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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2021 - 2022
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | April 5, 2022 04:02 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Kyle J. Mullins |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Consumer Protection: Third Party Approval of Utility Switch |
| In most places in Pennsylvania, residents can either rely on their default electric or gas provider, or shop around for their household utility services. Most utility companies – default or retail energy suppliers – provide outstanding service and engage consumers in good faith. Unfortunately, as with any industry, there are also fly-by-night companies which employ salespersons who prey on unsuspecting customers, often the elderly. I’ve heard from a number of constituents – which includes some family members – whose elderly relatives answered a call or a knock on the door and agreed to a costly change of providers. I’ve learned that undoing this sort of bad deal with one of these unscrupulous actors can involve a significant amount of both money and hassle. My legislation would add an additional layer of protection: approval by any third parties listed on the account, typically a loved one or caretaker. For such accounts, a change in provider could only occur with the oral or written approval of both the account holder and third-party individual. Further, the new utility provider would be required to send copies of the confirmation notice to both the account holder and third-party individual. Please join me in this effort to protect consumers and promote upstanding utility companies providing electric and gas service in Pennsylvania. |