Retail Supplier Seeks To Intervene In PUC's Investigation Of Another Supplier

Interstate Gas Supply, Inc. moved to intervene in a recently opened proceeding at the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio concerning alleged violations of various marketing rules by Verde Energy USA Ohio, LLC

See our prior story here for specific allegations that are being investigated under the proceeding

In its motion, IGS alleged, "IGS has a substantial interest in these proceedings, insofar as, based upon information and belief, some of IGS’ customers were victims of Verde’s potentially misleading and deceptive sales tactics identified in Staff’s April 16, 2019 letter. IGS believes Verde contacted IGS customers and alleged that IGS had changed its name to Verde and that the customer’s contract needed to be switched. Verde used these deceptive practices to confuse customers into enrolling with Verde. IGS believes that it has lost customers who unknowingly switched to Verde believing they were still with IGS. This loss of customers directly affected IGS financially. Further, Verde’s misrepresentations have harmed IGS’ brand and damaged the relationship between IGS and its existing customers. Therefore, IGS has direct, real, and substantial interests in this proceeding."

Verde Energy issued the following statement to EnergyChoiceMatters.com: "Verde Energy would like to reiterate that we take this matter very seriously. Verde will cooperate with the PUCO, IGS, and other parties as needed in order to facilitate a thorough investigation. We remain committed to consumer choice and providing electricity and natural gas to the residents of Ohio in full compliance with all laws and regulations."

IGS’s motion was not timely filed, but IGS said that, "given the procedural posture in this case and IGS’ representation that it will take the record as it finds it, granting IGS’ request to intervene will not prolong the proceeding."

Case No. 19-958-GE-COI