California Contractor Update: Public Utility Commission Approves Public List for Contractors Violating Consumer Protection Rules Posted on Jul 01, 2021
For all contractors selling solar, storage and other cleantech installation products and services in California, please be aware that the California Public Utility Commission (CPUC) voted in June 2021 to maintain a public list of contractors found to be violating consumer protection rules. This means that the contracts and procedures used by contractors in California just became even more important to ensure compliance with state contractor licensing laws.
In addition to complying with the many and nuanced Contractor State Licensing Board (CSLB) rules related to contracts for residential customers, contractors also need to be sure to distributed the Consumer Protection Guide in the customer's primary language. The CSLB may ask the CPUC to place contractors on a watch list for failing to include required information in their customer contract or providing the Guide. Additionally, the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) may do the same if the contractor, in their capacity as a PACE Solicitor Agent, has been found by the DFPI to have violated the California Financial Code, the California Corporations Code, or the California Code of Regulations.
It is more important than ever to make sure that residential installation agreements contain the applicable disclosures, fonts, headings and other legal requirements that protect homeowners from unscrupulous contractors and protect the reputation of our industry.
For more information, we also recommend contractors in California join the California Solar and Storage Association which advocates on behalf of its members, helps put out regular legal updates and is a leading organization advocating for favorable policies.
