The City of Portland has issued an advisory regarding deceptive solicitations from third-party commercial energy program providers. These solicitations, containing inaccuracies about compliance status, deadlines, and Portland benchmarking program requirements, have reportedly started circulating amongst building owners and managers, masquerading as official communication.
Despite their convincing appearance, these communications do not originate from the City's offices. In a bid to curb potential misinformation, the City is urging recipients to practice vigilance. Check if your building must submit a report, the City advises, by using their interactive map to verify past submissions, as stated on their website on March 28th.
The deceptive nature of these solicitations can lead to confusion and non-compliance with the City's actual energy reporting requirements. The City's benchmarking program plays a critical role in Portland's commitment to climate action, and accurate reporting is essential for monitoring energy usage and improving efficiency in commercial spaces.
The City of Portland's warning comes as more reports of such misleading solicitations surface. Building owners and managers are encouraged not just to be aware of these deceptive practices, but to directly contact the City for clarification on any communication received, which seems official but does not align with known program details. For the uninitiated, sifting through official and unofficial documents can be a daunting task, the City concedes, but taking that extra step to validate the source can prevent unnecessary stress and possible financial repercussions.
Residents and businesses are reminded that all official correspondence regarding the City of Portland's energy reporting regulations will come directly from the City. They are recommended to remain discerning recipients of any third-party communication and to proactively connect with the City's resources for any energy program-related inquiries or confirmations.
