Privacy Policy for www.energyALERT.org

Effective Date: August 12, 2025

The Alliance for Local Empowerment and Reliable Transmission (ALERT), a 501(c)(6) non-profit business league, is committed to protecting the privacy of individuals who interact with our website (www.energyALERT.org, including mobile versions) and associated social media platforms (collectively, the “Site”). This Privacy Policy details the types of information we collect, how we use, disclose, and safeguard it, and the options available to you regarding its management. By using the Site, you agree to the practices outlined herein..

1. Scope and Application

The Site is owned and operated by ALERT and its affiliates (collectively “we,” “us,” or “our”).

This Policy applies solely to data collected through the Site and does not extend to information obtained offline (e.g., via telephone, mail) or from websites targeting children under 13, which are governed by separate COPPA-compliant policies.

This Policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. Significant updates will be posted on this page with a new effective date, and we may notify you via email or a prominent Site notice where appropriate.

International Users: If you are located outside the United States, please be aware that your data will be processed in the U.S. under this Policy and U.S. laws, which may provide different protections than those in your country. By using the Site, you consent to this transfer and to our use of cookies as described below.

2. Information We Collect

We collect two primary categories of data to support our advocacy and operational objectives:

2.1 User-Provided Information

“Personal Information” refers to data that can identify you or facilitate contact, including:

• Name, company name, postal addresses, email addresses, telephone numbers, fax numbers, photographs, gender.
• Payment details (e.g., credit card information) and transaction history.
• Job history, interests, hobbies, and demographic data.
• This information is gathered when you:
• Complete transactions or create an account.
• Subscribe to newsletters, register for events, or make donations.
• Participate in grassroots actions, sweepstakes, surveys, or online forums.
• Use features such as “tell-a-friend” tools or contact forms.

Data shared through these tools is protected under this Policy.

2.2 Site Usage Information

Our servers automatically collect:

• IP address, domain name, device type, mobile carrier, and browser settings.
• Clickstream data, including pages visited, duration of visits, and search terms entered.
• Tracking data from cookies, HTML5, and pixel tags (see Section 4).

This data supports usage analytics, site improvement, and fraud prevention, often through tools like Google Analytics.

3. Use of Your Information

We and our service providers utilize your data for the following purposes:

• Facilitate Site functionality, process transactions, and manage user accounts.
• Respond to inquiries and provide updates related to ALERT’s mission and events.
• Conduct market research and develop new advocacy resources.
• Deliver marketing communications or targeted advertisements (opt-out available, see Section 5).
• Protect our rights, prevent fraud, and comply with legal obligations.
• Customize the Site based on your preferences and aggregated usage trends.

We may combine Personal Information and Site Usage Information, including data from third-party sources (e.g., demographic updates), to enhance our services.

4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

The Site employs tracking technologies to optimize performance and user experience:

• Cookies: Small data files stored on your device to assign a unique identifier, recognize prior visits, and enable features like login retention or cart storage. You can manage cookies through your browser settings (see cookie management guide (#) for details).
• HTML5: Used to store usage data on your device for analytics and customization.
• Pixel Tags: Small images in emails or web pages to measure engagement metrics.

These technologies may be deployed by us or our service providers (e.g., Google Analytics). By using the Site, you consent to their use, though you may opt out.

4.1 Do Not Track

Certain web browsers transmit “Do Not Track” (DNT) signals. Due to the lack of a universal standard, we do not currently adjust our tracking practices in response to DNT settings. Our third-party partners (e.g., ad networks) also do not alter their practices based on DNT signals. Opt-out options are available.

5. Your Choices: Opt-In and Opt-Out

You may exercise control over certain data uses:

• Opt-In/Out: When submitting Personal Information (e.g., via forms), you can choose to receive or decline marketing emails. To opt-out, email privacy@energyALERT.org with your name, address, email, and phone number, or use the unsubscribe link in our emails. Note that operational communications (e.g., account updates) may persist.
• Third-Party Opt-Out: Contact third parties directly to stop their promotional messages.
• CCPA/GDPR Rights: U.S. and EU users may request access, correction, or deletion of their data (see Section 8). Submit requests to privacy@energyALERT.org.

6. Disclosure of Your Information

We may share your data under the following circumstances:

• Service Providers: Shared with web hosts, analytics firms, or other vendors under contractual confidentiality terms.
• Affiliates and Co-Sponsors: For joint promotional activities, with your opt-in consent.
• Third Parties: For marketing purposes, unless you opt-out (see Section 5).
• Legal Requirements: Disclosed to protect safety, investigate fraud, or comply with legal processes (e.g., subpoenas).
• Corporate Transactions: In mergers, acquisitions, or bankruptcies.
• Aggregated Data: Non-identifiable usage data may be shared for research purposes.

We do not “sell” your Personal Information as defined under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).

7. International Data Transfers

Personal Information is processed and stored in the United States. For users in the European Union or European Economic Area, we adhere to the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework to ensure adequate safeguards for cross-border data transfers.

8. Your Rights and Access

You are entitled to the following rights:

• Access, Correction, Deletion: Request a copy of your data, correct inaccuracies, or request deletion (subject to retention policies) by emailing privacy@energyALERT.org. We will verify your identity and respond within 45 days, with a possible extension to 90 days for complex requests.
• Non-Discrimination: Exercising these rights will not affect your access to Site services.

These rights align with the California Consumer Privacy Act and, where applicable, the General Data Protection Regulation.

9. Security Measures

ALERT implements reasonable security measures, including encryption and access controls, to protect your Personal Information. However, due to the inherent risks of internet transmission, we cannot guarantee absolute security and disclaim liability for breaches by unauthorized third parties. If a security incident occurs, we will notify affected users promptly via email (or postal mail if requested) at privacy@energyALERT.org. Account holders are responsible for maintaining password confidentiality and must report breaches immediately.

10. Linked Websites

The Site may contain links to third-party websites (e.g., partners, advertisers). ALERT is not responsible for their privacy practices, which are governed by their own policies. We recommend reviewing those policies before providing data.

11. Children’s Privacy

The Site is not intended for children under 13. If we inadvertently collect data from users under 13, we will delete it and notify parents in accordance with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). Users aged 13–16 require parental consent for certain data uses—contact us at privacy@energyALERT.org for assistance.

12. Policy Updates

This Privacy Policy may be revised to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. Updates will be posted on this page with a new effective date. For significant changes (e.g., expanded data uses), we will provide notice via email or a Site announcement and may seek your consent where required.13. Contact InformationFor questions, concerns, or to exercise your rights, please contact us:

Email: privacy@energyALERT.org

Phone: (804) 494-8884

Mail: 8401 Mayland Dr #5874, Richmond, VA, 23294, USA