Citing “egregious misconduct and a pattern of misconduct,” a state utilities regulator took steps to fine a competitive electricity supplier more than $5 million and revoke the company’s license to do business here.
In a notice of probable violation filed Monday, Department of Public Utilities Commissioner Cecile Fraser alleges that CleanChoice Energy “engaged in business practices that nullified any manifestation of affirmative choice made by customers to select CleanChoice as their electricity supply provider.” In one example provided, she alleged the company sent scores of mailers that presented consumers with false rate comparisons.
Massachusetts deregulated utilities in 1997. Today, about 400,000 Massachusetts households get their electricity directly from a competitive supplier rather than a utility company. This week’s notice ratchets up pressure as efforts to reform the industry once again percolate between the Legislature and governor…