Dominion agrees to settle complaint

STAFF REPORT

COLUMBUS — Dominion East Ohio Energy has agreed to pay $50,000 to the state to settle a complaint filed over a postcard sent to customers earlier this year.

The settlement was reached with the Ohio Consumers Counsel and must be approved by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio.

The complaint said Dominion East Ohio Energy, an affiliate of Dominion East Ohio Gas, misled customers into thinking the gas company would no longer provide their gas supply. The consumers counsel said it received calls from customers who were concerned their supply might be interrupted unless they took action on the postcard.

The company said it agreed to settle the issue but disputes whether the postcard was misleading and admitted no wrongdoing.

It also agreed to have future marketing materials approved by the PUCO staff. In future mailings, the company will put a disclaimer in a prominent place that says it is separate from the utility, Dominion East Ohio Gas.

Also, Dominion East Ohio Energy agreed to send a letter to customers with fixed-rate contracts that gives them the option of voiding their contracts without penalty.

A letter would be sent to customers with variable-rate contracts to remind them they can switch suppliers at any time.