Press Release
PUC Approves Settlement with Clearview Energy Regarding Violations Related to Sales & Marketing Practices
Published on 10/28/2021
Filed under: Electric
HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved a Joint Petition for Approval of Settlement (settlement) between the PUC’s Bureau of Investigation & Enforcement (I&E) and Clearview Electric, Inc. d/b/a Clearview Energy (Clearview) following an informal investigation into an alleged theft by agents representing Clearview as well as alleged problems with the company’s marketing practices as a licensed electric generation supplier (supplier) in Pennsylvania.
The Commission voted 3-0 to approve the settlement between I&E and Clearview stemming from an alleged wallet theft in Wiconisco Township, Dauphin County, by two sales agents employed by a third-party vendor used by Clearview to market the company’s electric generation services. In response to the incident, Clearview removed the two agents from its marketing campaign.
This incident led to a Formal Complaint being filed by I&E which alleged additional problems with Clearview’s marketing efforts, including inadequate background checks, marketing efforts without proper notifications, switching customers without their permission, and charging customers a higher rate than Clearview had advertised.
Under the settlement, Clearview agrees to the following terms and conditions:
- Pay a civil penalty of $59,750, which is not tax deductible.
- Provide each customer whose account was improperly switched with a refund of the entire electric generation supply portion on the customer’s bill for the first two billing periods that the customer was switched to Clearview.
- Refund any cancellation or early termination fees imposed by other suppliers and incurred by the customers who were switched to Clearview without authorization.
- Provide refunds to affected customers in the Duquesne Light and PECO Energy service territories for overcharges.
- Revise its policies and practices related to billing, criminal background checks of prospective agents, and advance notifications of door-to-door sales and marketing activities.
The PUC 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.
For recent news releases and video of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.pa.gov. Follow the PUC on Twitter – @PA_PUC for all things utility. “Like” Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission on Facebook for easy access to information on utility issues.
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Docket No.: C-2020-3020127
Contact:
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David Hixson
Deputy Press Secretary
717-772-2766
dhixson@pa.gov
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