Why aren’t the “Don’t Knock” laws in Pennsylvania anymore? – Morning call

My doorbell has been broken for many years. This is not a big priority on my home renovation list because it’s a reason to ignore attorneys door-to-door.

Spring and summer – the peak time of pests.

Wouldn’t it be great if there was a way to give up these invasions? Some Pennsylvania communities are trying with “Don’t Beat” lists.

They work similarly The list does not call for phone sales.

Most municipalities require attorneys who go door-to-door to get permission before they start knocking. Municipalities with the law “Do not knock” give traders a list of facilities where they are prohibited because residents do not want it.

These laws are rare in the Lichai Valley. The only ones I found on Monday were in Emmaus and the town of Hanover, Northampton.

Several communities in the surrounding counties have them, including the Hatfield district and township; East Noritan Township; New Britain; and Chalfont.

They also exist in other parts of the state.

The system is not perfect because I suspect many vendors don’t care to get permission to request. They will not know which door they cannot approach.

But laws can cut traffic near your door and give you more ammunition for authorities against violators.

On the rare occasions when I open the door to a peddler, I usually think it’s someone from a gas station or a company that deals with roofing, siding, or windows. They often tell me that they work in the area and want to know if I am interested in their services.

I would never buy from someone who provides their services this way and I would also not recommend you to shop. You are taken by surprise and do not know enough about the company. You also have to be careful not to be deceived.

If your home needs major repairs, such as the roof, you need to be the one knocking and calling the company. Get multiple ratings and make sure of their quality with online reviews and resources such as the Better Business Bureau.

As with the Do Not Call list, there may be exceptions to the Do Not Call list.

The Hanover Township exempts people who raise money for charity and children who sell items such as candy and baked goods, or who represent organizations such as Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts.

Also exempt are visitors who “proselytize in favor of religion or distribute political posters free of charge, or exercise the right to anonymous religious or political speech without demanding any funds or selling any goods.”

So the law does not guarantee peace and quiet in the election season.

Some of the most common peddlers in Pennsylvania sell electricity. Their sales could pick up quickly as they seek to benefit from steep hikes from local utilities.

PPL rate to rise by 38% and Met-Ed’s will rise 16% on June 1, the Pennsylvania Utilities Commission warned Monday. The PECO rate is expected to rise, but the amount has not been determined.

PUC shared this information to encourage people to find out if they can find a better price by buying electricity from an alternative supplier.

Expect to get more applications to save money on electricity by changing providers.

You can save, but consumers need to be vigilant because shopping can also cost you more.

Be sure to read the fine print. Know when your contract expires and whether you agree to a fixed or variable rate.

Variable rates can cause problems if you don’t pay attention.

If you have a fixed rate contract, after the expiration of that contract some providers switch you to a variable rate that can change monthly.

That’s a lot to understand, too much to make a decision based on a brief conversation with a a stranger at your door who caught you unprepared.

When dealing with an electricity salesperson, it’s also important to protect yourself from being “hit”. There is a slam if you signed up for a vendor without your knowledge because the vendor received your electric bill number.

So don’t show the seller your electricity bill.

As with any purchase, you will be better off ignoring these offers and looking for options yourself. You can search for rates and terms of all suppliers in your area at papowerswitch.com.

The municipalities of Likhai Valley will provide a service to their residents by passing the Do Not Knock laws to protect them from flooding by unwanted sales.

Morning Call columnist Paul Musik can be reached at 610-820-6582 or paul.muschick@mcall.com