January 29, 2008

The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) today conditionally granted a license to Universal Gas & Electric Corporation as an alternative electric supplier (AES).

The MPSC, aware of numerous customer complaints under the company's alternative gas supplier (AGS) license, is requiring that the company, as a condition of its AES license, submit periodic reports detailing any complaints it receives and its plans to correct any problems it discovers.  The first report is due in three months.  After that, reports are required every six months for the next two years. 

After the company files the final report, the MPSC staff will file a report indicating whether, and to what extent, Universal Gas & Electric Corporation has eliminated the root causes of complaints and otherwise complied with regulatory requirements and making recommendations regarding any further measures that are necessary.

The company must comply with all applicable provisions of the Customer Choice and Electricity Reliability Act and the MPSC's orders, and provide service to customers within a reasonable time.  Failure to comply may result in revocation of the license or other penalties. 

The company submitted an application with the MPSC for a license as an AES on Sept. 25, 2007.

Universal Gas & Electric Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Universal Energy Group Ltd., a publicly-traded company with its headquarters in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.  It has four office locations in Michigan:  Southfield, Lansing, Grand Rapids, and Saginaw.  It also plans an office in Ann Arbor.

The MPSC is an agency within the Department of Labor & Economic Growth.

Case No. U-15420