New York officials investigating Texas energy company over deceptive business tactics

State officials are investigating a Texas-based energy company after a spike in complaints from customers over higher-than-expected bills.

Ambit Energy is an energy services company that supplies electricity and natural gas. Consumers can choose to get their energy from their own utility or companies like Ambit.

The probe of Ambit Energy was prompted by a spike in complaints in recent months to the state's utility regulation agency. According to New York's Department of Public Service, about one in five complaints against energy services companies filed this year have been against Ambit Energy.

The company is headquartered in Dallas and considered to be the largest direct-sales energy company in the country.