City Warns Residents of Door-to-Door Gas Solicitations

The City of Evanston is warning residents about alternative natural gas supplier solicitations after receiving numerous reports from community members.

Residents report that a door-to-door salesperson visited their residence carrying a clipboard, helmet and badge, and solicited them to buy their products. These suppliers do not represent the utility company or the City of Evanston, nor are they affiliated with any program with the City of Evanston.

Residents are advised to not sign up with any gas or electricity supplier on the spot, and to not give out their utility account numbers or show their utility bills.

Soliciting is only permitted in Evanston between the hours of 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. The practice of door-to-door solicitation is prohibited on Sundays and on state and federal holidays. All solicitors and peddlers operating in the City of Evanston are required to apply for a license to operate in the community.

Residents who wish to prohibit individuals from soliciting them at their home can give notice by posting a weatherproof card, 3” x 5” or larger, stating, “NO SOLICITING,” on or near a main entrance. A sample sign can be found here >>>

Solicitors who disregard prohibited hours or a posted “No Soliciting” sign, or who fail to leave after being requested to do so are in violation of City code, and may be subject to a fine or community service.  

Residents or businesses can call the non-emergency Police Department number, 847-866-5000, to report any unsolicited door-to-door gas or electricity suppliers that claim to represent the City or use inappropriate tactics. Complaints against a particular supplier can also be logged with the Illinois Commerce Commission by calling 1-800-524-0795, or online at www.icc.illinois.gov.

For more information, call 3-1-1.