Attorney General Michelle Henry has reached a settlement with Inspire Clean Energy, a California-based energy provider. The agreement follows allegations that the company misled Pennsylvania consumers into service agreements.
The investigation by the Office of Attorney General revealed that representatives from Inspire allegedly misrepresented their intentions to consumers. They reportedly claimed they were conducting surveys or collecting mailing list information when in reality, they were enrolling individuals in energy services provided by Inspire. Some consumers were promised savings but ended up facing higher costs.
As part of the settlement, Inspire is required to pay $250,000, including $150,000 earmarked for consumer restitution. The company must also ensure clear disclosures are made when contacting potential customers.
“This settlement protects Pennsylvanians from being duped by Inspire representatives who try to sell service packages disguised as surveys and mailing lists,” stated Attorney General Henry. “Any company that misleads Pennsylvania consumers about essential services, such as electricity, will be held accountable.”
Further findings from the investigation indicated that some Inspire representatives falsely claimed affiliation with government entities or other utility companies and took photographs of consumers' electric bills without permission.
The resolution involves an Assurance of Voluntary Compliance filed in the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas. Senior Deputy Attorney General Jim Wise led the investigation resulting in this settlement.