MONTPELIER, Vt. (Legal Newsline) — Vermont Attorney General William H. Sorrell has announced Haskins Gas Service Inc., a Vermont company, will pay $45,600 to 96 consumers in the state and $15,000 in civil penalties after allegations of violating state consumer protection laws.
The company allegedly failed to remove propane tanks and give refunds within state law-required time frames after consumers had terminated propane services.
“Vermont consumers who terminate propane service should not have to experience the kinds of unjustified delays that occurred with Haskins,” Sorrell said. “Vermont’s propane law has strict time frames to protect consumers. There is no excuse for propane companies who fail to heed the law.”
To settle the claims, Haskins will make a payment of $475 to each of the 96 consumers allegedly victimized by the company’s delays. Additionally, Haskins will need to institute procedures to better comply with the state’s laws for terminating propane service.