If someone claiming to work for CHELCO comes to your home to install a lightning rod, you should know that they are not a CHELCO representative and likely are perpetrating a scam, according to the electric cooperative's spokesperson.
Incidents involving individuals who charged utility customers as much as $8,000 for a lightning rod have been reported.
With thunderstorms occurring almost daily, many residents have experienced power surges associated with lightning strikes. CHELCO offers two kinds of surge protection: meter-based protection, designed to protect motor driven appliances and point-of-use protection, designed for electronics.
However, CHELCO does not install lightning rods.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: CHELCO customers: Beware of lightning rod scam