Retail Supplier Says It Has Complied With Renewal, Termination Fee Requirements

In response to the Connecticut PURA's newly opened review of its termination fee policies, Viridian Energy informed PURA that it has been following statutory requirements

As was first reported by EnergyChoiceMatters.com, PURA opened the review after customer complaints alleged Viridian applied termination fees to certain customers who had sought to terminate renewed contracts.

"Viridian Energy has always followed the requirements set forth in Conn. Gen. Stat. §16-245o(h)(8)1 when making a renewal offer to a customer. Specifically, thirty to sixty days prior to the end of a customer's current contract term, Viridian Energy sends a renewal letter that clearly informs the customer of the renewal terms, including any new or altered terms, and the option not to accept the renewal offer. In compliance with Conn. Gen. Stat. §16 -245o(h){8), Viridian Energy will not assess an early termination fee if the Customer terminates or cancels the renewal contract not later than seven business days after receiving the first billing statement for the renewed contact," Viridian said in its response to PURA

Viridian also addressed nine customer complaints cited by PURA Staff.

"The Authority Staff provided examples of nine consumers that allegedly complained to the Authority about the assessment of early termination fees on automatically renewed contracts. As requested, Viridian Energy has researched each of these consumer complaints and has validated that Viridian Energy complied with Conn. Gen. Stat. §16- 245o(h)(8)," Viridian said.

Viridian said:

• "Out of the nine consumer complaints, only four involve the assessment of early termination fees on automatically renewed contracts."

• "Out of the four consumer complaints that involve the assessment of early termination fees on automatically renewed contracts, only two customers were actually assessed an early termination fee. "

• "In all instances, Viridian Energy complied with Conn. Gen. Stat. §16-245o(h)(8) in that no consumer was assessed an early termination fee if he/she terminated or canceled the renewal contract not later than seven business days after receiving the first billing statement for the renewed contact. "

Viridian also provided the following statement to EnergyChoiceMatters.com:

"Viridian Energy looks forward to our meeting with the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) and to the ongoing clarification we receive from PURA as part of our close working relationship. Viridian is deeply committed to providing the greatest possible value for Connecticut consumers in a manner that is fully compliant with both PURA standards and state law."

Docket 09-04-15