EVANSTON, ILLINOIS - The City of Evanston is reminding residents and visitors of its regulations regarding door-to-door sales solicitations from alternative natural gas and electricity suppliers.

Electricity and natural gas suppliers marketing plans door-to-door in Evanston are classified as solicitors according to City Code Section 9-5-25. These suppliers do not represent the utility company or the City of Evanston, nor are they affiliated with the City's Community Choice Electricity Aggregation program. Residents are advised to not give out their utility account numbers or show their utility bills unless they are sure they want to sign up with a new supplier.

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.

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. (View sample sign.)

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 icc.illinois.gov.

The non-profit Citizens Utility Board (CUB) offers free guidance navigating the natural gas and electricity market. For questions, call CUB at 800-669-5556.

For more information about City of Evanston soliciting regulations, please call/text 847-448-4311. For convenience, residents in Evanston may simply dial 3-1-1.