Regulator Approves Settlement With Retail Supplier; $262,000 in Refunds To Be Provided

The Illinois Commerce Commission approved a settlement under which Major Energy Electric Services LLC would refund to customers $262,500 and adhere to remediated sales practices.

Click here for our prior story for details on allegations leading to the settlement, and specific terms of the settlement

"The Commission was very concerned with the allegations in this case and is pleased to have a resolution that provides additional protections for consumers," said Brien J. Sheahan, chairman of the Illinois Commerce Commission. "The Commission and our staff will continue to aggressively enforce appropriate marketing behavior among all energy suppliers."

Major Energy provided the following statement to EnergyChoiceMatters.com.

"Major Energy voluntarily ceased marketing in IL last year as a consequence of the 2013-14 polar vortex and the abnormally high rates in the energy market – particularly in IL – that resulted from it. Our IL customers that chose variable market rates over fixed rates were hit hard that winter and pulling back, pausing and recalibrating our sales strategy and consumer education approach were highly necessary. We have done that. With that said, in fully cooperating with the ICC, we have set aside a refund fund that eligible customers may take advantage of and we will ensure that our marketing activities adhere to all required and recommended rules, regulations and procedures at all times. Further, we will be doubling down on our efforts to appropriately educate consumers on energy choice using easy-to-understand literature, integrity-based salesmanship and - as the market dictates – a special focus on fixed rates that we feel will ultimately benefit our consumers."

In announcing the settlement last month, Major Energy had said that, as part of the agreement, subject to final approval from the ICC, Major Energy can immediately resume marketing activities in Illinois including door-to-door, telemarketing and any other customer education and outreach programs.