Startex Power sues Cy-Fair competitor over trade secrets

A retail electricity provider is suing a former employee and business competitor after, it says, the two conspired to use confidential information to poach its customers and energy brokers.

Star Electricity Inc., doing business as Startex Power, filed a lawsuit on March 16 in the Harris County District Court against Montrose resident Emily Salinas and Champion Energy Services of Cy-Fair, alleging breach of contract, misappropriation of trade secrets, tortious interference and conspiracy.

The plaintiff says that on Sept. 24, 2010, its employee, defendant Salinas, signed a "no compete" agreement, promising to keep Startex Power’s customer information and broker payment terms confidential. Startex discovered, however, that Salinas breached this contract when she used its trade secrets, including pricing data and broker agreements, to solicit business for its competitor Champion Energy, according to the brief.

Startex Power is seeking injunctive relief, actual damages, attorney’s fees and court costs. It is being represented in the case by Houston attorney Rodney Drinnon.

Harris County District Court Case No. 2011-16176.

This is a report on a civil lawsuit filed at the Harris County Courthouse. The details in this report come from an original complaint filed by a plaintiff. Please note, a complaint represents an accusation by a private individual, not the government. It is not an indication of guilt, and it only represents one side of the story.