Just Energy
Just Energy Group Inc., formerly known as Just Energy Income Fund and Energy Savings Income Fund, is a Canadian-based retailer of natural gas and electricity operating in both Canadian and American markets across North America.
Operations
Just Energy serves over 1 million customers collectively through its affiliate companies, which include Just Energy, Hudson Energy, Tara Energy, Amigo Energy, Filter Group, and Terrapass. The company has been in the energy industry for over 20 years, celebrating its 20-year anniversary in May 2017. It provides natural gas and electricity supply to residential and commercial customers under various contract types, including long-term fixed-price, price-protected, or variable-priced contracts, as well as offering green energy products.
Markets
Just Energy supplies natural gas and/or electricity in various regions across Canada and the United States. In Canada, it operates in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, and Saskatchewan. In the United States, it serves customers in California, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas.
Name Change
Originally established as Energy Savings Income Fund and U.S. Energy Savings, the company underwent a rebranding campaign in 2009, renaming itself Just Energy Income Fund across all its Canadian and U.S. markets. In 2011, the company was incorporated and renamed Just Energy Group.
Acquisitions
Just Energy has expanded its operations through strategic acquisitions. In April 2010, it launched a new network marketing arm, Momentis, and acquired Toronto-based direct energy marketer Universal Energy Corporation. The company also acquired Hudson Energy Group, an energy marketer in the U.S. commercial sector, in May 2010, and Fulcrum Retail Holdings LLC, an electricity provider in Texas, in August 2011.
Controversies
Just Energy has faced several controversies related to its sales practices and customer complaints. Former Enron executives served as Co-CEOs of the company from 2014 to 2018. The company has been accused of misleading consumers into signing up for its services and faced lawsuits, investigations, and fines in multiple jurisdictions, including Illinois, New York, Ohio, and Canada. Additionally, the company has been criticized for deceptive marketing practices, aggressive door-to-door sales tactics, and overcharging consumers.
Bankruptcy
In March 2021, following substantial losses during the Texas power crisis, Just Energy filed for court protection and bankruptcy. The company successfully exited bankruptcy proceedings in December 2022, after restructuring its operations and reaching agreements with stakeholders.