AARP Applauds Crackdown on ESCOs

Praises Governor, State Utility Regulators for Strong Action

Statement by AARP NYS Director Beth Finkel:

“AARP applauds Governor Cuomo and State Public Service Commission (PSC) Chair Audrey Zibelman for taking strong steps to clean up the troubled energy service company (ESCO) marketplace in New York and protect energy consumers.

“The PSC’s review confirmed that ESCOs too often charge more for power than the state’s utility companies do despite high-pressure sales tactics claiming their services save consumers money – as AARP recently highlighted with data showing ESCOs charged 14% more on average than utility companies in 2014.

“AARP welcomes Governor Cuomo’s zero-tolerance policy against deceptive practices, which is entirely appropriate considering the industry’s history in New York.

“AARP strongly agrees with the PSC’s order to require that ESCOs guarantee savings to customers unless customers choose to receive at least 30 percent of their energy from renewable sources. We also support the order’s mandate that all ESCO chief executive officers certify that their companies are in compliance with the order, and that PSC staff will verify compliance through audits of ESCO records.

“Cleaning up New York’s ESCO industry is long overdue, and AARP is glad to see Governor Cuomo and Chair Zibelman moving forcefully to do so.”

Contact: Erik Kriss, ekriss@aarp.org

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AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of more than 37 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services.  A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world's largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin;  www.aarp.org ; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Español, a Spanish-language website addressing the interests and needs of Hispanics. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity of AARP that is working to win back opportunity for struggling Americans 50+ by being a force for change on the most serious issues they face today: housing, hunger, income and isolation. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org

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