This is a scam. The guy claimed to work for Pepco and that he will come install an energy saving device that will save me 40 some dollars a year. This African American male rang my doorbell but I did not answer. He showed up with a tool box to make it seem like he's legit. Report this to your HOA and police station.
Got a phone call from this number on November 26, 2014, with no text ID, identifying herself as from PEPCO and to "notify" us to install an energy saving switch near our AC. I was in a hurry and didn't think too much about it. A short while later after the call, I managed to google Pepco and realized that the program (the real one) is optional, while in the phone call the lady never made an effort saying it was optional. I called back the number; a guy answered it. I said it's optional and I did not want them to touch my AC. He started saying this is the community effort and I have been "fully informed" from their brochures (I never received that) so their call was just to notify me that they will proceed, and they have full authorization. I asked again, "do you mean this is mandatory?" He said it is optional. I made it clear that I did not want it, then he rudely hang up. I called back again making sure they knew not to touch my property (they had the info from the first call). Not sure what this is all about.
I received their call again today (December 2, 2014). I was busy at work so I didn't pick up my phone, and they did not leave a message. I called Pepco customer service later today. The lady at the customer service confirmed that their energy saving program does NOT solicit participation; the customers would have to call Pepco to opt in. This explanation is inline with what Pepco's online resource said. The lady said the call was most likely originated from 3rd party trying to obtain the account information. She transferred me to their energy saving program to report this call.
There is a new custom in the USA - if you do not recognize the phone number on your Caller ID - do not answer. Yes, this number was on my caller ID and I no longer answer unfamiliar phone numbers. Your friends, family, neighbors, and legitimate companies will leave a voicemail for you!
Best wishes for a wonderful holiday season to everyone except the telemarketers!