Our continuing coverage of the nasty energy scams being perpetrated by IDT Energy and other firms all over Brooklyn resulted in an email from the State Consumer Protection Board. They’ve produced some information for people and working to stop the practice, although we’d argue they aren’t doing enough or doing it fast enough. In any case, here’s some of the email to GL:
I wanted to bring to your attention the work of the NYS Consumer Protection Board (CPB) has been taking action to stop the aggressive and questionable marketing practices of some energy services companies (ESCOs) operating in New York State. The CPB, in conjunction with the New York City Department of Affairs (DCA), has advocated for and advanced new rules with the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) establishing mandatory disclosures and enforceable regulations governing ESCO marketing practices, to help better protect consumers. Among the new consumer protections are rules requiring ESCO representatives to present identification and contact information. In addition, where marketing is conducted to individuals whose primary language is not English the information provided must be in the consumer’s primary language. You can find the latest on these new rules and laws for consumers on the
CPB’s special ESCOs website.
[Click images to enlarge so they are readable]
3 responses so far ↓
1 Jim // Jan 28, 2009 at 12:51 pm
We’re from the government and we’re here to help. Sure! Only a lawyer could like that stuff. Why not just protect people from scams, or is that too much to ask? I smell a rat.
2 ccgh // Jan 28, 2009 at 1:21 pm
Two words:
ABOUT TIME!
3 Now On The Blog Roll Of Gowanus Lounge Dot Com: IDT Energy | newyorkshitty.com // Feb 22, 2010 at 6:02 am
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