Compensation Available for Pensacola Natural Gas Customers
Overview of the Class Action Settlement for Natural Gas Customers
Residents who were natural gas customers of the City of Pensacola might have a chance at receiving compensation due to a recent class action lawsuit settlement. If your service address was within the city limits at any time, you could be entitled to a monetary return from this agreement.
Details of the Lawsuit Against the City of Pensacola
The lawsuit, identified as Eric L. Frank v. City of Pensacola, contended that the City incorrectly imposed franchise fees on its natural gas customers. These fees were said to have been wrongly charged because they were not authorized by the city staff, impacting how fees were passed to customers.
Specifically, the lawsuit claimed that the franchise fees should have been collected solely from the City’s gas utility department and should not have been the responsibility of individual customers. Moreover, these fees were deemed invalid under the Florida Constitution, instead being classified as inappropriate taxes.
In addition to the incorrect franchise fees, the City also collected a Utility Service Tax based on those fees. Since these charges were improper, the lawsuit argued that customers were owed refunds for this tax as well.
Settlement Terms and Customer Benefits
A final judgment from the lawsuit prohibited the City from continuing to impose these franchise fees. Furthermore, a substantial settlement amount of $12,600,000 has been allocated to compensate eligible customers.
Existing customers will automatically receive checks for their entitled amounts, ensuring a hassle-free process for them. However, former customers must take action by submitting a Claim Form along with the necessary documentation to receive their share of the settlement.
Steps for Former Customers
For those who are not currently residing at the service address, there is a requirement to file a claim to benefit from the settlement. They must make sure to complete their form and ensure it is submitted within a year following the notification process completion to be eligible for payment.
What to Do If You Do Nothing
If you belong to the group of existing customers, there is no need for action on your part as payment will automatically be processed. However, if you are a former customer and fail to submit a claim, you may not receive any benefits from the settlement.
Release from Further Claims
By receiving the settlement payment, class members are providing a release to the City from any future claims related to the topics covered in the lawsuit. This release is detailed within the Settlement Agreement.
Contact Information for More Details
For anyone seeking more information regarding this lawsuit and settlement, you can reach out to the Kroll Settlement Administration. They are available to help clarify any aspects related to the filing of claims or detailed processes. You may also seek additional insights into the settlement terms and timings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the basis of the lawsuit?
The lawsuit challenges the legitimacy of the franchise fees charged by the City to natural gas customers, arguing that these fees were improperly assigned to consumers.
Who is eligible for compensation?
Both current and former natural gas customers may be entitled to compensation, with existing customers receiving payment automatically while former customers must file a claim.
How can former customers file a claim?
Former customers need to complete a Claim Form and submit it postmarked no later than one year after the mailing of initial notifications.
What happens if I take no action?
If you are an existing customer, payments will be processed automatically. Those who do not submit claims as former customers risk missing out on any potential compensation.
Where can I find more information?
Detailed information on the settlement can be accessed by contacting Kroll Settlement Administration directly or reviewing the resources made available in the settlement agreement.
About The Author
Contact Dylan Bailey privately here. Or send an email with ATTN: Dylan Bailey as the subject to contact@investorshangout.com.
About Investors Hangout
Investors Hangout is a leading online stock forum for financial discussion and learning, offering a wide range of free tools and resources. It draws in traders of all levels, who exchange market knowledge, investigate trading tactics, and keep an eye on industry developments in real time. Featuring financial articles, stock message boards, quotes, charts, company profiles, and live news updates. Through cooperative learning and a wealth of informational resources, it helps users from novices creating their first portfolios to experts honing their techniques. Join Investors Hangout today: https://investorshangout.com/
The content of this article is based on factual, publicly available information and does not represent legal, financial, or investment advice. Investors Hangout does not offer financial advice, and the author is not a licensed financial advisor. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial or investment decisions based on this article. This article should not be considered advice to purchase, sell, or hold any securities or other investments. If any of the material provided here is inaccurate, please contact us for corrections.
