SEMCO ENERGY GAS COMPANY CAUTIOUS ABOUT DOOR-TO-DOOR SOLICITORS

SEMCO has received reports from customers concerning door-to-door solicitors allegedly claiming to be SEMCO employees or affiliates.
None of these individuals are SEMCO employees, contractors, or representatives. SEMCO does not solicit door to door asking to see copies of bills or natural gas account information.
The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) approved a Customer Choice Program which allows customers to buy natural gas from an alternative gas supplier. Things to consider when screening these unaffiliated contacts:

• Don’t share your personal information with strangers. Always make sure that you know who you are talking to and why.
• Know your options. You are not obligated to switch to another supplier, but if you do, SEMCO will continue to deliver the gas, read the meter, send your bill and respond to emergency calls.
• Review the facts. SEMCO’s rates are regulated by the MPSC. By law, SEMCO cannot profit from the purchase of gas; the actual cost of the gas is passed through to our customers with no mark-up.
  Alternative gas suppliers’ rates are not regulated by the MPSC. We recommend that you read over their information carefully. Compare your last 12 months of bills with their offer to assess the gas rate (supplier energy change).
• If you feel harassed, contact the MPSC at 800-292-9555. For more on the Customer Choice program visit www.michigan.gov and search “gas customer choice”.