NEW YORK – Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today announced a multimillion dollar settlement with two energy companies that used deceptive marketing tactics to mislead thousands of New Yorkers. Under the agreement, Columbia Utilities LLC and Columbia Utilities Power LLC (Columbia) will pay $2 million to refund New York consumers, $200,000 in state penalties, and an additional $750,000 suspended penalty if it fails to comply with the terms. In addition, Columbia will observe new restrictions on its marketing practices to prevent future fraudulent sales conduct. “Consumers were lured by Columbia’s false promises for huge savings and other deceptive practices, only to become burdened by more costly energy bills,” Attorney General Schneiderman said. “These are difficult economic times, and predatory companies that exploit New Yorkers looking to save their hard-earned money will be held accountable. This settlement puts energy providers on notice that such consumer abu...