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NY Cracks Down On Non-Utility Energy Retailers

New York state is tightening the rules on energy retailers who promise big savings to consumers who switch from traditional utilities.

Governor Andrew Cuomo says Tuesday that the state will require the companies to guarantee savings for residential and small business customers. The rules wouldn't apply to energy companies that derive at least 30 percent of their electricity from renewable sources.

In addition, new rules are designed to prevent aggressive marketing efforts by companies that make unwanted calls or visits to consumers.

The changes come after a state review found many instances of energy retailers overcharging customers or failing to deliver on promised savings.

New York has more than 200 energy services retailers competing with traditional utilities to provide electricity and natural gas.

© 2016 AP

Dave Lucas is WAMC’s Capital Region Bureau Chief. Born and raised in Albany, he’s been involved in nearly every aspect of local radio since 1981. Before joining WAMC, Dave was a reporter and anchor at WGY in Schenectady. Prior to that he hosted talk shows on WYJB and WROW, including the 1999 series of overnight radio broadcasts tracking the JonBenet Ramsey murder case with a cast of callers and characters from all over the world via the internet. In 2012, Dave received a Communicator Award of Distinction for his WAMC news story "Fail: The NYS Flood Panel," which explores whether the damage from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee could have been prevented or at least curbed. Dave began his radio career as a “morning personality” at WABY in Albany.
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