Updated
On Rehearing, PUC Now Decides To Hold Hearing On Previously Adopted $160,000 Settlement With Retail Supplier, Will Allow Discovery

Precedent Opens Door For OCC Intervention, Discovery In Similar Supplier Settlement Cases

February 7, 2024

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Copyright 2010-23 EnergyChoiceMatters.com
Reporting by Paul Ring • ring@energychoicematters.com

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Update, 2/8, 12:15 pm ET

Inspire provided the following statement concerning the matter:

"Inspire Clean Energy is a certified B Corp that maintains the highest level of transparency, accuracy and service to our customers, ensuring that our electricity plans adhere to all local and state regulatory guidelines. We worked with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio to reach a resolution in this matter and have already implemented the approved Stipulation. Because the settlement is reasonable, we will continue to abide by its terms.

"Our goal is always to provide the best experience possible for our customers. Our member support team remains available to address any questions they may have."

--- Statement from Inspire

Earlier:

In a rehearing entry, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio has now decided to hold a hearing on a $160,000 settlement between Inspire Energy Holdings LLC ('Inspire' or 'Company') and PUCO Staff

As previously reported, the settlement addresses certain marketing and products from Inspire, including the prior offering of a plan with a low introductory trial cost, with Staff alleging that the product had an, "unconscionably high subscription rate," after an introductory period

See full details on the allegations covered by the settlement here

Under the settlement, Inspire agreed to a civil forfeiture in the amount of $160,000, plus re-rates (refunds) to certain customers

PUCO had originally issued an order adopting the settlement in December 2023. In such order, PUCO denied intervention to the Ohio Consumers Counsel in the proceeding addressing the settlement

In response to a rehearing petition from OCC, which PUCO granted in part, PUCO stated that it would hold a hearing on the settlement and established an intervention period, granting intervention to OCC

As noted below, PUCO will also allow discovery by intervenors

OCC has sought intervention in similar supplier investigation settlement proceedings, and such intervention has generally been opposed by retail suppliers. As such, PUCO's rehearing order has implications beyond just the instant Inspire proceeding.

PUCO said on rehearing, "Upon review of the application for rehearing and the memorandum contra the application for rehearing and in the interests of transparency, the Commission will exercise its discretion and hold an evidentiary hearing to consider the adoption of the Settlement Agreement between Staff and Inspire Energy."

"At this hearing, OCC will have a full and fair opportunity to contest the adoption of the Settlement Agreement by the Commission," PUCO said

PUCO directed an attorney examiner to issue a procedural schedule to facilitate the full development of the record in this case, "including an ample opportunity for discovery."

At the time that the settlement was filed in September 2023, Inspire had provided the following statement concerning the matter:

"Inspire Clean Energy is a certified B Corp that adheres to all local and state regulatory guidelines. We are working with the Public Utility Commission of Ohio to reach a resolution in this matter. Our member support team is available to address any questions or concerns our customers may have."

--- Sept. 2023 Statement from Inspire

Case No. 23-720-GE-UNC

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