Beware of Unscrupulous Contractors

By JP on November 17, 2011 2:17 PM

OPA MicroFIT contract applications require a number of pieces of information. Anyone who has this information can apply for a MicroFIT contract on your behalf, whether you are aware of it or not. This is a bad thing because once a MicroFIT application is accepted for your property, further applications will be ineligible. This means that you may have great difficulty down the road making an intended application, either yourself or through a reputable contractor. The original, unintended, application (dare I call it fraudulently submitted?) will have to come under your control or be terminated before your intended project can proceed.

How to avoid fraudulently submitted MicroFIT applications

Control access to the following information:

• Local Distribution Company (LDC) account number and name on the account
• Legal description of your property (lot, concession, etc.)
• Property Instrument Number (PIN)
• Tax roll number

Only give this information to a contractor once you've decided to work with that contractor and have a signed contract that clearly indicates how the application process will proceed. Only work with a contractor who gives you access to the MicroFIT project web portal (username and password).

What if there is an application already submitted?

If you know or suspect that an application has been made without your explicit consent then demand confirmation from the contractor and demand access to the OPA MicroFIT web portal (username and password). Once you have access change the password. If you do not get access to the web portal then contact the OPA and send them all the information listed above. Request the status of any applications connected to any of those pieces if identity and explain your suspicion of fraudulently submitted applications. Don't expect to hear back for 3 weeks.

If a contractor started an application for you are you tied to that contractor?

No. You are only bound by any contract that you may have signed. If there is no contract and you wish to not proceed with that contractor than demand access to your web portal and change the password. If you signed a contract and changed your mind you may be liable for costs to the contractor as outlined in your contract.

If a contract application exists always try to get control of it, rather than having it terminated. That way you get the benefit of the early time stamp on the original application vs the later time stamp on a new application

Hi Simon, I just wanted to say officially that it was a pleasure having the guys here. They worked steady and were always friendly and pleasant. The job looks great. The alignment on the panels, which I can imagine would be extremely difficult to keep nice and straight, looks great. The wiring, conduit and layout of the inverters and boxes is very neat as well as the stuff on the pole. And they cleaned up after themselves at the end of it all.

Nice job and good bunch of guys too!

Communication was key and G.S. was excellent at keeping in touch. I would highly recommend the company. They were prompt and professional. Thank you.

They always called ahead and explained what they were doing.

Their accessibility, personability, professionalism, honesty and their ability to complete the work on time with the pressure on. Wish we has more sub trades like this.