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Commitments and Contingencies
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]  
Commitments and Contingencies
Note 9—Commitments and Contingencies
 
Legal Proceedings
 
On March 13, 2014, named plaintiff, Anthony Ferrare, commenced a putative class-action lawsuit against IDT Energy, Inc. in the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania. The complaint was not served on IDT Energy until July 16, 2014.  The plaintiff filed the suit on behalf of himself and other former and current electric customers of IDT Energy in Pennsylvania with variable rate plans, whom he contends were injured as a result of IDT Energy’s allegedly unlawful sales and marketing practices. IDT Energy’s response to the complaint is currently due on September 4, 2014. On August 7, 2014, IDT Energy removed the case to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. IDT Energy believes that the claims in this lawsuit are without merit and intends to vigorously defend the action. However, because the outcome of this matter is uncertain, the Company is unable to make an assessment of the final result and its impact on the Company.
 
On June 20, 2014, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office (“AG”) and the Acting Consumer Advocate (“OCA”) filed a Joint Complaint against IDT Energy, Inc. with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission. In the Joint Complaint, the AG and the OCA allege, among other things, various violations of Pennsylvania’s Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law and the Telemarketing Registration Act. IDT Energy continues to respond to requests for information in connection with the proceeding, and is cooperating with the AG and OCA. IDT Energy denies that there is any merit to these claims, and the Company cannot estimate its potential damages.
 
On July 2, 2014, named plaintiff, Louis McLaughlin, filed a putative class-action lawsuit against IDT Energy, Inc. in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, contending that he and other class members were injured as a result of IDT Energy’s allegedly unlawful sales and marketing practices. The plaintiff filed the suit on behalf of himself and two subclasses: all IDT Energy customers who were charged a variable rate for their energy from July 2, 2008, and all IDT Energy customers who participated in IDT Energy’s rebate program from July 2, 2008. IDT Energy’s response to the complaint is currently due on September 5, 2014.  IDT Energy believes that the claims in this lawsuit are without merit and intends to vigorously defend the action. However, because the outcome of this matter is uncertain, the Company is unable to make an assessment of the final result and its impact on the Company.
 
On July 15, 2014, named plaintiff, Kimberly Aks, commenced a putative class-action lawsuit against IDT Energy, Inc. in New Jersey Superior Court, Essex County, contending that she and other class members were injured as a result of IDT Energy’s alleged unlawful sales and marketing practices. The plaintiff filed the suit on behalf of herself and all other New Jersey residents who were IDT Energy customers at any time between July 11, 2008 and the present. IDT Energy’s response to the complaint is currently due on August 20, 2014. IDT Energy believes that the claims in this lawsuit are without merit and intends to vigorously defend the action. However, because the outcome of this matter is uncertain, the Company is unable to make an assessment of the final result and its impact on the Company.
 
In addition to the foregoing, the Company may from time to time be subject to other legal proceedings that have arisen in the ordinary course of business. Although there can be no assurance in this regard, the Company does not expect any of those legal proceedings to have a material adverse effect on its results of operations, cash flows or financial condition. 
 
Purchase and Other Commitments
 
The Company had purchase commitments of $7.2 million as of June 30, 2014.
 
Renewable Energy Credits
 
IDT Energy must obtain a certain percentage or amount of its power supply from renewable energy sources in order to meet renewable portfolio standards in the states in which it operates. This requirement may be met by obtaining renewable energy credits that provide evidence that electricity has been generated by a qualifying renewable facility or resource. At June 30, 2014, IDT Energy had commitments to purchase renewable energy credits of $15.9 million.
 
Tax Audits
 
The Company is subject to audits in various jurisdictions for various taxes. At June 30, 2014, the Company accrued $0.2 million for the estimated loss from audits for which it is probable that a liability has been incurred. Amounts asserted by taxing authorities or the amount ultimately assessed against the Company could be greater than the accrued amount. Accordingly, additional provisions may be recorded in the future as estimates are revised or underlying matters are settled or resolved. Imposition of assessments as a result of tax audits could have an adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
 
Letter of Credit
 
As of June 30, 2014, the Company had letters of credit outstanding totaling $7.6 million primarily for the benefit of regional transmission organizations that coordinate the movement of wholesale electricity and for certain utility companies. The letters of credit outstanding as of June 30, 2014 expire in the twelve months ending June 30, 2015.
 
Performance Bonds
 
IDT Energy has performance bonds issued through a third party for the benefit of various states in order to comply with the states’ financial requirements for retail energy providers. At June 30, 2014, IDT Energy had aggregate performance bonds of $3.8 million outstanding.
 
Other Contingencies
 
Since 2009, IDT Energy has been a party to a Preferred Supplier Agreement with BP Energy Company (“BP”), pursuant to which BP is IDT Energy’s preferred provider of electricity and natural gas. The agreement’s termination date is June 30, 2015. Under the arrangement, IDT Energy purchases electricity and natural gas at market rate plus a fee. IDT Energy’s obligations to BP are secured by a first security interest in deposits or receivables from utilities in connection with their purchase of IDT Energy’s customer receivables, and in any cash deposits or letters of credit posted in connection with any collateral accounts with BP. IDT Energy’s ability to purchase electricity and natural gas under this agreement is subject to satisfaction of certain conditions including the maintenance of certain covenants. At June 30, 2014, the Company was in compliance with such covenants. As of June 30, 2014, restricted cash—short-term of $0.3 million and trade accounts receivable of $27.1 million were pledged to BP as collateral for the payment of IDT Energy’s trade accounts payable to BP of $11.3 million as of June 30, 2014.