Hardwick Electric Department – Privacy Policy

Hardwick Electric Department (HED) is committed to protecting your privacy. We take the collection of personal information from our Users seriously and are committed to protecting each User’s privacy. This privacy policy applies to all digital platforms provided by Hardwick Electric Department including our mobile app, customer web portals, and other related systems.

User Provided Information

HED obtains the information you provide in person or via our digital platforms. Use of the HED digital platforms is optional. However, please keep in mind that you may not be able to use some of their features unless you register with us.

Information HED collects includes but is not limited to: (a) your name, address, telephone number; (b) if using our digital platforms: email address, user name, password and other registration information, transaction-related information, such as when you make payments or download or use applications from us; (c) information you provide us when you contact us for help; (d) credit card, e-check information for payments and use of the digital platforms (credit card and e-check information is securely stored as tokens if saved), and; (e) information you enter into our system when using the digital platforms, such as contact information.

Automatically Collected Information

In addition, the HED mobile application may collect certain information automatically, including, but not limited to, the type of mobile device you use, your mobile devices unique device ID, the IP address of your mobile device, time and date of access, your mobile operating system, the type of mobile Internet browsers you use, and information about the way you use the application. This data is used solely for improving the functionality and security of our services and is not shared with third parties.

Does the Application collect precise real time location information of the device?

When you visit the mobile application, we may use GPS technology (or other similar technology) to determine your current location in order to determine the city you are located within and display a location map with relevant advertisements. We will not share your current location with other users or partners.

If you do not want us to use your location for the purposes set forth above, you should turn off the location services for the mobile application located in your account settings or in your mobile phone settings and/or within the mobile application.

What are my opt-out rights?

You can stop all collection of information by the mobile application easily by uninstalling the application. You may use the standard uninstall processes as may be available as part of your mobile device or via the mobile application marketplace or network. You can also request to opt-out via email, at customerservice@hardwickelectric.com.

Data Retention Policy, Managing Your Information

We will retain User Provided data for as long as you are User and for a reasonable time thereafter. We will retain Automatically Collected Information for up to 24 months and thereafter may store it in aggregate. If you’d like us to delete User Provided Data that you have provided, please contact us at customerservice@hardwickelectric.com, and we will respond in a reasonable time. Please note that some or all of the User Provided Data may be required in order for the digital platforms to function properly. We do not sell your personal data, nor do we share it for marketing or advertising purposes.

Payments and Billing

When you make a payment through our services, it’s securely processed by third-party providers who comply with PCI standards. We do not store your full credit card or bank account numbers. If you choose to save a payment method, only a secure token is kept on file.

Children

We do not use the Application to knowingly solicit data from or market to children under the age of 13. If a parent or guardian becomes aware that his or her child has provided us with information without their consent, he or she should contact us at customerservice@hardwickelectric.com. We will delete such information from our files within a reasonable time.

Security

We are concerned about safeguarding the confidentiality of your information. We provide physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards to protect information we process and maintain. For example, we limit access to this information to authorized employees and contractors who need to know that information in order to operate, develop or improve our digital platforms. Please be aware that, although we endeavor provide reasonable security for information we process and maintain, no security system can prevent all potential security breaches.

Changes

This Privacy Policy may be updated from time to time for any reason. We will notify you of any changes to our Privacy Policy by posting the new Privacy Policy here or informing you via email or text message. You are advised to consult this Privacy Policy regularly for any changes, as continued use is deemed approval of all changes.

Your Consent

By using the digital platforms, you are consenting to our processing of your information as set forth in this Privacy Policy now and as amended by us. “Processing,” means using cookies on a computer/handheld device or using or touching information in any way, including, but not limited to, collecting, storing, deleting, using, combining and disclosing information, all of which activities will take place in the United States. Usage of a cookie is in no way linked to any personally identifiable information on our site. If you reside outside the United States your information will be transferred, processed and stored there under United States privacy standards.

Contact Us

If you have any questions regarding privacy, or have questions about our practices, please contact us at:

customerservice@hardwickelectric.com

Hardwick Electric Department
PO Box 516
123 North Main Street
Hardwick, VT 05843

Effective September 2025