Following a request by its staff, the Missouri Public Service Commission (PSC) has begun an investigation into the sale and distribution of natural gas and electricity in the state by entities that may not be certified.

According to a PSC, the assistant superintendent of Salem R-80 Schools in Missouri requested information on a company offering to provide gas service to the school district in Salem. Following a review, the PSC staff determined that the company, Cornerstone Energy Inc., was not certified by PSC to provide any energy services under state statutes. Staff also found no information on the company’s financial health or its customer service record regarding gas sales.

Based upon the information and the “specific example” of Cornerstone, the PSC determined that “it appears that energy services are likely being offered in Missouri by entities not registered with the commission…” The PSC granted the request to open a case and has asked its staff to investigate and to report on the following issues:

The PSC has scheduled a pre-hearing conference on the case (No. GO-2004-0195) for Feb. 4 in Jefferson City. For more information, contact the PSC at (573) 751-9300.

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