Press Release

PUC Seeks Comments on Proposed Settlement with Liberty Power Holdings, LLC Concerning Company’s Sales and Marketing Practices

Published on 8/8/2019

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today issued for comment a proposed settlement agreement with Liberty Power Holdings, LLC (Liberty Power) 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 Liberty Power 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 Liberty Power based on a referral from the PUC’s Bureau of Consumer Services (BCS), which had received informal complaints alleging that a third-party marketing vendor of Liberty Power had enrolled, or attempted to enroll, residential customers into electricity accounts without proper customer authorization – otherwise known as “slamming” – and presented a lower price in the disclosure statements and marketing materials then the actual price they charged customers. 

As part of the proposed settlement, the company agreed to refund each customer improperly switched to Liberty Power the amount of the electric generation supply portion on customers’ bills for the first two billing periods, and to pay a civil penalty of $82,800 to resolve all allegations of slamming and unlawful marketing. Liberty Power previously had terminated its contract with the third-party vendor and revised language in its disclosure statements and other marketing materials.

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-2019-2568471

Contact:

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