State utility regulators are investigating a New Jersey company that operates in Ohio as an electric and gas retail supplier. Staff at the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio report SunSea Energy has been deceiving customers and ignoring regulations.
SunSea Energy is facing a possible fine of $240,000.
The Ohio affiliate of SunSea Energy formed in 2019 to sell natural gas and electricity in Ohio's retail supplier marketplace.
That's where electric and gas consumers can select companies that offer different rates and terms from the standard ones utilities automatically provide.
Marketers from companies like SunSea go door-to-door and try to get customers to switch to their terms.
SunSea's certifications are up for renewal this year, but the PUCO paused the process and told the company to stop enrolling new customers.
Staff at the PUCO report that SunSea Energy altered quality control recordings, charged high variable rates and enrolled consumers even though they weren't authorized in a process known as "slamming."
The regulators report the company has often ignored the PUCO staff's efforts to investigate consumer complaints against SunSea, or hasn't provided adequate responses.
A hearing is scheduled for Oct. 9.
PUCO staff have catalogued issues with the company going back to 2022.
The PUCO received 39 complaints about SunSea between November and March, but half of the issues went unresolved because of inaction from the company, according to PUCO documents.
"While staff received some responses from SunSea, they were overdue and lack complete information. Other staff inquiries still have not received any response. The (Consumer Services Division) has not received a response from SunSea on any investigation since January 29, 2025. Staff is concerned that customers are being harmed by the inability to get swift resolution to their concerns," PUCO documents state.
The PUCO initially proposed fines of $9,000 or $30,000, but still had problems communicating with SunSea, so raised the fine to $160,000 in March.
In their most recent report, PUCO staff state they have serious doubts about the company's ability to function in Ohio and suggested a $240,000 fine.
WOSU has reached out to an Ohio contact for SunSea and CEO Jacob Adigwe seeking comment.
Paperwork on file with the PUCO states the company has faced challenges in other states including Maryland, which fined the company $400,000, and New York, where the company hasn't operated since 2021.
The company was accused of acting deceptively toward customers in both states, even trying to use the deception on an attorney representing utility consumers in Maryland. Ninety-two people complained about the company in New York.
SunSea also operates in New Jersey and Washington, D.C.
