Solar Investigations Unit Launched To Deal With 1,000’s Of Complaints
The Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB) recently announced that they are launching a Solar Investigations Unit to deal with all the complaints they receive about solar companies operating in The Silver State.
Nearly One-Third Of All Complaints Are Related To Solar Companies
We certainly do not mean to impugn all of the reliable solar companies doing great work in Nevada. Heck, many of them advertise right here on 96.3 KKLZ. However, the Nevada State Contractors Board recently sent out a press release stating that of the 3,000 or so annual complaints they receive, nearly 1,000 are related to solar companies. That’s not a great reflection on this industry.
So that’s why they formed a special Solar Investigations Unit. NSCB Executive Officer Margi Grein is quoted in the May 16, 2024 press release detailing the types of complaints about solar companies with which this investigative unit will be dealing. “Complains include misleading sales tactics with promised benefits such as rebates, government incentives, and the complete eradication of electric bills.”
In fact, the NSCB is forming partnerships with “prosecutorial agencies throughout the state to provide increased consumer protection regarding solar scams, deceptive loans, and aggressive sales tactics,” per this press release.
Learn How To Protect Yourself From Deceptive Solar Companies
If you’re thinking about installing solar panels, putting a pool in your backyard, or hiring a contractor to do any work around your home, then you may want to attend a special town hall with the NSCB on July 30 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
According to an article by Jarah Wright on KTNV.com, you can attend this free public forum in person at the Clark County Government Center Commission Chambers. That building is in downtown Las Vegas at 500 Grand Central Parkway.
If you cannot make it down there, you can watch the proceedings on the Clark County YouTube channel, on their Facebook page, or on Clark County Television (CCTV).
Furthermore, if you’re thinking about having solar panels installed on your home, the Nevada State Contractors Board website offers information on how to protect yourself from bogus and dishonest solar companies. You can check out this information by clicking here.
Now, feel free to scroll down for more content which may interest you.
7 Ways To Cut Those High Nevada Energy Bills
1. Check Your Seals
This homeowner is putting fresh caulk on his windows. Not only can this lower your energy bill, but it will ensure little critters stay out as well.
Check the seals on all your windows, doors and on your fridge and freezer. Just a small crack in the seal can let air out and waste energy. Sometimes just some caulking can do the trick. Other times you’ll have to purchase a replacement seal. Both quick fixes with money-saving results.
2. Change Your Lightbulbs
Replacing your incandescent bulbs for more energy-efficient ones is something you can do today to lower your energy bill.
One of the quickest ways to save on your energy bill is to swap out your incandescent light bulbs for more energy-efficient ones. Nerdwallet says that doing this in just your five most-used lights can save you $75 a year on your bill. Imagine what swapping them all would do! Look for compact fluorescent or LED bulbs that have the Energy Star label.
3. Get Your Ducts In A Row
There are many companies in Nevada that will do an inexpensive, or even free, inspection of your ducts. A good first step to repairing or replacing any parts that are contributing to your high energy bills.
Leaky ducts can let a lot of hot and cold air escape, raising your energy bills all year long. Check your heating, air conditioning and ventilation ducts and repair any leaks for a more efficient system and a lower power bill.
4. Get Smart Power Strips
Smart power strips are very easy to get these days. Amazon or the local home improvement stores will have them.
Electronics, particularly those with a remote control, still use power when they’re off, mostly because they’re in standby mode waiting for your command. Plugging these devices into a smart power strip will cut the circulation of power when the machines aren’t powered on.
5. Install Dimmer Switches
The brighter your lights are, the more power they take. Installing dimmer switches on any lights possible can help reduce energy bills.
If you have lighted areas that you don’t need full power for, put them on a dimmer switch. Lower levels means you use less power. An electrician can do these switches rather quickly. And the investment will pay off in the end.
6. Make Your Showers More Efficient
This is one project that a handyman at home can easily do. Switch out the shower heads in your home with more water-efficient one.
There are a couple of ways to save money in the shower. Taking a shower that’s just two minutes shorter than your norm can lead to lower energy bill. Since your water heater doesn’t need to work as hard. The other way to save money in the shower is by replacing your shower head with one donning the WaterSense label will ensure it meets the efficiency criteria set by the Environmental Protection Agency.
7. Change How You Use Your Washing Machine
Your washing machine is a big source for your high energy bills. Fortunately there are lots of ways to make them more energy-efficient.
If you’re washing underwear, socks, or bedding that has been used by a sick person, hot water washes are most-effective. For almost everything else (unless the fabric specifically mentions hot water), use cold water in the washing machine. It will lower your energy bill significantly by not having to heat that water.
Another way to save money in both the washing machine and the dishwasher is to never run a load that isn’t full. Whether you have one item or fifty, the same amount of water is used. So wait until you have a full load to hit that start button.
For a longer-term solution, look for a washer with the EnergyStar label the next time you’re shopping for new appliances. If you want to start on your home’s efficiency before you need to, start replacing your appliances that you use most often. Over time, you’ll start to see the savings really add up. Here’s another place Nevada Energy might be able to help you out. Their Power Shift program offers these appliances for free to costumers who qualify. Get more info here.
