Ontario Energy Board Intends to Suspend Retail Supplier; Fine Three Others

The Ontario Energy Board yesterday issued notices of its intention to suspend a retail supplier's licence, and fine three other suppliers, for various alleged failures of compliance.

In each case, the supplier may petition the Board for a hearing on the matter.

Energhx Green Energy Corporation
The Ontario Energy Board intends to seek the suspension of Energhx Green Energy Corporation's electricity retailer licence and gas marketer licence for its alleged failure to comply with its licence condition to file an Annual Self-Certification Statement on Compliance with the Board, certifying that it is in compliance with the legal and regulatory requirements to carry on business in particular sales channels.

Onit Energy Ltd.
The Ontario Energy Board intends to issue a $20,000 administrative penalty against Onit Energy Ltd. for alleged non-compliance with several contracting provisions. Among other things, the Board alleged that an Onit Energy contract failed to state that the consumer has the right to cancel the contract without cost or penalty up to 10 days after the consumer acknowledges receipt or is deemed to acknowledge receipt of a text-based copy of the contract, and failed to contain a statement that the consumer may cancel the contract without cost or penalty up to 30 days after receiving the first bill under the contract.

Hudson Energy Canada Corp.
The Ontario Energy Board intends to issue an $11,000 administrative penalty against Hudson Energy Canada Corp. for alleged non-compliance with several verification requirements. The Board alleged that Staff observed that the verification representative deviated from the electricity script in several cases. The Board further alleged that the date at the top of the Board Approved Electricity Price Comparisons had been "altered" in Part A, though it did not specify the manner of alteration.

Access Gas Services (Ontario) Inc.
The Ontario Energy Board intends to issue a $10,000 administrative penalty against Access Gas Services (Ontario) Inc. for alleged non-compliance with several contracting requirements. Among other things, the Board alleged that a renewal contract was not amended to give the consumer the right to cancel without any reason if the consumer gives the supplier 10 days notice. Additionally, the Board alleged that the price comparison template was not completed in accordance with the Board's instructions as the marketer's offer in Part B of the price comparison template did not indicate whether the charge for transportation was the marketer's price or the utility price.