NPEI Warning Customers of Scams During COVID-19

Niagara Peninsula Energy Inc. (NPEI) would like customers to be aware of scams happening during the COVID-19 pandemic.

With guidance from the Ontario Energy Board (OEB), NPEI has ensured that residential customers and low-volume small businesses will not be disconnected for non-payment until after July 31, 2020. There are currently reports of scams occurring in Ontario with customers receiving phone calls, text messages and emails, claiming to be from a utility and threatening to disconnect power if payment is not made.

If you receive a message or phone call from someone posing as a utility representative and threatening to disconnect your power, do not respond to it – contact your local utility directly.

Some tips to keep yourself safe include:

• Beware of messages with COVID-19 in the subject line and claiming to be from your utility. There have been several reports of emails, texts and websites sharing fake information about bill relief programs, refunds and alternative payment methods during the COVID-19 emergency.
• Protect your personal information – Do not feel compelled to share your personal information. Your utility bill is private. It contains personal information like your account number and energy usage.
• Remain vigilant and continue to use safe web browsing and email practices. Make sure you are accessing a safe and trusted source such as the utility’s website or call centre telephone number exactly as displayed on your bill. 

If you suspect that you have been a target of fraudulent activity, we encourage you to report it to our Customer Service Representative and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

Phone: 1-877-270-3938
Email: info@npei.ca
MyAccount Online: www.npei.ca
NPEI website: www.npei.ca