Viridian Says Maryland Ads Not Approved, Removes "No Contract" Language

The advertisements for service from Viridian Energy upon which a Maryland PSC Staff complaint is based were not approved by Viridian, contrary to Viridian's requirements, Viridian said in a response to the complaint (Case 9255).

As first reported in Matters (1/17), Staff sought a show cause order against Viridian, including potential license suspension or revocation and civil penalty, due to two advertisements in which Staff alleged, "Viridian indicates through advertising that it is partners with Baltimore Gas and Electric Company ('BGE') as if the utility were an active partner in Viridian's sales efforts."

Viridian said that each ad was published by an independent associate, and that each associate did not seek approval for the ad from Viridian, which is required pursuant to Viridian's policies and procedures.

"Viridian would not have approved these advertisements had they been presented to Viridian as required," Viridian said.

Viridian said that the responsible independent associates have been "discipline[d]."

Viridian has also removed the "no contract" language from its marketing materials, language which Staff had objected to since the customer's supply is governed by a terms of service. Viridian said that this language was meant to indicate that customers did not have a long-term agreement with a termination penalty.