Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

ThinkBigEnergy ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, use our services, or interact with us as a customer or advisor.

This policy applies to all information collected through our website, mobile applications, energy services, advisor programs, and any related services, sales, marketing, or events.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us when you:

- Register for our energy services

- Apply to become an advisor

- Contact us for customer support

- Subscribe to our newsletter or marketing communications

- Participate in surveys, contests, or promotions

- Use our website or mobile applications

This information may include:

- Name, address, email address, and phone number

- Social Security Number (for credit checks and advisor applications)

- Date of birth and government-issued ID information

- Financial information (bank account details for payments)

- Energy usage history and utility account information

- Employment information (for advisor applications)

- Emergency contact information

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website or use our services, we may automatically collect certain information about your device and usage patterns:

- IP address, browser type, and operating system

- Pages visited, time spent on pages, and click patterns

- Referring website or source that brought you to our site

- Device identifiers and mobile network information

- Location data (with your consent)

- Cookies and similar tracking technologies

2.3 Energy Usage Data

As your energy provider, we collect and analyze:

- Monthly and daily energy consumption patterns

- Smart meter data (where available)

- Billing history and payment information

- Service interruption and maintenance records

- Customer service interaction history

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

3.1 Service Provision

- Provide energy services and manage your account

- Process payments and manage billing

- Optimize energy rates through our AutoSave technology

- Manage ThinkSmart thermostat integration

- Provide customer support and technical assistance

3.2 Business Operations

- Verify identity and conduct credit checks

- Comply with regulatory requirements

- Prevent fraud and ensure account security

- Analyze usage patterns to improve services

- Conduct market research and analytics

3.3 Marketing and Communications

- Send service updates and important notices

- Provide information about new services or promotions

- Send newsletters and marketing communications (with consent)

- Personalize your experience on our website

3.4 Advisor Program Management

- Process advisor applications and background checks

- Manage advisor accounts and compensation

- Provide training materials and support

- Track referrals and calculate commissions

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We may share your information in the following circumstances:

4.1 Service Providers

- We may share information with third-party service providers who assist us in:

- Payment processing and billing services

- Customer support and call center operations

- Marketing and advertising services

- Data analytics and website optimization

- Background check and identity verification services

- Cloud storage and IT infrastructure

4.2 Utility Companies and Grid Operators

We share necessary information with utility companies and grid operators to:

- Facilitate energy supply and delivery

- Manage account transfers and service changes

- Ensure grid stability and reliability

- Comply with regulatory reporting requirements

4.3 Legal and Regulatory Compliance

We may disclose information when required by law or to:

- Comply with legal processes, court orders, or government requests

- Respond to regulatory inquiries or investigations

- Protect our rights, property, or safety

- Prevent fraud or illegal activities

- Enforce our terms of service or other agreements

4.4 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the acquiring entity, subject to the same privacy protections.

5. Data Security

We implement comprehensive security measures to protect your personal information:

5.1 Technical Safeguards

- Encryption of data in transit and at rest

- Secure socket layer (SSL) technology for website communications

- Multi-factor authentication for account access

- Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments

- Firewalls and intrusion detection systems

5.2 Administrative Safeguards

- Employee training on data privacy and security

- Access controls limiting data access to authorized personnel

- Background checks for employees with data access

- Incident response procedures for security breaches

- Regular review and update of security policies

5.3 Physical Safeguards

- Secure data centers with restricted access

- Environmental controls and monitoring

- Secure disposal of physical documents and storage media

6. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights regarding your personal information:

6.1 Access and Portability

- Request access to your personal information

- Receive a copy of your data in a portable format

- Request information about how your data is processed

6.2 Correction and Updates

- Correct inaccurate or incomplete information

- Update your contact preferences

- Modify your account settings

6.3 Deletion and Restriction

- Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal requirements)

- Restrict processing of your data in certain circumstances

- Object to processing based on legitimate interests

6.4 Marketing Communications

- Opt out of marketing emails and communications

- Manage your communication preferences

- Withdraw consent for marketing activities

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided in the "Contact Us" section below.

7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience on our website:

7.1 Types of Cookies

- Essential Cookies: Required for website functionality

- Performance Cookies: Help us analyze website usage

- Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings

- Marketing Cookies: Used for targeted advertising (with consent)

7.2 Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality. Most browsers allow you to:

- View and delete cookies

- Block cookies from specific websites

- Block third-party cookies

- Clear all cookies when you close your browser

8. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to:

- Provide our services and maintain your account

- Comply with legal and regulatory requirements

- Resolve disputes and enforce agreements

- Prevent fraud and ensure security

- Specific retention periods vary based on the type of information and applicable legal requirements. Energy usage data may be retained for up to 7 years for regulatory compliance, while marketing communications preferences are retained until you opt out.

9. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for international transfers, including:

- Adequacy decisions by relevant authorities

- Standard contractual clauses

- Binding corporate rules

- Certification schemes and codes of conduct

10. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to children under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 18, we will take steps to delete such information promptly.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will notify you of any material changes by:

- Posting the updated policy on our website

- Sending email notifications to registered users

- Providing notice through our services or applications

Your continued use of our services after any changes indicates your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

ThinkBigEnergy Privacy Office
1 E. Erie St.

Chicago, IL 60611

Phone: 773-658-9800

Email: [email protected]
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM CST

For California residents, you may also contact us regarding your rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) using the contact information above.

13. State-Specific Privacy Rights

13.1 California Residents (CCPA/CPRA)

California residents have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act, including:

- Right to know what personal information is collected

- Right to delete personal information

- Right to opt out of the sale of personal information

- Right to non-discrimination for exercising privacy rights

- Right to correct inaccurate personal information

- Right to limit use of sensitive personal information

13.2 Other State Privacy Laws

We comply with applicable state privacy laws, including those in Virginia, Colorado, Connecticut, and other states with comprehensive privacy legislation. Residents of these states may have similar rights to those described above.