Commission Staff Identify Several Apparent Violations by Companies of Regulatory Rules 

ALBANY — The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) today initiated enforcement proceedings against 10 distributed energy resources providers operating in New York. A distributed energy resources provider, or DER provider, are companies that provide technologies that generate or store electricity, such as solar panel or battery installers, either for homes and buildings to manage their energy use, or to serve energy demand directly on the electric grid. Electricity from DER providers, rather than from fossil fuel power plants, contributes to a cleaner and more efficient grid, improved resiliency from power outages, and lower energy bills. DER companies play an important role to help achieve New York State’s climate change goals.

“We continue to make sure that companies are in compliance with our Uniform Business Practices,” said Commission Chair Rory M. Christian. “We let DER providers operate in New York if they treat customers fairly and offer them energy service choices that follow the rules. If a DER provider breaks those standards, we stop them from doing business in New York.” 

The Commission ordered the following 10 DER providers to show cause, within 30 days, why their eligibility to do business in New York State should not be revoked. The companies are as follows: Astral Power, Inc.; Bullrock GPS, LLC; Entersolar, LLC; Go Solar/Green NY; Green Visions Solar LLC; Max Solar Inc.; Sol Suppliers; Solanta; NY Solar Doctors; and True Energy Solutions, Inc. The 10 companies will now have to respond to the Commission’s allegations.

Pursuant to Commission orders, every DER provider in New York must comply with the Uniform Business Practices to maintain authorization to operate in New York, including a statement that the information and attachments in the DER provider’s initial legislation form are still current and accurate. Additionally, Commission rules require each DER provider to file an annual report by March 31, containing customer information from the previous calendar year. Department Staff presented evidence that the 10 DER providers failed to file a 2020 annual compliance statement report. The DER providers will now have an opportunity to respond to the Department’s allegations. There are approximately 450 DER providers operating in New York State.

The Commission takes this action today because it has the responsibility to ensure that customers participating in DER markets understand the costs and benefits of their investments and are protected from confusion, fraud, and abusive marketing practices. Clear, consistent uniform marketing and contracting practices:

• prevent exploitive pricing and deceptive marketing practices to residential and small business customers;
• ensure that customers and DER suppliers know their rights and responsibilities, including complaint resolution procedures; and
• provide oversight tools needed to monitor the growing markets and resolve potential issues.

Today’s decisions may be obtained by going to the Documents section of the Commission’s Web site at www.dps.ny.gov, under ‘Commission Files’ and then ‘File Search’ and entering Case Numbers Astral Power [23-E-0515]; Bullrock GPS [23-E-0517]; Entersolar [23-E-0518]; Go Solar [23-E-0519]; Green Visions [23-E-0521]; Max Solar [23-E-0523]; Sol Suppliers [23-E-0525]; Solanta [23-E-0526]; NY Solar Doctors [23-E-0527]; and True Energy Solutions [23-E-0528] in the input box labeled "Search for Case/Matter Number". Many libraries offer free Internet access. Commission documents may also be obtained from the Commission’s Files Office, 14th floor, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12223 (518-474-2500). If you have difficulty understanding English, please call us at 1-800-342-3377 for free language assistance services regarding this press release.