New rules for energy sales urged

Gas and electricity retailers will have to provide consumers with more information, and consumers will find it easier to prevent retailers from renewing contracts under rule changes proposed by the Ontario Energy Board.

The board has proposed amendments to the codes of conduct that govern energy retailers, who have been criticized in the past for using questionable sales tactics.

Complaints have slowed a lot since the frenzied early days of the electricity market. Still, the new rules reflect common complaints the board still gets, spokesperson Tom Park said.

Among the proposed changes:

The board wants to add a rule to prevent retailers from renewing contracts of customers who have clearly indicated they do not want their contracts renewed, in writing, within the last year of the contract.

The current rule provides a more limited time period to notify of non-renewal.

Retailers would have to notify customers when their calls are being recorded.

- Retailers would have to remind customers who are already under contract of the terms of that contract before signing them to a different contract.

- Retailers will have to install toll-free lines to handle customer calls.

The board has given retailers and others until Nov. 20 to respond to the proposals.

The Toronto Star