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Office of the Attorney General
Attorney General Conway Warns Against Price-Gouging in Wake of Recent Severe Thunderstorms, Flash Flooding
Attorney General Jack Conway today put Kentucky businesses on notice that price-gouging will not be tolerated during times of emergency. Gov. Steve Beshear declared a state of emergency for the Commonwealth of Kentucky on Tuesday, July 21, 2010 after severe thunderstorms and deadly flash flooding in a number of Kentucky counties on July 17 and 20th. Gov. Beshear also signed an executive order to implement Kentucky's price-gouging laws statewide.
"Gov. Beshear and I both want to ensure that Kentuckians who are suffering as a result of these deadly storms are not victimized a second time by unscrupulous businesses," General Conway said. "I will investigate and prosecute those who seek excessive profits during times of emergency."
Gov. Beshear's emergency declaration triggers several consumer protection measures that will remain in place for 30 days. As a result, the Attorney General is empowered to investigate and prosecute, where appropriate, those who sell gasoline, generators, building supplies, chain saws, hotel rooms and other necessary goods and services at an exorbitant price during a time of disaster.
Attorney General Conway launched a price-gouging investigation following Hurricane Ike and the subsequent wind storm that swept across Kentucky in September 2008. Investigators followed up on more than 2,000 emails and calls from across the Commonwealth on possible price-gouging complaints related to the storm. General Conway's price-gouging investigation resulted in recoveries of more than $100,000 against eight retail stations in several different Kentucky communities.
General Conway encourages anyone with specific information regarding possible price-gouging to contact the Office of the Attorney General at 1-888-432-9257 or to email pricecomplaints@ag.ky.gov
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