Consumer Counsel Seeks Suspension Of Retail Suppliers' Licenses, Transfer Of Customers to Default Service

In substantially similar motions to intervene in recently opened and separate PUCO investigations of PALMco Power OH, LLC d/b/a Indra Energy (PALMco) and Verde Energy USA Ohio, LLC the Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel requested that the Public Utility Commission of Ohio suspend or rescind each supplier's ability to market to customers, and that affected consumers should be transferred to the local public utility’s standard offer

EnergyChoiceMatters.com was first to report PUCO's opening of investigations into each supplier.

See our stories below for specifics on each investigation and issues raised by PUCO

PALMco story

Verde story

Verde Energy issued the following statement to EnergyChoiceMatters.com: "We take this matter very seriously and intend to fully cooperate with the inquiry. Verde Energy does not condone misleading sales practices under any circumstance. We remain committed to providing electricity and natural gas to the residents of Ohio in full compliance with all laws and regulations."

At the time PUCO opened the investigation PALMco had provided the following statement to EnergyChoiceMatters.com: "We have just become aware of PUCO’s actions today and are still waiting to see more specific information. We are committed to a robust compliance program and take consumer protection with the utmost seriousness. We will continue to work with regulators and Staff to address any concerns in a responsive way, and will continue to focus on providing our customers with the highest-quality customer service."

OCC said in its motion, "Based on the number and type of complaints against PALMco, the PUCO should suspend or rescind PALMco’s authorizations to market electric and natural gas service to Ohioans. Affected consumers should be transferred to their local public utility’s standard offer. The PUCO should also secure PALMco’s resources for any reparations for harm to customers. The PUCO should take this action quickly in order to prevent further harm to consumers."

OCC said in its motion, "Based on the number and type of complaints against Verde, the PUCO should suspend or rescind Verde’s authorizations to market electric and natural gas service to Ohioans. Affected consumers should be transferred to their local public utility’s standard offer. The PUCO should also secure Verde’s resources for any reparations for harm to customers. The PUCO should take this action quickly in order to prevent further harm to consumers."