Energy Advisors LLC Says Utility Complaint Concerning Retail Energy Marketing Named Wrong Company, Denies Allegations

Energy Advisors LLC of Cincinnati, Ohio said that a complaint filed by AEP Ohio against the company identified the wrong company as the company engaged in the alleged behavior leading to the complaint, and denied all of the allegations in the complaint

As exclusively first reported by EnergyChoiceMatters.com, AEP Ohio had filed a complaint at the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio alleging that "Energy Advisors", described by AEP Ohio as an Ohio-based LLC with its principal place of business in Cincinnati Ohio, was engaged in regulated CRES activity without a license, had falsely claimed AEP Ohio's rate was increasing 45%, and used AEP Ohio's logo in a manner that would lead customers to believe that the CRES provider is soliciting on behalf of or is an agent of any entity other than the CRES provider.

AEP Ohio served the complaint on Energy Advisors, 8575 Beechmont Ave., Suite 202, Cincinnati, OH 45255

AEP Ohio also named "John Does 1-20" in the complaint

In an answer to the complaint, Energy Advisors LLC stated, "Energy Advisors LLC denies engaging in activities that include arranging for the supply of competitive retail electric generation service to customers in Ohio."

In an answer to the complaint, Energy Advisors LLC denied allegations related to materials listed on a webpage, stating "Energy Advisors LLC does not currently have nor has Energy Advisors LLC ever had a webpage or a toll-free number."

In an answer to the complaint, Energy Advisors LLC stated, "Energy Advisors LLC denies creating or sending a solicitation to AEP customers. The first time Energy Advisors LLC became aware of the solicitation, marked in the complaint as exhibit B, was when Energy Advisors LLC viewed the complaint."

As it denied creating or sending a solicitation, Energy Advisors LLC denied various specific allegations concerning the content of such solicitation, such as any statements concerning a rate increase and use of the utility logo

In an answer to the complaint, Energy Advisors LLC stated, "Energy Advisors LLC did not receive a cease-and-desist letter from AEP Ohio or anyone else."

In an answer to the complaint, Energy Advisors LLC stated, "Energy Advisors LLC also states it is has not provided CRES to customers in Ohio."

In an answer to the complaint, Energy Advisors LLC stated, "Energy Advisors LLC is a single member LLC formed in October of 2018. Energy Advisors LLC is one of 36 business entities in Ohio containing the words 'Energy Advisors' in their names. The internet web solicitation alleged in the Ohio Power Company complaint could have originated from anywhere in the world from anyone wishing to call themselves 'Energy Advisors'. The wrong 'Energy Advisors' has been named in the complaint. Further, Energy Advisors LLC requests the PUCO order the Complainant to cancel the complaint until the Complainant can more specifically identify and locate the appropriate 'Energy Advisors', or at the very least, amend the complaint to delete any reference to Energy Advisors 'with its principal place of business in Cincinnati Ohio'. Energy Advisors LLC prays for the Commission’s consideration of this request before any further impairment of current or future business prospects of Energy Advisors LLC can occur."

Case 19-0872-EL-CSS