Direct Energy Marketing faces new charges in Alberta over consumer refunds

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EDMONTON – Direct Energy Marketing is facing two new consumer protection law charges over its sales practices in Alberta.

The company is accused of failing to provide a refund within 15 days to a Sherwood Park homeowner who cancelled a contract for a new furnace and air conditioner.

Direct Energy is also accused of not including all the wording required by the province in the sales contract.

Last month, the province filed four similar charges against the company involving energy contracts and refunds in Edmonton.

Charges under the Fair Trading Act carry a maximum fine of $300,000.

A Direct Energy official declined comment.

“Service Alberta is committed to taking every measure to ensure consumers are protected from unfair business practices,” the government said Tuesday in a release.

The company is to appear in court on the Sherwood Park charges on Jan. 18 and on Feb. 3 in Edmonton on the others.