Penalty Amount
$5,000,000
The Connecticut Attorney General obtained a $5 million stipulated judgment against Vision Solar for alleged deceptive sales practices, including high-pressure tactics, misrepresentations, and performing unpermitted work. Although the company is bankrupt and cannot pay, the judgment establishes binding operational standards for solar companies in Connecticut regarding disclosures, contracting, permitting, and use of licensed contractors.
The judgment imposes a $5 million civil penalty and includes injunctive relief requiring: clear disclosure of solar generation estimates and costs; itemization of all services; prohibition on using tablets/phones for signatures and same-day contract signing after first visit; prohibition on work before obtaining permits; and requirement to use licensed electricians for electrical work.
In-house legal teams should review all customer-facing agreements, particularly residential solar sales contracts and installation service agreements. Key clauses to examine include: disclosure statements (ensuring no misrepresentations about costs, performance, or permits), contract execution terms (prohibiting same-day signing after first visit and restricting electronic signatures via tablets/phones), permitting responsibilities (requiring contractor to obtain all permits before work begins), and contractor licensing mandates (verifying use of licensed contractors). Agreements may need amendments to add a mandatory cooling-off period, explicit affordability/credit checks, and strengthened representations/warranties regarding permit acquisition and system activation.
Entity
Vision Solar
Industry
OtherOfficial Press Release
https://portal.ct.gov/ag/press-releases/2024-press-releases/attorney-general-tong-announces-5-million-judgment-against-bankrupt-vision-solar
vision solar motion for judgment w exhibit.pdf?rev=a97cfa248
https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/ag/press_releases/2024/vision-solar-motion-for-judgment-w-exhibit.pdf?rev=a97cfa248c1545109cb915273b8f35ea&hash=8CBD2E884B72B6E834114C46C6F74217
Connecticut Attorney General Enforcement Page
https://portal.ct.gov/AG/Privacy/Privacy-Resources
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong joined a coalition of states and local governments in filing suit against NHTSA over its rule weakening fuel economy standards for new passenger cars and light trucks. The lawsuit alleges the rule violates the agency’s statutory mandate and the Administrative Procedure Act; no penalty or final remedy is reported.
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong joined a multistate coalition suing the EPA over its repeal of greenhouse gas pollution limits for power plants and separately filed a notice of intent to sue over regulation of existing gas plants. The coalition asks the court to overturn the repeal and restore the protections; the release reports no monetary penalty or final order.
$400.0M
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong announced a $400 million settlement with Sandoz Inc. and Fougera Pharmaceuticals Inc. resolving allegations that the generic drug manufacturers conspired to inflate prices, limit competition, and restrain trade. The settlement includes consumer restitution and injunctive reforms; court approval was being sought.
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong joined a coalition of 21 attorneys general in submitting a comment letter opposing a DHS rule that allows certain affirmative asylum applications to be referred to removal proceedings without an asylum officer interview. The coalition argues the rule violates federal law and harms asylum seekers, including unaccompanied children; this was a policy opposition letter, not a privacy enforcement action.
Connecticut and Massachusetts co-led a coalition protest urging FERC to reject the proposed NextEra Energy-Dominion Energy merger. The coalition argued that the merger could increase market power and threaten energy affordability, reliability, and competition; the release does not report a final enforcement decision or penalty.
Connecticut officials warned residents about potential home improvement scams before an approaching nor’easter, including unlicensed contractors, high-pressure sales tactics, and demands for full payment upfront. The release provides consumer guidance on checking contractors and contract requirements; it does not announce an enforcement action or penalty against a named entity.