Biden Admin Gave $3 Billion Loan to Solar Company Accused of Scamming Elderly
Solar Company Accused of Scamming Dementia Patients into Costly Solar Panel Leases
A solar company that recently received a $3 billion loan from the Department of Energy is facing serious allegations of scamming dementia patients on their deathbeds. According to interviews and state consumer complaint records obtained by the Washington Free Beacon, the company, Sunnova, has been accused of persuading elderly individuals with dementia to sign long-term, expensive solar panel leases.
“It was truly ripping off old people,” said Terry Blythe, a Texas resident whose 86-year-old father, diagnosed with dementia, was convinced by a Sunnova salesman to sign a 25-year lease. Blythe was left with a $34,000 contract after her father passed away.
Blythe’s story is just one of over 50 consumer complaints filed against Sunnova with the Texas attorney general’s office. These complaints range from maintenance delays to predatory sales tactics.
Exploiting Vulnerable Individuals
Mary Loller shared a similar experience involving her elderly father who was senile and given months to live. Despite his condition, a Sunnova salesman sold him a $60,000 solar system for his mobile home. After her father’s passing, Loller discovered that Sunnova had placed a lien on the property, preventing the family from selling it.
Both Blythe and Loller reached out to Sunnova about these troubling sales practices but received no resolution.
“Sunnova used predatory lending tactics and fraud to execute a 25-year contract on an elderly woman that was dying, and would never live 25 years to pay off a contract of this magnitude,” read one complaint.
These disturbing stories raise questions about the Department of Energy’s vetting process for loan recipients. Critics argue that the consumer records should have raised alarms and prevented the loan to Sunnova.
Potential Conflicts of Interest
The DOE’s Loan Programs Office, responsible for awarding the $3 billion loan to Sunnova, is currently under scrutiny from Congress for potential conflicts of interest. Before joining the Biden administration, LPO director Jigar Shah founded a trade association that shares a board member with Sunnova. This connection has raised concerns about favoritism and potential unethical practices.
Sen. John Barrasso and other lawmakers are investigating these potential conflicts of interest, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability.
Despite the allegations and investigations, Sunnova maintains that it does not discriminate based on age and claims to assist all customers in resolving any issues that may arise.
The Department of Energy has yet to respond to requests for comment on the matter.
As the investigation continues, experts in the energy industry draw parallels between Sunnova’s sales tactics and the subprime mortgage crisis of the 2000s. They argue that more stringent regulations and oversight are necessary to protect vulnerable individuals from predatory practices.
With the spotlight on the DOE’s Loan Programs Office and its funding decisions, the future of Sunnova and its alleged exploitation of dementia patients remains uncertain.
Do Sunnova’s aggressive sales tactics and failure to provide clear and accurate information to consumers violate consumer protection laws?
Mily from selling the home.
Sunnova’s sales tactics include pressuring vulnerable individuals, such as those with dementia or terminal illnesses, into signing long-term contracts for solar panel leases. These individuals often lack the mental capacity to fully understand the terms and implications of such agreements. By taking advantage of their cognitive impairments, Sunnova is able to secure high-cost contracts that may not be in the best interest of the consumer.
Questionable Ethics and Legal Concerns
The allegations against Sunnova raise serious ethical concerns. Exploiting vulnerable individuals for financial gain is morally reprehensible and should not be tolerated. In addition to ethical concerns, there may also be legal implications for Sunnova’s actions. Scamming individuals with dementia or other mental impairments could be considered financial elder abuse, which is a crime in many jurisdictions.
It is also worth investigating whether Sunnova’s sales practices violate consumer protection laws. The company’s aggressive sales tactics and failure to provide clear and accurate information to consumers may be in violation of laws that protect consumer rights. These laws aim to prevent unfair and deceptive practices and ensure that consumers are fully informed before entering into contracts.
Government Oversight and Accountability
The fact that Sunnova received a $3 billion loan from the Department of Energy raises concerns about the vetting process for government funding. Companies that receive substantial government funding should be thoroughly scrutinized to ensure that they have ethical business practices and prioritize consumer protection. It is crucial that the Department of Energy takes these allegations seriously and conducts a thorough investigation into Sunnova’s activities.
Furthermore, state consumer protection agencies must also step up their efforts to safeguard vulnerable individuals from predatory practices. Increased regulation and oversight are necessary to prevent other companies from engaging in similar exploitative tactics. Additionally, stronger penalties should be imposed on companies found guilty of scamming vulnerable individuals.
Conclusion
The allegations against Sunnova are deeply troubling and should not be taken lightly. Exploiting vulnerable individuals for personal gain is not only unethical but also potentially illegal. It is incumbent upon regulatory authorities to thoroughly investigate these allegations and hold Sunnova accountable if wrongdoing is found. Protecting vulnerable individuals, especially those with dementia, should be a top priority to ensure that they are not taken advantage of by unscrupulous businesses.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Now loading...