Schuette seeks subpoenas in propane pricing probe

LANSING (AP) -- The state is seeking civil subpoenas against a propane company and its affiliate following consumer complaints tied to pricing. Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette filed a petition for the subpoenas Wednesday in Saginaw County Circuit Court. Schuette's office says it's received 65 complaints against Ferrellgas and Best Propane. It says the complaints include allegations of excessive pricing and price misrepresentation to consumers. The subpoenas are part of Schuette's investigation into propane pricing this winter. Schuette's office says some customers may have been charged more than $8 per gallon for propane while the statewide average retail price was as high as $3.76 last month. Overland Park, Kan.-based Ferrellgas denies breaking consumer laws, saying it raised prices to cover climbing costs. A message was left seeking comment from Battle Creek-based Best Propane. Published: Fri, Mar 21, 2014