“…not an obvious scam, but read it as “small guaranteed discount on assigned solar credits,” not “huge electric-bill savings.” If the contract really has no fees, cancel-anytime, and a clear credit discount, it can be a low-risk modest savings program.”
AI PROMPT
Tell me about thinkenergy.com/costmgt — it’s a solar-membership program. is it genuine? explain the savings vs costs
AI RESPONSE
Short answer: it appears to be a real community-solar / bill-credit offer from a real energy company, not obviously fake — but the savings are modest and you should verify the exact contract before enrolling. The specific /costmgt link currently redirects me to Think Energy’s main site, so I can’t verify a unique “CostMgt” landing-page offer.
What it is
Think Energy / Think Community Solar says you subscribe to part of an off-site solar farm. The utility applies solar credits to your electric bill, then you pay Think for those credits minus a discount. Their site advertises a minimum 5% discount off solar credits, with possible discounts of 5%– 25%, no rooftop panels, no enrollment fee, and no cancellation fee.
That model is consistent with DOE’s description of community solar: subscribers receive utility bill credits tied to their share of an off-site solar project. DOE also says good consumer protections include clear disclosures, no signup/exit fees, and guaranteed savings. Sources: Think Energy community solar (https://thinkenergy.com/communitysolar/), DOE community solar basics (https://www.energy.gov/cmei/systems/community-solar-basics).
Savings vs. costs — the key math
The savings are not necessarily 5%–25% off your whole electric bill. They are usually 5%–25% off the solar-credit portion.
Example:
Item Amount
Normal utility bill $150
Solar credit applied to utility bill -$100
Remaining utility bill $50
You pay Think for credits at 95% of value $95
Total paid $145
Net savings $5
So if the discount is 5%, you save $5 per $100 of solar credits. If credits cover most of your usage, savings could approach 5% of the energy bill. If credits cover only part of it, savings are smaller.
At 20% discount:
Solar credits — You pay — Think Net savings
$100 — $80 — $20
Is it genuine?
Mostly yes, with caveats.
Positive signs:
- Think Energy is a known retail energy supplier; Energywell acquired Think Energy in 2022, and Think was described as licensed in multiple states/DC.
Source: Energywell acquisition release
(https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/energywell-completes-acquisition-of-think-energy-and-enters-into-a-preferred-supplier-agreement-with-engie-energy-marketing-north-america-301702222.html). - The community-solar billing structure is a legitimate, common model.
- Think’s own page says no enrollment/cancellation fees and explains autopay after utility credits.
Cautions:
- Think Energy has BBB complaints, including billing/service issues; BBB also says it is not BBB accredited. That doesn’t prove a scam, but it means you should be careful. Source: BBB complaints
(https://www.bbb.org/us/ct/southport/profile/electric-companies/think-energy-0111-110087065/complaints). - Think uses affiliates/marketers/referral channels, so the person/link pitching you may be an independent marketer. Verify directly with Think, not only the referrer.
- FTC warns to avoid pressure tactics, unclear contracts, “free solar” claims, or anyone pretending to be the utility/government. Source: FTC solar
scam guidance (https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/09/solar-energy-rising-popularity-so-are-scams).
Before signing, ask for these exact terms
- Discount percentage: Is it 5%, 10%, 20%, or 25%?
- Discount applies to what? Solar credits only, total bill, supply charges, or delivery too?
- Any fees at all? Signup, monthly, credit-card/autopay, late, cancellation.
- Billing method: Will the charge appear on your utility bill or separate autopay?
- Cancellation: How many days’ notice? Any minimum term despite “cancel anytime”?
- Over-crediting: What happens if credits exceed your bill?
- Timeline: When do credits actually start? Think says it may take months.
- Utility confirmation: Ask your utility whether this community solar project/subscription manager is recognized in your state/program.
My verdict: not an obvious scam, but read it as “small guaranteed discount on assigned solar credits,” not “huge electric-bill savings.” If the contract really has no fees, cancel-anytime, and a clear credit discount, it can be a low-risk modest savings program.