At Valley Clean Energy, we believe in providing local, clean, and affordable power—and we also believe in keeping our customers safe. Fraudsters often use high-pressure tactics, posing as VCE or PG&E employees to trick you into sharing sensitive information or making “overdue” payments.
By knowing how VCE actually communicates with you, you can stop a scammer in their tracks.
Rules of Safety
To keep your account secure, note these three simple facts about how we operate:
- We don’t do “Door-to-Door” at your home: VCE does not engage in residential door-to-door sales or canvassing. If someone knocks on your door claiming to be from VCE, do not let them in or give them any personal information.
- No high-pressure phone calls: We will never call you to demand immediate payment over the phone or threaten to disconnect your service if you don’t pay “right now.” Only PG&E can disconnect a customer’s service, not VCE.
- Keep sensitive data private: We will never ask for your bank routing numbers, credit card details, account number, or social security numbers. Your bill for VCE service is paid directly to PG&E, and VCE does not have or need your financial information.
Fraud Prevention Q&A
Q: Someone called saying I overpaid and they need my bank info to send a refund. Is this legit?
No. A legitimate company won’t ask for your banking credentials to give you money back—they would simply issue a credit to your account or mail a check. Never provide financial information to an unsolicited caller. PG&E will also never ask for your financial information over the phone. For more information, visit PG&E’s scam protection web page.
Q: I received a text/email saying my power will be shut off in an hour unless I pay with a gift card or Bitcoin. What should I do?
Hang up or delete the message. VCE and our partner, PG&E, will never demand payment via untraceable methods like gift cards, pre-paid debit cards, or cryptocurrency. Standard billing is handled through established, secure channels.
Q: A person at my door says they need to see my utility bill to "check my rate." Should I show it?
No. Your utility bill contains private account information that scammers can use to “slam” your account (switching your provider without your consent). Do not share your PG&E account number with anyone. VCE employees will never ask to see your bill at your doorstep.
Q: How can I tell if a technician at my door is real?
VCE does not send personnel to residential homes. If a utility worker (such as from PG&E) visits, they will always carry official photo identification. You have the right to see that ID before engaging. When in doubt, keep the door closed.
What to do if you suspect fraud
If you receive a suspicious call, email, or visit:
- Stop and Think: Scammers rely on creating a sense of panic. Take a breath.
- Verify: If the person represents themselves as being with VCE, hang up and call our official Customer Service line at 1-855-699-8232 (Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.). That way, you know you’re really talking to us!
- Report: If you have been targeted, contact the Yolo County District Attorney’s fraud hotline at 855-496-5632.
- Notify VCE of Impersonators: If you have been targeted, please notify Valley Clean Energy of the incident so that we can make other customers aware of the scam so they can avoid being victim to it. You can call our customer service team at 855-699-8232 or reach out via email to servicioalcliente@valleycleanenergy.org.