Texas PUC Disburses $212,000 to Customers of REP Which Improperly Charged Enrollment Fees

The Public Utility Commission of Texas has sent $212,500 to 2,102 retail electric customers who were charged improper enrollment fees by their retail electric provider.

The reimbursement follows the Commission's approval of a settlement of an enforcement action with the previous owners and management of Prier Energy, Inc.

EnergyChoiceMatters.com first reported the settlement last year, which also saw Prier Energy pay a $30,000 fine in addition to the reimbursements. The actions which led to the settlement occurred under prior ownership of Prier Energy.

The PUCT said in a news release that, "Prier allowed two unauthorized companies, EBC Energy Today and Energy Broker Consultants, to sign up customers and charge them an improper enrollment fee from November 2011 through April 2012. These companies did not have authorization from the PUC to conduct business as a retail electric provider (REP)."

PUCT rules prohibit REPs from charging fees to customers who switch, select or enroll for service. The only exception is when customers switch providers on their own accord and request an out-of-cycle meter read. Registration agents also are prohibited from assessing fees.