Requires comparison of prices charged by energy services companies

Clearer price comparisons for energy customers

Starting 180 days after the law became law, energy services companies (ESCOs) must give customers regular price comparisons. Each bill’s first page must compare the prior billing period’s energy supply and delivery prices side by side. It must show ESCO prices and what the customer would have paid the local utility or municipality. Charges for energy-related extras must be listed separately. Every 12 months, customers must also receive a comparison covering the prior 12 months. It compares ESCO supply, delivery, and extras with the local utility or municipality’s supply and delivery prices. It must clearly say whether the customer saved money or paid more. The attorney general can sue on its own or following a referral from the listed energy regulators or department. Courts can order penalties up to $1,000 per violation, restitution, costs, and reasonable attorney’s fees. People harmed by a violation can sue to stop it, recover actual damages or $500, whichever is greater, or both. For willful or knowing violations, courts can increase damages to three times actual damages, capped at $10,000. Winning plaintiffs can also receive reasonable attorney’s fees. The Public Service Commission and Long Island Power Authority retain power to limit, suspend, or revoke an ESCO’s selling eligibility. They can also adopt consistent marketing guidelines for residential and commercial customers. Implementing rules can be adopted, changed, or repealed immediately, before the law’s effective date.