conflict-of-interest disclosure

Newo Global Energy (Newo) is a non-profit social enterprise exploring ways to share abundance (wêyôtan) through harmonious relationships (wahkohtowin). In practice, this means being in good relation with members of the communities Newo serves is of utmost importance, and influencing customers for our benefit goes against our deepest values. That being said, our work encompasses both solar-energy installations and energy audits, and Newo energy advisors recommend energy-saving opportunities that may include solar PV. There is an inherent conflict of interest in this work that Newo does not take lightly and approaches with great intention.

Here are ways in which Newo addresses this conflict of interest:

• All customers interested in a home energy evaluation must sign our conflict-of-interest disclosure

The energy-advising team will:

• not be involved in the provision of renovation services
• never recommend, encourage or influence customers to hire Newo to perform any energy-saving opportunities; energy advisors will encourage audit customers to seek multiple quotes from contractors when inquiring about any energy efficiency upgrades, particularly solar PV

The renovation-services team will:

• not be involved in the provision of energy advising services
• never recommend, encourage or influence customers to hire Newo to perform a home energy evaluation; the renovation services team will encourage retrofit-services customers to seek multiple quotes from contractors when inquiring about any energy-advisory services
• never initiate contact with an energy audit customer