Back to Blog

ESCO Business Practices DC Public Service Commission Hearing

The Washington D.C. Public Service Commission today held a hearing - GD 117, "for an investigation into the business practices of alternative energy suppliers in the District of Columbia".

The Commission has received 335 complaints since January 2013 regarding claims of "slamming" and "cramming" by some of the 121 suppliers of electricity in the DC region. Slamming refers to the practice of switching your electricity provider to another provider without a customer's consent, and cramming refers to the practice of placing unauthorized, misleading, or deceptive charged on your electricity bill.

Testimony from about 40 customers and customer groups' legal representatives highlighted numerous accounts of highly questionable, unethical, and possibly illegal marketing (Public Service Commission code explicitly dictates the forms of energy marketing that are, and are not allowed) tactics among alternative energy suppliers in the DC region.

Many customers testified to being solicited by purported PEPCO representatives (via phone and door-to-door salesmen), offering between a 15-20% reduction in their monthly electricity bill. Many (1) were not given the three day cancellation period in which they are free to change their mind, (2) were not required to physically sign any document (either through electronic signature or by hand), and/or (3) signed on with an alternative energy provider that is not officially licensed with the PSC.

Possibly solutions referenced by the Commissioner and her colleagues included expanding recording practices of energy providers' training sessions and customer engagements. While the Commission does not regulate prices, it has the authority to regulate business practices, and institute/revoke licenses.

This hearing itself was not the investigation - it was a hearing for Commissioner Kane and her colleagues to hear personal accounts from the community that has put forward a petition for investigation.

More From Our Blog

How do I know if Solar is right for me?

Rooftop solar is growing in popularity across the world. A system of solar panels on your roof captures rays from the sun and turns them into electricity used to run the appliances and devices in your home, so you don’t have to pay for electricity. How do you know if a solar system is right for you? We’ll help you put the puzzle pieces together. There are four pieces to your solar puzzle: My goals, My home, My state, My money. Let’s go through each one. My goals When you think abo

Read article

How To Get The Most Out Of Your Meeting With A Solar Installer

Are you gearing up to select the right solar installer for your rooftop system? While the process of switching to solar can seem complicated, we have some helpful tips that will simplify your transition. In this guide, you'll find everything you need to be confident and prepared when you meet with a solar expert. Who to Contact The first and most crucial step is choosing the right professionals to make it easier. You want to make sure you're choosing someone who's qualified, cert

Read article

WattBuy Announces Investment from Amazon’s Alexa Fund

Over the last few months, we've seen a significant increase in momentum in our mission to make affordable, carbon-free electricity possible for everyone. As we strive to strike collaborations that help customers at all stages of their electrification journeys, we're very excited to have a major player that is willing to invest in us and our mission. We're pleased to announce that the Amazon Alexa Fund has invested in our business, which will help us achieve our shared vision of a sustainable fu

Read article