Utility issues winter scam warning; Sustainable Middleborough schedules Cooler Middleborough Fair for March 1

Middleborough Gas & Electric’s energy services specialist delivered a safety minute warning residents about winter utility scams, and a representative of Sustainable Middleborough announced the third annual Cooler Middleborough Fair for March 1.

Kevin Boyle, energy services specialist, told listeners that scammers commonly threaten shutoffs and ask for immediate payment via gift cards or other untraceable means, sometimes spoofing Middleborough Gas & Electric on caller ID. Boyle advised that the utility sends multiple disconnection notices before shutting off service, will work on payment plans, and that customers should not give social-security numbers, driver’s-license numbers, passwords or financial account details over unsolicited email or phone calls. He provided the utility customer-service number (508-947-1371) for verification and recommended deleting suspicious emails rather than clicking unknown links.

Alan Melchior, a member of Sustainable Middleborough, announced the Cooler Middleborough Fair on Saturday, March 1, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Middleborough High School’s common area. He said the event — cosponsored by the high-school YES Club and the New England Coastal Wildlife Alliance — offers information on home energy conservation, insulation, heat pumps, solar rebates from the utility and federal tax credits, plus family activities and student projects. Melchior said previous fairs drew about 400 attendees over two years and described it as a low-cost way for residents to learn about energy upgrades and available rebates.

Both items were presented under announcements and recognitions; no board action was required.