North American Power brought its direct selling operations to an unexpected halt last week. In a statement posted to its representative site, the U.S. energy supplier announced the termination of its North American Power and Thrive customer referral programs, although it will continue to operate through its other business channels.
“Effective immediately, Independent Representatives will be unable to refer new customers or representatives to Thrive or North American Power. All referral sites have been disabled,” the notice reads.
Veteran energy executives Kerry Breitbart and Carey Turnbull founded the Connecticut-based company in 2009. Breitbart, a member of the National Energy Marketers Association Executive Committee, has been a key voice behind energy deregulation in New England, where North American Power has signed on a large percentage of its customers.
In 2011, Forbes magazine named the growing company No. 57 on its list of America’s “100 Most Promising Companies.” Last year North American Power reported $256 million in revenue, earning it the No. 47 spot on the DSN Global 100.
North American Power will continue to grow its direct-to-consumer channels, enroll new customers, and serve its existing customer base, a company spokesperson told DSN in an email.
“Although we are no longer accepting new enrollments through our referral network, our Independent Representatives will continue to receive residual commissions on customers that have been referred to date,” the company stated. “We are truly grateful for all of our Representatives’ efforts throughout this memorable journey, and wish them the very best of luck in the future.”
