Press Release

PUC Approves Settlement with Residents Energy

Published on 7/12/2018

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved a settlement with Residents Energy following an informal investigation into the company’s marketing and sales practices as a licensed electric generation supplier (EGS) in Pennsylvania.

The Commission voted 5-0 to approve the settlement between Residents Energy and the PUC’s independent Bureau of Investigation & Enforcement (I&E).  According to the terms of the settlement, Residents Energy will pay a civil penalty of $6,000, comply with certain reporting requirements to the Commission, and provide the Commission with a single point of contact for resolution of consumer inquiries or complaints received by the PUC’s Bureau of Consumer Services.

I&E began an informal investigation of Residents Energy after a “slamming” allegation stemming from a door-to-door sales call in which a sales agent, acting on behalf of Residents Energy, improperly conducted a third-party verification.  Pennsylvania regulations require transactions by EGS sales agents to be verified by the customer, separate from the transaction process, before a contract is finalized. 

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

Visit the PUC’s website at www.puc.pa.gov for recent news releases and video of select proceedings. You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube. Search for the “Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission” or “PA PUC” on your favorite social media channel for updates on utility issues and other helpful consumer information.

# # #

Docket No. M-2017-2511372

Contact:

• Nils Hagen-Frederiksen
  Press Secretary
  717-418-2701
  nhagen-fre@pa.gov