(Hartford, CT) — Attorney General Tong, along with a nationwide coalition of 23 attorneys general, is calling on Kia America (Kia) and Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) to take swift and comprehensive action to help remedy the crisis of car thefts that has occurred due to the companies’ failure to equip vehicles with anti-theft immobilizers. Alarmingly high theft rates for Kia and Hyundai models continue across the country, including several instances in Connecticut.
As the attorneys general note in the letter, Kia and Hyundai chose not to include anti-theft immobilizers as standard equipment on several vehicle models sold in the United States during a period when every other car manufacturer was doing so, and even though the same Kia and Hyundai vehicles were equipped with immobilizers when sold in Canada and Europe.
“Kia and Hyundai failed to equip its vehicles with industry-standard anti-theft technology, and its customers are now paying a steep price. These cars are now disproportionately targeted by thieves at rates so high some insurers are refusing to cover them. Kia and Hyundai need to make this right—quickly, and without nickel and diming their customers,” said Attorney General Tong.
An anti-theft immobilizer is an electronic device which prevents a car from being hot-wired and stolen by someone who doesn’t have the key.
Kia and Hyundai recently announced a campaign to provide software upgrades for some of the affected vehicle models. But the attorneys general point out in the letter that the announcement “is long overdue and still not enough.” The attorneys general urge the companies “to do everything in your power to accelerate the implementation of the software upgrade and to provide free alternative protective measures for all those owners whose cars cannot support the software upgrade.”
COALITION URGING KIA AND HYUNDAI FOR SWIFTER ACTION TO PROTECT VEHICLE OWNERS, PUBLIC SAFETY
(Hartford, CT) — Attorney General Tong, along with a nationwide coalition of 23 attorneys general, is calling on Kia America (Kia) and Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) to take swift and comprehensive action to help remedy the crisis of car thefts that has occurred due to the companies’ failure to equip vehicles with anti-theft immobilizers. Alarmingly high theft rates for Kia and Hyundai models continue across the country, including several instances in Connecticut.
As the attorneys general note in the letter, Kia and Hyundai chose not to include anti-theft immobilizers as standard equipment on several vehicle models sold in the United States during a period when every other car manufacturer was doing so, and even though the same Kia and Hyundai vehicles were equipped with immobilizers when sold in Canada and Europe.
“Kia and Hyundai failed to equip its vehicles with industry-standard anti-theft technology, and its customers are now paying a steep price. These cars are now disproportionately targeted by thieves at rates so high some insurers are refusing to cover them. Kia and Hyundai need to make this right—quickly, and without nickel and diming their customers,” said Attorney General Tong.
An anti-theft immobilizer is an electronic device which prevents a car from being hot-wired and stolen by someone who doesn’t have the key.
Kia and Hyundai recently announced a campaign to provide software upgrades for some of the affected vehicle models. But the attorneys general point out in the letter that the announcement “is long overdue and still not enough.” The attorneys general urge the companies “to do everything in your power to accelerate the implementation of the software upgrade and to provide free alternative protective measures for all those owners whose cars cannot support the software upgrade.”
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is reminding transit users that bus fares return on April 1, 2023, for all buses and ADA paratransit in Connecticut.
Fares have been suspended on all public transit buses in Connecticut since April 1, 2022, as a result of a state law Governor Lamont signed last year. Federal restrictions prevent the state from extending this suspension for any longer than 12 months.
Customers are encouraged to purchase tickets ahead of time to avoid lines at customer service centers and at fareboxes when boarding buses. CTtransit tickets and passes can be purchased at retail locations in Connecticut, online, or through the mail.
For all fare options, included monthly and 10-day passes, visit CTtransit.com. For those using other local transit operators, please visit their websites for fare information which are located here, Local Bus Service (ct.gov).
For trip planning help, commuting information, and live customer service, please visit CTrides.com.
(Hartford, CT) – The Connecticut Congressional delegation today announced that Connecticut will receive an additional $10.6 million in regular Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funds to assist homeowners with their energy bills.
The $560 million in LIHEAP funds, of which Connecticut will receive $10.6 million, is administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and comes at a time when energy assistance remains in high demand.
“Connecticut families should not have to choose between heating their homes, keeping the lights on or putting food on the table,” the delegation said in a statement. “This $10.6 million is a lifeline for Connecticut families and comes at a time when heating assistance programs are cutting back to meet surging demand for their services. We are pleased HHS released this funding and will keep fighting for robust investments in LIHEAP to provide real relief for Connecticut families.”
With this latest appropriation, Connecticut has received $116 million in LIHEAP funding since November 2022 through federal appropriations.
Individuals interested in applying for energy assistance can visit energyhelp.us or call the National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) hotline toll-free at: 1-866-674-6327.
(Hartford, CT) – Attorney General William Tong today announced the filing of a lawsuit against Vision Solar, LLC following more than a dozen consumer complaints regarding predatory high-pressure sales tactics, misrepresentations about financing and tax credits, and unpermitted work that left homeowners saddled with nonfunctioning systems and unaffordable loans.
“We’re investigating numerous complaints regarding high-pressure solar industry sales tactics, but Vision Solar’s predatory practices are far and away the worst we have seen. Vision Solar preyed on low-income, elderly, and disabled homeowners, pressuring them into unaffordable loans for solar panels that in some cases were never activated. Their egregious misconduct appears to have violated multiple laws, and we’re going to hold them accountable. Our lawsuit seeks to get money back for Vision customers, as well as fines and court orders to stop Vision from engaging in these unfair and deceptive practices,” said Attorney General Tong.
Vision Solar began offering its services as a registered Home Improvement Contractor installing residential solar systems in December 2020. Since August 2021, the Office of the Attorney General has received 14 complaints. The complaints include reports that Vision representatives took advantage of elderly and disabled consumers, including pressuring them into signing contracts they were not fully able to read or understand. The Office learned that in one instance, a Vision salesperson selectively dealt only with an intellectually disabled individual despite knowing the other owner would not permit the solar installation. Other consumers complained that Vision completed work without applying for or obtaining necessary permits, leaving consumers with unusable systems that could not be connected to the grid.
Other complaints indicated that Vision altered the scope of work without consent, placing panels in unauthorized places that resulted in lower energy generation. Others stated that Vision overstated tax benefits, claiming that owners would receive federal tax credits despite knowing their income was too low to meaningfully benefit. Vision may also have applied for at least some of its town electrical permits falsely using the credentials of a licensed electrician no longer employed with Vision, and may have completed work on some solar systems without an appropriately licensed electrician.
The cost of affected consumers’ solar installation projects, which can include roof replacement, may be as high as $95,000. Given the high cost of solar panel installation, the complainants entered multiyear financing arrangements with third-party lenders selected and suggested by Vision. In some instances, Vision may have misrepresented consumers’ income to falsely qualify for financing.
Vision’s egregious misconduct likely violates both the Home Improvement Act and Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act. Today’s action seeks restitution for consumers, disgorgement of profits gained through the company’s unfair and deceptive acts, civil penalties, and injunctive relief blocking Vision from further illegal conduct.
Last year, the Office of the Attorney General and Department of Consumer Protection announced a similar investigation and enforcement action against Solar Wolf Energy over failures to complete, or even begin, promised work. Solar Wolf is currently blocked from doing business in Connecticut as a result of the ongoing investigation and has since filed for bankruptcy.
Assistant Attorneys General Joe Gasser and Lauren Bidra, Legal Investigator Caylee Ribeiro, Paralegal Specialist Casey Rybak and Deputy Associate Attorney General Mike Wertheimer, Chief of the Consumer Protection Section, are assisting the Attorney General in this matter.
The Office of the Attorney General and Department of Consumer Protection have previously released guidance regarding rooftop solar.
“Residential solar may help reduce electric bills and dependence on fossil fuels to power our electric grid, but consumers must proceed with caution. Solar power purchase agreements or lease agreements are often long-term, complex, and can be expensive. Any electric bill savings varies per household depending on many factors,” said Attorney General Tong. “While electric rates are high and we are all looking for ways to save money, consumers should never feel pressured into a solar contract or any other major home project.”
What must I know about rooftop solar?
• Not all homes are equally suited for solar. The size of the roof, orientation of the home, amount of sun exposure, and the home’s energy demands are all important factors to consider. Solar companies may ask about removing trees to increase sun exposure, which is an additional expense.
• Some roofs require reinforcement or replacement before solar installation. This is a separate cost that solar companies typically will not pay for. And, if roof work is required during the useful life of the system, the homeowner may have to pay to remove the panels.
• Compare reviews and prices. As with any major purchase, you should compare other consumers’ reviews of solar companies and shop around to be sure you’re getting a fair deal.
• Know who you are doing business with, and ensure they are properly licensed in Connecticut. Many solar companies contract out their marketing and installations to third parties, so you might be asked to sign a contract with a different company than you thought.
• Never sign any agreement with a solar company under pressure. The Attorney General’s Office and the Department of Consumer Protection have received complaints of high-pressure sales tactics by solar companies. Even if a salesperson suggests you sign to “get the process going” or to “get more information,” do not sign unless you are fully comfortable committing to the solar transaction. You should never feel pressured to read a contract quickly, let alone on the spot on a salesperson’s tablet or computer. And you may ask a visiting salesperson to leave your home at any time.
• Under Connecticut law, you may cancel your contract any time before midnight the third business day after a transaction.
Here are some frequently asked questions about residential solar systems:
What is a solar panel system?
A solar system consists of rooftop panels and an inverter which converts sunlight into electricity. Installing solar panels can be an intensive process: the system must be professionally designed and installed, permitted and inspected by local officials, and approved by the electric utility. Roof reinforcement or replacement may be required before installing a solar system, at additional cost to the homeowner.
The same consumer protection provisions apply to solar installers and salespeople as other home improvement contractors and salespeople. For more information, visit the Department of Consumer Protection’s website.
Is residential solar cost-effective?
The benefits and costs vary. Consumers should be wary of solar companies that promise that solar makes sense for them before carefully analyzing their situation. Never make a decision based on online calculations or estimates, which may be based on data from other parts of the country.
Salespeople will emphasize that the cost of electricity is high and increases every year. While electricity costs do increase, consumers should beware of promises by solar companies that a solar system can guarantee a certain level of savings. You can find historical electrical costs for your utility here.
Can I get a solar system at no cost?
No. There is no such thing as a no-cost solar system. While some solar installations may have no up-front cost, those options require monthly payments and may not be wise in the long run.
What about tax credits or other incentives?
There is a 26% federal tax credit on the cost of solar systems installed through the end of 2022. The credit drops to 22% in 2023 and expires in 2024 unless renewed by Congress. Only the purchaser of a solar system may take the tax credit, not lessees or PPA customers, and purchasers will only benefit if they owe federal income tax. While solar companies may advertise low cost or even “no cost” solar programs, these involve the solar company, not the homeowner, receiving any tax credit.
Who pays for the solar system?
• Purchase. Consumers can buy solar panels using cash or obtain financing. The consumer owns the system and generally is responsible for maintaining and repairing it. Only a purchaser can benefit from any applicable tax credits.
• Lease. Consumers can lease solar panels by paying a fixed monthly payment in exchange for the use of the solar panels for a set term. Much like a leased car, the consumer can buy the panels at the end of the term, give back the panels, or renew the lease. There is no guarantee that the lease payments will be less than the electricity bill would have been without panels. And, if the system does not generate enough to cover the home’s full energy use, there is still an electric bill.
• Power purchase agreement (PPA). Under a PPA, consumers do not own or lease their systems, but pay a monthly payment based on how much electricity they use. The cost per kWh is generally less than electric rates, but increases over time. As with a lease, there is no guarantee that the monthly payments will be less than the electricity bill would have been, and, if the system does not generate enough to cover the home’s full energy use, there is still an electric bill.
Will I still need to pay for power from the electric utility?
Homes with solar panels are still connected to the power grid. This means the homeowner pays for power from the electric utility unless their system produces enough to cover their energy needs. A residential solar system can send energy back onto the grid and, depending on the arrangement the homeowner selects with the electric utility, the utility will provide a credit if the home generates more power than it uses. More information about credits for solar generation is available here.
Does a solar system affect my home’s value?
Solar companies often claim that solar panels increase the value of your home. There is currently not good data to support this claim. Many home buyers do not see solar panels as a benefit. Also, homeowners with leased panels or PPAs may have difficulty selling their home since the new buyer and the company need to agree to transfer the lease or PPA.
Connecticut consumers who believe they have been harmed by a solar company’s practices should file a complaint with the Office of the Attorney General here: https://www.dir.ct.gov/ag/complaint/ or with the Department of Consumer Protection here: https://portal.ct.gov/DCP/Complaint-Center/Consumers—Complaint-Center.
(HARTFORD, CT) – On Friday morning, Governor Ned Lamont will hold a ceremony at the U.S. headquarters of Boehringer Ingelheim in Ridgefield, where he will sign an executive order requiring the formation of a blue-ribbon panel that will be charged with developing a strategic plan of recommendations on how Connecticut can improve its child care system with a particular emphasis on making it more accessible, equitable, and affordable. The governor will be joined at the event by Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, Office of Early Childhood Commissioner Beth Bye, state legislators, childcare providers, parents, and advocates.
The governor is holding the ceremony at Boehringer Ingelheim because he wants to highlight one of the few businesses in the state that provides on-site childcare services to its employees, giving them a convenient and cost-effective method of receiving high-quality early childhood care and education just steps from where they work. Governor Lamont wants to encourage more businesses in Connecticut to offer child care services for their employees, which is why he proposed legislation this session that will provide businesses with a corporate tax credit of 25% of the cost of any child care subsidies they provide to their workers. The tax credit is included as part of his fiscal year 2024-2025 biennial budget proposal, which is currently under consideration in the General Assembly.
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is alerting riders that due to track improvements on the New Canaan Branch Line this summer, substitute bus service will replace all train service. This necessary work is part of the tie replacement and track upgrades program. When completed, an existing speed restriction in the Stamford area will be eliminated. Train speeds through this section will increase from 30 miles per hour to 50 miles per hour, increasing travel times on the line. The track improvements, and bus substitution, will begin Tuesday, May 30, 2023, and is estimated to run through August.
“CTDOT has continued to move forward with projects that modernize and improve our state rail systems to bolster efficiency, safety, and overall customer experience,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. “We know the importance of this line and have plans to ensure passengers can reach their destination. We worked with Metro-North to ensure this outage begins after Memorial Day and concludes prior to Labor Day, coinciding with the time commuters and their families are more likely to have summer vacations planned. We appreciate the patience and understanding of our customers as we enter the final phases of work activity.”
The bus schedule is currently being finalized and will be shared in the weeks ahead.
This year, the construction program includes the New Canaan Branch Line’s replacement of approximately 8,000 ties with a Pandrol fastening system, 1,600 feet of rail, insulated rail joints, and bridge timbers over the Noroton River Bridge; remediation of mud spots at several locations; reinstatement of drainage along portions of the branch where needed; reinstallation new rail anchors as needed; and surfacing the entire branch line.
The New Haven Line Track 5 work to lift the speed restriction includes the replacement of 830 ties, 1,200 feet of rail and bridge timbers over the Canal Street Bridge, Elm Street Bridge, and East Main Street Bridge; surfacing the entire stretch; and maintenance of the railway turnout by Elm Street.
Customers will be able to access the complete substitute bus schedule at mta.info/mnr. Customers are encouraged to check the schedules and status of service before they travel.
All rail customers are encouraged to pre-purchase their rail tickets before boarding. Customers may use the MTA eTix app or ticket vending machines conveniently located at most New Haven Line stations. For information on how to use the MTA eTix app, visit mta.info/mta-etix.
While passengers are no longer required to wear masks on board trains or in stations, masks are welcome and remain an important preventive measure against COVID-19. Anyone needing or choosing to wear one is encouraged to do so.
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that due to the winter storm that is anticipated to impact Connecticut, he is banning all tandem tractor trailers and empty tractor trailers from traveling on Interstate 84 statewide effective at 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, until further notice.
The governor said that he is implementing this travel ban due to the heavy wet snow and high winds that are expected to impact this specific area of Connecticut throughout the day on Tuesday. This is being done in coordination with New York, which has implemented a similar travel ban on tandem tractor trailers and empty tractor trailers on highways in this region.
“During peak periods of this storm, we are expecting to see very strong wind gusts and heavy wet snow in the northern region of the state, particularly along the I-84 corridor,” Governor Lamont said. “This storm is unique for our small state in that some areas are expected to receive a significant impact and in other regions it may be less severe. I encourage everyone to stay alert for weather updates and take caution if you need to travel.”
WASHINGTON–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) joined U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and a group of 19 senators in reintroducing legislation to protect people’s personal data online. The Data Care Act would require websites, apps, and other online providers to take responsible steps to safeguard personal information and stop the misuse of users’ data.
“We constantly hear reports of online companies misusing or exploiting data they collect from their users, and most people don’t realize just how much personal information these websites and apps can access. This legislation would ensure these companies are held to a higher standard that prioritizes protecting consumer data and give users some peace of mind,” said Murphy.
“Websites and apps that collect data from their users need to be protecting this data, not using it to harm them,” said Senator Schatz, a member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee. “Doctors and lawyers are required to protect people’s data, and our bill will help make sure online companies aren’t exploiting it, either.”
Doctors, lawyers, and bankers are legally required to exercise special care to protect their clients and not misuse their information. While online companies also hold personal and sensitive information about the people they serve, they are not required to protect consumers’ data. This leaves users in a vulnerable position; they are expected to understand the information they give to providers and how it is being used – an unreasonable expectation for even the most tech-savvy consumer. By establishing an explicit duty for online providers, Americans can trust that their online data is protected and used in a responsible way.
The Data Care Act establishes reasonable duties that will require providers to protect user data and will prohibit providers from using user data to their detriment:
1. Duty of Care – Must reasonably secure individual identifying data and promptly inform users of data breaches that involve sensitive information;
2. Duty of Loyalty – May not use individual identifying data in ways that harm users;
3. Duty of Confidentiality – Must ensure that the duties of care and loyalty extend to third parties when disclosing, selling, or sharing individual identifying data;
4. Federal and State Enforcement – A violation of the duties will be treated as a violation of an FTC rule with fine authority. States may also bring civil enforcement actions, but the FTC can intervene. States and the FTC may go after both first- and third-party data collectors; and
5. Rulemaking Authority – FTC is granted rulemaking authority to implement the Act.
Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he has directed the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) to extend the coverage period for households receiving deliverable fuel assistance under the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) during the 2022-2023 winter season to March 31, 2023. The original deadline to receive fuel deliveries this winter season was March 15, 2023.
Governor Lamont explained that thanks to the work of Connecticut’s Congressional delegation in securing the unprecedented fiscal year 2023 federal funding for the program, the state has resources available to provide for a slight extension to the deadline, giving residents a few extra days to receive assistance for fuel deliveries. Households that heat their homes with deliverable fuels such as home heating oil, propane, or kerosene will now have until March 31, 2023, to submit requests to their fuel providers for deliveries and receive assistance under CEAP for those deliveries. Approved CEAP households should contact their fuel providers before the end of March to request delivery.
“While it has been a relatively mild winter so far, we still have several weeks to go before warmer weather takes hold,” Governor Lamont said. “We have the ability to provide households with a slight extension to the period required to get deliverable fuel into their tanks for this winter season. Those households that are receiving assistance under this program should contact their deliverable fuel provider before the March 31 deadline.”
CEAP helps Connecticut households afford the cost of energy year-round, with a particular focus on ensuring that households get support heating their homes each winter. Program benefits and deadlines are set each year to ensure that the funding allocated to the program is sufficient to meet demand and provide as much support to households as possible. The program is administered by DSS.
“The Department of Social Services understands firsthand that residents are facing high costs for energy,” DSS Commissioner Andrea Barton Reeves said. “By extending the CEAP deliverable fuel deadline, we are giving households more time to get help paying for the energy they need to stay warm during the last weeks of winter and the first weeks of spring. The governor is committed to supporting our state’s most vulnerable families and we are proud to be a partner in providing that support.”
This winter season, thanks to additional federal funding, the state has offered all deliverable fuel households an extra $430 benefit, which means families heating with deliverable fuels like heating oil and propane can now access up to $2,320 per household to help pay their heating bills. Total benefits for deliverable fuel households now range from $1,110 to $2,320, up from $680 to $1,890 under the original allocation plan for this year, or by as much as 63% for certain households.
For more information on CEAP, including instructions on how to apply, visit ct.gov/heatinghelp or call 2-1-1.
This press release is made possible by our sponsor who accepts fuel assistance (not all do):
(Hartford, CT) – Attorney General William Tong today sued four out-of-state firearm dealers selling and advertising illegal, untraceable “ghost gun” parts in Connecticut.
On October 1, 2019, Connecticut banned the sale and receipt of unfinished frame and lower receiver gun components lacking serial numbers or unique identification, which are used to build ghost guns. Despite that, defendants Indie Guns of Florida, Steel Fox Firearms of Florida, Hell Fire Armory of North Carolina, and AR Industries of Utah each sold and shipped illegal ghost guns to an undercover investigator from the Office of the Attorney General.
The four firearm dealers each advertise and sell a variety of firearms and components, including ghost gun components that allow consumers to easily assemble handguns, fully functional AR-15 style automatic rifles, and other untraceable illegal guns. These components are shipped without serial numbers direct to consumers, bypassing federal licensed firearms dealers and background checks. The defendants ship illegal ghost gun parts directly to consumers without confirming whether the consumers are licensed to possess a firearm.
While websites for AR Industries and Steel Fox stated that they would not ship “AR-15 80% Lower Receiver” ghost gun kits to Connecticut, both companies shipped illegal ghost guns to a Connecticut address anyway. Indie Guns and Hell Fire had no warning, notice, or disclaimer.
By selling products that are expressly prohibited under Connecticut law, the lawsuit accuses each company of unfair and deceptive advertising, marketing and sales in violation of the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act.
“Ghost guns are an untraceable menace that exists for one reason—to evade law enforcement and registration. They are a threat to public safety and they are illegal in Connecticut. If you ship ghost guns into Connecticut, we will find you, stop you, and hold you accountable,” said Attorney General Tong. “Indie Guns, Steel Fox Firearms, Hell Fire Armory and AR Industries all knew their ghost guns were illegal in Connecticut and they shipped these weapons to Connecticut anyway. We won’t let them get away with it.”
“The Department of Consumer Protection’s mission is to protect public health and safety. It is hard to imagine a more direct threat to public safety then shipping illegal ghost guns into the State. We look forward to supporting the attorney general in his efforts to take decisive action against this activity,” said Department of Consumer Protection Commissioner Michelle H. Seagull.
