Red Background, Yellow Lies: The Latest Solar Scam Hits IID Customers

If you’ve seen a postcard stuck to your mailbox screaming “NOTICE IID CUSTOMERS” in bold white on red — congratulations, you’ve just been targeted by a scam. This little slice of deception is carefully color-coded to look official and urgent. Below the red header is a yellow box with black text that reads something like:

“The Passing of the 2024 CALIFORNIA SOLAR MANDATE (Assembly Bill 178) requires...”

And that's where my brain hit the brakes. Why? Because I’ve seen this script before, and it always ends with someone getting tricked into signing up for a service they don’t need or being scared into giving away personal information.

Let’s Clear This Up Right Now

Assembly Bill 178 — yes, it’s real — but it only applies to new construction. That’s right. If you already live in a house, this “mandate” does not apply to you. No one's coming to fine you or cut your power because you haven't installed solar panels on your 1982 ranch-style house in the Coachella Valley.

This scam is banking on fear and confusion. It vaguely states you are required to participate in some effort to “help California residents convert to alternative energy.” Sounds noble, right? Except... it’s also complete fiction. There is no law requiring existing homeowners to install solar panels in 2024 or beyond. This is not a requirement from the California Energy Commission or any verified government source.

And About That Phone Number…

At the bottom of the postcard is a contact number — probably with a cheerful voice waiting to explain how they’ll “help you comply” and maybe even offer a “limited-time incentive” if you act now. A quick lookup shows that this number was activated and taken over in February 2024. Not a good sign. No public agency changes its hotline number and routing every few months like a burner phone.

This is not how legitimate programs work. The California Public Utilities Commission, CEC, and even the big bad IRS all have one thing in common — they use official mail, secure websites, and traceable documentation. They don't tape yellow scam-grams to your mailbox.

What to Do If You Got One

  • Ignore the postcard.
  • Do NOT call the number.
  • Do NOT give any personal information.
  • Report it to your local utility or consumer protection agency.

If you want solar, great — get informed, research providers, and make sure your installer is licensed and legit. But don’t let a red-and-yellow piece of printed garbage bully you into action.

Resources & References:

Bottom line: no red postcard gets to boss you around. Always read the fine print — and then burn it (responsibly).