‘That’s a really bad idea’ | Tennessee Attorney General voices strong warning for businesses price gouging victims

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti told WVLT News his office had already received reports of price gouging in the wake of flooding caused by rains from what was once Hurricane Helene.

“The companies that we’ve reached out to by in large have been accommodating. They don’t want to be seen as hurting consumers so it’s all about holding them accountable but we need information to do that,” Skrmetti said.

Skrmetti said water, gas, propane, and lodging were the things his office had been notified were possibly being increased above a reasonable price.

According to a release from the office, price gouging is defined as businesses charging a price that is grossly in excess of the price generally charged for the goods or services.

The AG’s office listed items that qualify under the law.

“Any essential item effectively is covered. It also covers lodging and gasoline. So all the things that people absolutely need. These are not luxuries, these are things they need to live, to survive,” Skrmetti said. “They are protected and we want to use our enforcement authority in my office to the fullest extent we can to make sure everybody is getting a reasonable deal at a time when they have nothing.”

• “Repair or construction services,” which means services performed by any person for repairs to residential or commercial property of any type that is damaged as a result of a disaster or terrorist attack;
• “Emergency supplies,” including water, flashlights, radios, batteries, candles, blankets, soap, diapers, temporary shelters, tape, toiletries, plywood, nails, and hammers;
• “Medical supplies” including prescription and nonprescription medications, bandages, gauze, isopropyl alcohol, and antibacterial products;
• “Consumer food items,” which means any article that is used or intended for use for food, drink, confection, or condiment by a person or animal;
• “Building Materials” which means lumber, construction tools, windows, and anything else used in the building or rebuilding of property;
• “Gasoline” which means any fuel used to power any motor vehicle or power tool;
• “Transportation, freight, and storage services,” which means any service that is performed by any company that contracts to move, store, or transport personal or business property or rents equipment for those purposes;
• “Housing” which means any rental housing leased on a month-to-month term; and
• “Temporary healthcare staffing provided by a temporary healthcare staffing agency.

He doubled down on his thoughts about businesses finding ways to help their community and voiced strong opposition to those who may take the disaster as a moment to line their pockets.

Skrmetti encouraged consumers to reach out to his office with complaints, saying they looked into putting agents on the ground but aired against doing that out of fear additional people in an already chaotic space would work against recovery efforts.

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