IDT Energy Says Substance of Pennsylvania AG Complaint "Without Merit"

IDT Energy provided to EnergyChoiceMatters.com the following response to a complaint filed at the PUC by the Pennsylvania Attorney General and Office of Consumer Advocate (click here for background):

"IDT Energy is very disappointed with the complaint filed against it by the Pennsylvania Attorney General and Office of Consumer Advocate. IDT Energy strongly believes the substance of the complaint is without merit and welcomes the opportunity to contest the allegations. The complaint completely ignores the fact that increases in retail electric rates that occurred in Pennsylvania this winter were the direct result of unprecedented price spikes in the wholesale electricity markets. It is unfortunate that the Attorney General and OCA are attempting to place the blame for these price spikes entirely upon IDT Energy, even though it has been demonstrated that retail suppliers such as IDT Energy were not the cause of the price spikes. IDT Energy operates its business in compliance with all Pennsylvania state laws and PUC regulations, and we led the industry in helping to alleviate the Polar Vortex's impact on consumers. Our customer service team has worked tirelessly to respond to customer concerns with their bills, and our compliance team was in continual contact with the PUC staff throughout the Polar Vortex crisis. IDT Energy has already provided over $4.0 million in good-will rebates to customers since February, and our company has operated at a financial loss as a result. Further, as IDT Energy remains committed to the Pennsylvania market, we have expanded our offerings to include guaranteed rate programs that have no termination fees. We look forward to maintaining an open dialog with Pennsylvania regulators, including the Attorney General, OCA and the Public Utility Commission, but we intend to vigorously defend IDT Energy against the allegations of the Attorney General and OCA."