Spark Energy variable gas, electricity rates $11M class action lawsuit settlement

Spark Energy agreed to pay $11 million as part of a settlement to resolve class action lawsuit claims it charged unfair variable rates for electricity and natural gas.

The settlement benefits Spark Energy customers before Jan. 1, 2016, who paid for electricity supply or natural gas through July 18, 2022 in California, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania or Texas. The start dates for eligibility vary by state, as follows:

• California: N/A for electricity, Dec. 17, 2015, for natural gas
• Connecticut: April 19, 2011, for electricity, N/A for natural gas
• Delaware: N/A for electricity, Dec. 17, 2015, for natural gas
• Illinois: April 19, 2011 for electricity, Dec. 17, 2009, for natural gas
• Indiana: N/A for electricity, Aug. 14, 2009, for natural gas
• Maryland: April 19, 2014, for electricity, Dec. 17, 2016, for natural gas
• Massachusetts: April 19, 2011, for electricity, N/A for natural gas
• Michigan: N/A for electricity, Dec. 17, 2013, for natural gas
• New Jersey: April 19, 2011, for electricity, Dec. 17, 2013, for natural gas
• New York: April 19, 2011, for electricity, Dec. 17, 2013, for natural gas
• Ohio: N/A for electricity, Dec. 17, 2011, for natural gas
• Pennsylvania: April 19, 2013, for electricity, N/A for natural gas
• Texas: April 19, 2013, for electricity, N/A for natural gas

Spark Energy is an electric and natural gas utility company that provides services to consumers across the country. The company reportedly delivers over 8 million MWh of electricity each year and 16 million MMBtu of natural gas.

According to a class action lawsuit, Spark Energy engaged in bait-and-switch marketing when it comes to customers’ rates for utilities. The company allegedly promised customers fixed rates but later converted customer plans to variable rates which resulted in higher charges that were not competitively priced.

Spark Energy hasn’t admitted any wrongdoing but agreed to resolve these allegations with a $11 million class action lawsuit settlement.

Under the terms of the settlement, class members can receive a cash payment of at least $2.50. Class members can collect $0.003 per kilowatt power of electricity they paid for and $0.0293 per therm of natural gas they paid for. 

According to the settlement website, electricity customers will receive an average payment of $2.55 per month of Spark service, while natural gas customers will receive an average payment of $1.53 per month of Spark service.

The deadline for exclusion and objection is Nov. 12, 2022. 

The final approval hearing for the Spark Energy rates lawsuit settlement is scheduled for Dec. 1, 2022.

In order to receive settlement benefits, class members must submit a valid claim form by Nov. 12, 2022.

Who’s Eligible

Spark Energy customers before 01/01/2016, who paid for electricity supply or natural gas through 01/18/2022 in California, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania or Texas.

Potential Award

Varies

Proof of Purchase

Proof of purchase not applicable

Claim Form

NOTE: If you do not qualify for this settlement do NOT file a claim.

Remember: you are submitting your claim under penalty of perjury. You are also harming other eligible Class Members by submitting a fraudulent claim. If you’re unsure if you qualify, please read the FAQ section of the Settlement Administrator’s website to ensure you meet all standards (Top Class Actions is not a Settlement Administrator). If you don’t qualify for this settlement, check out our database of other open class action settlements you may be eligible for.

Claim Form Deadline

11/12/2022

Case Name

Final Hearing

12/01/2022

Settlement Website

MultiStateEnergySettlement.com

Claims Administrator

Rolland v. Spark Energy
c/o Kroll Settlement Administration LLC
P.O. Box 225391
New York, NY 10150-5391
833-512-2317

Class Counsel

Defense Counsel