ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Complaints are on the rise of vitality corporations knocking door-to-door, convincing residents to join gasoline and electrical providers.

One firm accused of the apply is SFE Vitality Maryland, Inc.

On Sunday at midnight, the Maryland Public Service Fee required the corporate to stop and desist from door-to-door solicitation.

“The Fee decided that SFE Vitality could have violated state legal guidelines and rules and {that a} moratorium is critical to guard customers and to make sure that SFE Vitality’s practices are compliant,” the Fee mentioned in a press launch. 

A witness reportedly testified that SFE Vitality outsources to gross sales brokers who falsely inform clients they’re from well-known utility corporations.

Prospects have regularly complained of being signed up with out permission or correct contracts.

In a submitting with the Fee, SFE Vitality denied the allegations by their authorized representatives.

“SFE holds itself to sturdy, complete client safety and compliance requirements in accordance with all regulatory necessities.”

Vitality suppliers present in violation of state legal guidelines and rules might face prosecution, fines, and/or license revocation, in keeping with the Fee.

“This effort is taken into account ‘all arms on deck’ to marshal extra inside sources to research and, if vital, prosecute retail vitality suppliers who’re failing to abide by the state’s legal guidelines and rules,” mentioned the fee. “It would additionally contain utilizing these sources and expedited procedures to, if vital, invoke civil penalties and/or revoke provider licenses.”

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