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PUC approves $5.3 million penalty against deceptive power supplier

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission on Thursday approved a $5.3 million settlement with Respond Power L.L.C. to resolve complaints that the retail electricity supplier engaged in deceptive and misleading practices during the 2014 polar vortex.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission on Thursday approved a $5.3 million settlement with Respond Power L.L.C. to resolve complaints that the retail electricity supplier engaged in deceptive and misleading practices during the 2014 polar vortex.

Respond was one of five suppliers targeted by Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane and acting Consumer Advocate Tanya J. McCloskey for charging high prices during the severe winter. Respond was charged with making misleading and deceptive promises of savings, switching customers without their consent and failing to provide accurate pricing information.

The settlement requires Respond to pay $4.1 million in refunds in addition to the $971,000 it already repaid. The company also will pay a $125,000 civil penalty and $50,000 to the electric distribution companies' hardship funds.

amaykuth@phillynews.com

215-854-2947 @maykuth