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Formal Complaint Filed Against Supplier
As reported previously, on May 6, 2025 Rialto Square Theatre (RST) filed a complaint against Summer Energy Midwest with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). The primary issues raised appear to be how suppliers may determine out of contract rates and whether discounts conditioned on renewal are permissible. No activity has occurred in this matter except that an entry of appearance of counsel was filed indicating it will be representing Summer Energy.
Specifically in the complaint RST alleges Summer Energy charged it an out-of-contract rate of $0.24179 per kWh for the 1/13-3/14/25 billing periods and failed to provide “a clear or satisfactory explanation as to how this rate was determined” despite multiple requests. In the filed complaint RST argues this rate was “excessive and unreasonable” given that the average energy price during that time was ~$0.0346.
RST also alleges that Summer Energy offered a reduced rate of $0.14 per kWh conditioned on contract renewal and argues that imposing a higher rate should the customer transition to a different provider is “retaliatory and unjustified” and “confirms that the billed rate… was not fixed or market-driven, but rather a discretionary figure influenced by contract negotiations.”
RST asks the ICC to do the following:
- evaluate whether Summer Energy’s out-of-contract rates constitute unreasonable or discriminatory pricing practices;
- assess whether the rates comply with applicable rules, statutes, and tariff structures;
- require Summer Energy to provide transparent and itemized justification for the billed rate; and
- direct Summer Energy to apply a fair and reasonable re-rate consistent with market averages for the applicable period.
Entry of Appearance (06/18/2025)
Formal Complaint (05/06/2025)
25-0469 (05/06/2025)
(Complaint, W.C.M.E.A.A. d/b/a Rialto Square Theatre -Vs- Summer Energy Midwest, LLC)
