Tom Corbett
HARRISBURG, Pa. (Legal Newsline)-So-called energy surcharges aimed at helping businesses recoup expenses related to rising fuel costs must be disclosed to consumers in advance, Pennsylvania Attorney General Tom Corbett said Tuesday.
The Democratic attorney general said there have been reports of energy surcharges or similar fees being added to customer's bills for services ranging from pest control services to floral deliveries.
He said in some cases the fees are not disclosed before purchases are made.
"The total price of a product or service is a key factor in any purchase, and is something that needs to be disclosed to consumers upfront," Corbett said in a statement.
"Any business intending to collect an added fee for fuel or energy must disclose those charges when they advertise their prices," he added.
Corbett said consumers ought to dispute any added charges that were not disclosed in the quoted or advertised price.
From Legal Newsline: Reach reporter Chris Rizo by e-mail at chrisrizo@legalnewsline.com.