Attorney General Bruce R. Beemer and Acting Consumer Advocate Tanya J. McCloskey Monday issued a reminder that the deadline is approaching for eligible consumers to cash restitution checks related to three settlements reached with electric generation suppliers.

The settlements alleged the suppliers deceptively marketed their variable electric rates to Pennsylvania consumers who experienced price spikes during the winter of 2014. The settlements were the result of legal actions initiated by the Office of Attorney General's Bureau of Consumer Protection and the Office of Consumer Advocate.

"It is important for consumers to recognize that their restitution checks will expire six months after the date they were issued," Attorney General Beemer said. "We want to ensure that Pennsylvanians affected by this alleged conduct obtain the restitution they are entitled to."

PaG&E And HIKO Settlements

Refund checks for eligible customers of Energy Services Providers, Inc., which did business as Pennsylvania Gas & Electric, or PaG&E, were distributed on Aug. 12. As of Oct. 1, at least 12,500 checks delivered to customers had not been cashed. PaG&E has paid 51,845 eligible consumers $2.3 million in refunds.

Refund checks for eligible customers of HIKO Energy, LLC were distributed on May 13. As of Oct. 1, at least 1,200 checks delivered to customers had not been cashed. HIKO has paid 8,070 eligible consumers a total of $2 million in refunds.

Consumers with questions about PaG&E or HIKO settlement checks are encouraged to contact the settlement administrator at 855-907-3156. PaG&E also offers a toll-free number to call if consumers wish to have the company investigate individual concerns for further consideration. That number is 866-706-7361.

IDT Energy Settlement

Refund checks for eligible customers of IDT Energy, Inc. were distributed on Sept. 23. As of Oct. 1, at least 56,900 checks delivered to customers had not been cashed. Meanwhile, IDT has paid 68,298 eligible consumers a total of $2.4 million in refunds.

Consumers with questions about IDT settlement checks are encouraged to contact the settlement administrator at 866-876-9560. IDT Energy also offers a toll-free number to call if consumers wish to have the company investigate individual concerns for further consideration. That number is 877-887-6866.

A settlement with Respond Power has been approved by the Public Utility Commission, although restitution checks have not yet been finalized. The legal action filed against Blue Pilot Energy, LLC remains in litigation.

Consumers who received restitution checks in the mail and accidentally lost or damaged the check are encouraged to contact the settlement administrators at the numbers provided above. Consumers with questions about the settlement may also contact the Office of Attorney General's Bureau of Consumer Protection at 800-441-2555.

10/24/2016