Press Release

PUC Seeks Comments on Proposed Settlement with Vista Energy Marketing LP Concerning Company’s Sales and Marketing Practices

Published on 4/11/2019

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today issued for comment a settlement agreement with Vista Energy Marketing LP (Vista Energy) following an investigation into the company’s marketing and sales practices as a licensed electric generation supplier (EGS) in Pennsylvania.

The Commission voted 5-0 to issue for comment a proposed settlement between Vista Energy and the PUC’s independent Bureau of Investigation & Enforcement (I&E).  Interested parties have 20 days to file comments on the proposed settlement.  Instructions on how to file are contained in the Commission’s Order.

I&E initiated an informal investigation of Vista Energy based on a referral from the PUC’s Bureau of Consumer Services (BCS), which had received five informal complaints from residential customers against Vista Energy alleging improper enrollments without proper customer authorization - otherwise known as “slamming” – and one informal complaint alleging that the company engaged in door-to-door sales in a community with “No Solicitation” signs clearly posted. 

As part of the proposed settlement, the company agreed to:

• Immediately cancel the Complainants’ enrollments with Vista Energy, with no assessed customer charges due to the unauthorized enrollments;
• Terminate its relationship with the agents whose actions are the cause of this matter;
• Implement new quality control measures, including additional reporting requirements to BCS;
• Enhance education for its agents on PUC regulations regarding consumer protection, emphasizing those regulations prohibiting slamming; and
• Pay a civil penalty of $4,000.
   

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

For recent news releases and video of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.pa.gov. Follow the PUC on Twitter – @PA_PUC for all things utility.  “Like” PAPowerSwitch on Facebook for easy access to information on electric shopping.

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Docket No.:  M-2019-2633094

Contact:

• David Hixson
  Deputy Press Secretary
  717-772-2766
  dhixson@pa.gov