ontario will pay 50% of your Home Energy Audit, up to $150. The audit will explain your home's energy use — attic to basement. A typical audit involves the following steps:
The Retrofit Rebate Program Many of the energy-saving upgrades identified by your Home Energy Audit will qualify you for rebates under the Home Energy Retrofit Program. These rebates from the Governments of Ontario and Canada can reimburse you up to $10,000* when you complete improvements identified by your audit. To help homeowners save energy, save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the Ontario Government has created the Home Energy Retrofit Program. The program awards homeowners with rebates of up to $5,000 for home energy improvements. This matches up to $5,000 available from the federal government — for a total of up to $10,000. Getting Started
Visit www.homeenergyontario.cawhere you will be able to find a local energy auditor. They will book an appointment to come and evaluate your home. You will then be provided with a detailed report on how you can improve the energy efficiency of your home, and which rebate programs you can qualify for.
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© 2008 Frank Klees, M.P.P. All Rights Reserved |
