Edgar Filing: Genie Energy Ltd.

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

x Annual report pursuant to section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, or

¨ Transition report pursuant to section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Commission File Number: 1-35327

Genie Energy Ltd.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware		45-2069276
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

520 Broad Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102
(Address of principal executive offices, zip code)

(973) 438-3500
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class		Name of each exchange on which registered
Class B common stock, par value $.01 per share		New York Stock Exchange
Series 2012-A Preferred stock, par value $.01 per share		New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ¨ No x

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ¨ No x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No ¨

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer ¨		Accelerated filer x
Non-accelerated filer ¨		Smaller reporting company ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ¨ No x

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, based on the closing price on June 30, 2015 (the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter) of the Class B common stock of $10.47 per share, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange, was approximately $163 million.

As of March 8, 2016, the registrant had outstanding 23,058,559 shares of Class B common stock and 1,574,326 shares of Class A common stock. Excluded from these numbers are 201,017 shares of Class B common stock held in treasury by Genie Energy Ltd.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

The definitive proxy statement relating to the registrant’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to be held May 5, 2015, is incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K to the extent described therein.

Index

Genie Energy Ltd.

Annual Report on Form 10-K

Part I		1

Item 1. Business.		1
Item 1A. Risk Factors.		13
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.		24
Item 2. Properties.		24
Item 3. Legal Proceedings.		24
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.		25

Part II		25

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.		25
Item 6. Selected Financial Data.		28
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.		28
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risks.		53
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.		53
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.		53
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.		54
Item 9B. Other Information.		54

Part III		55

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.		55
Item 11. Executive Compensation.		55
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.		56
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.		56
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services.		56

Part IV		57

Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.		57

Signatures		59

Part I

As used in this Annual Report, unless the context otherwise requires, the terms “the Company,” “Genie,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to Genie Energy Ltd., a Delaware corporation, and its subsidiaries, collectively.

Item 1. Business.

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

Genie Energy Ltd. is comprised of the following two businesses:

Genie Retail Energy, (GRE), which acts through various subsidiaries, resells electricity and natural gas to residential and small business customers operating primarily in the Mid-Atlantic and Midwestern United States. It also provides brokerage and advisory services to large commercial customers in deregulated markets. Since its inception in 2004, GRE has grown to become one of the nation’s largest independent retail energy providers, which are commonly referred to as “REPs”.

Genie Oil and Gas, Inc., (GOGAS), is an oil and gas exploration company. GOGAS projects include an oil and gas exploration project in Israel operated by its subsidiary, Afek Oil and Gas, Ltd. In 2013, the Government of Israel awarded Afek an exclusive three year petroleum exploration license covering 396.5 square kilometers in the southern portion of the Golan Heights. We are in the process of submitting our work plan for the subsequent exploration phases and once submitted, Israel’s National Infrastructure, Energy and Water Ministry is expected to extend our license. Pursuant to that license, Afek is conducting an exploratory drilling program of up to ten wells throughout its license area, as well as a well flow test program. The results of the exploration program to date are consistent with our original theory and demonstrate the existence of significant hydrocarbon resources, although there are still unknowns that will impact the commercial viability of the resource.

CORPORATE STRUCTURE

Genie Energy Ltd., a Delaware corporation, owns 99.3% of its subsidiary, Genie Energy International Corporation, or GEIC, which owns 100% of GRE, and 92% of GOGAS. GOGAS holds an 86.5% interest in Afek Oil & Gas Ltd., or Afek. In addition, GOGAS has a 98.3% interest in American Shale Oil Corporation, or AMSO, which holds and manages a 41.3% interest in American Shale Oil, L.L.C., or AMSO, LLC, an oil shale development project in Colorado. GOGAS also holds majority interests in two inactive oil and gas projects: an 86.1% interest in Israel Energy Initiatives, Ltd., or IEI, an oil shale development project in Israel, and an 88.4% interest in Genie Mongolia, Inc., an oil shale exploration project in Central Mongolia.

GRE has outstanding deferred stock units granted to directors and employees that represent an interest of 3.9% of the equity of GRE.

REPORTABLE SEGMENTS

We have three reportable business segments: Genie Retail Energy, Afek Oil and Gas, Ltd., and Genie Oil and Gas. Our reportable segments are distinguished by types of service, customers and methods used to provide their services. Financial information by segment and geographic areas is presented in “Note 16—Business Segment Information” in the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report.

GENERAL BUSINESS INFORMATION

Our main offices are located at 520 Broad Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102. Our telephone number is (973) 438-3500 and our web site is www.genie.com.

We make available free of charge through the investor relations page of our web site (http://genie.com/investors/sec-filings/) our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to these reports, and all beneficial ownership reports on Forms 3, 4 and 5 filed by directors, officers and beneficial owners of more than 10% of our equity as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for all of our employees, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer. Copies of our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics are available on our web site.

Our web site (www.genie.com) and the information contained therein or incorporated therein are not incorporated into this Annual Report on Form 10-K or our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

KEY EVENTS IN OUR HISTORY

Genie was incorporated in January 2011. References to us in the following discussion are made on a consolidated basis as if we existed and owned Genie Retail Energy and Genie Oil and Gas in all periods discussed.

In November 2004, IDT Corporation, or IDT, our former corporate parent, launched a retail energy provider business in New York State under the brand name IDT Energy.

In March 2008, we formed Israel Energy Initiatives, Ltd., which was awarded an exclusive Shale Oil Exploration and Production License in July 2008 by the Government of Israel.

In April 2008, IDT acquired E.G.L. Oil Shale, L.L.C., which was subsequently renamed American Shale Oil, LLC.

In March 2009, a subsidiary of TOTAL S.A., or Total, the world’s fifth largest integrated oil and gas company, acquired a 50% interest in AMSO, LLC in exchange for cash paid to us of $3.2 million and Total’s commitment to fund the majority of AMSO, LLC’s research, development and demonstration expenditures as well as certain other funding commitments.

In April 2013, the Government of Israel finalized the award to our subsidiary, Afek, of an exclusive three year petroleum exploration license covering 396.5 square kilometers in the southern portion of the Golan Heights in Northern Israel. The initial term of the license expires in April 2016. Afek is taking the required steps to obtain an extension.

In December 2013, GRE acquired Dallas-based Diversegy, LLC, a retail energy advisory and brokerage company that serves commercial and industrial customers throughout the United States, and Epiq Energy, LLC (now IDT Energy Network, LLC), its network marketing channel.

In April 2014, Israel’s Northern District Planning and Building Committee issued a one year exploratory drilling permit to Afek. The permit authorized the company to drill up to ten exploratory wells within its exploratory license area.

In February 2015, Afek began drilling its first exploratory well in Northern Israel’s Golan Heights pursuant to its petroleum exploration license.

In October 2015, Afek confirmed the presence of hydrocarbons in its license area based on the data gathered from its exploratory drilling program.

Spin-Off from IDT Corporation

We were formerly a subsidiary of IDT. On October 28, 2011, we were spun-off by IDT and became an independent public company through a pro rata distribution of our common stock to IDT’s stockholders, which we refer to as the Spin-Off. As a result of the Spin-Off, each of IDT’s stockholders received: (i) one share of our Class A common stock for every share of IDT’s Class A common stock held of record on October 21, 2011, or the Record Date, and (ii) one share of our Class B common stock for every share of IDT’s Class B common stock held of record on the Record Date.

Exchange Offer and Issuance of Preferred Stock

On August 2, 2012, we initiated an offer to exchange up to 8.75 million outstanding shares of our Class B common stock for the same number of shares of a new series of preferred stock. On October 17, 2012, we issued 1,604,591 shares of our newly designated Series 2012-A Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, in exchange for an equal number of shares of Class B common stock tendered in the exchange offer.

In subsequent exchange offers concluded in March 2013 and June 2014, we issued an aggregate of 718,108 shares of Series 2012-A Preferred Stock in exchange for an equal number of shares of Class B common stock tendered in the exchange offer.

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

Afek

In February 2016, Israel’s Northern District Planning and Building Committee approved a two-year permit extension for Afek to continue its oil and gas exploratory drilling program. The original one-year permit would have expired in February 2016. Also, in February 2016, Afek initiated a well flow test program within the previously drilled Nes 3 well.

Mongolia

In 2015, GOGAS halted exploration activities in Mongolia and sharpened its strategic focus on the opportunity at Afek. The regulatory environment in Mongolia remains difficult, and the decline in the price of oil has reduced the attractiveness of the opportunity.

IEI

On September 2, 2014, the Jerusalem District Committee for Planning and Building declined to issue IEI a permit to build and operate a pilot drilling project. IEI had an exclusive Shale Oil Exploration and Production License awarded in 2008 by the Israeli Ministry of National Infrastructure that expired in July 2015. IEI continues to evaluate its options to determine the best course of action to move forward to exploit the abundant oil shale resource in Israel. Operations at IEI are currently on hold.

AMSO

On February 23, 2016, Total notified AMSO of its decision not to continue to fund AMSO, LLC. We are currently considering our options with respect to the future of this project. AMSO and Total are obligated to fund certain remediation and reclamation costs.

Dividends

We pay a quarterly dividend on both of our common and preferred stock. The aggregate dividends paid in the year ended December 31, 2015 on our Class A and Class B common stock (the “Common Stock”) was $3 million, as follows:

• On March 31, 2015, we paid a quarterly Base Dividend of $0.06 per share on our Common Stock for the fourth quarter of 2014 to stockholders of record at the close of business on March 23, 2015.

• On May 22, 2015, we paid a quarterly Base Dividend of $0.06 per share on our Common Stock for the first quarter of 2015 to stockholders of record at the close of business on May 15, 2015.

On August 6, 2015, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had suspended dividends on the Company’s common stock for the current time. However, on January 22, 2016, the Company announced that its Board of Directors approved resuming the quarterly dividend on our Common Stock, and on February 12, 2016, we paid a quarterly Dividend of $0.06 per share to stockholders of record as of the close of business on February 5, 2016.

The aggregate dividends paid in the year ended December 31, 2015 on our Preferred Stock was $1.5 million, as follows:

• On February 15, 2015, we paid a quarterly Base Dividend of $0.1594 per share on our Preferred Stock for the fourth quarter of 2014 to stockholders of record at the close of business on February 5, 2015 of our Preferred Stock.

• On May 15, 2015, we paid a quarterly Base Dividend of $0.1594 per share on the Preferred Stock for the first a quarter of 2015 to stockholders of record at the close of business on May 6, 2015 of our Preferred Stock.

• On August 14, 2015, we paid a quarterly Base Dividend of $0.1594 per share on the Preferred Stock for the second quarter of 2015 to stockholders of record at the close of business on August 6, 2015 of our Preferred Stock.

• On November 16, 2015, we paid a quarterly Base Dividend of $0.1594 per share on the Preferred Stock for the third quarter of 2015 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on November 4, 2015.

On February 16, 2016, we paid a quarterly Base Dividend of $0.1594 per share on the Preferred Stock for the fourth quarter of 2015 to stockholders of record at the close of business on February 5, 2016, in the aggregate amount of $0.4 million.

Genie Retail Energy

In November 2004, IDT launched a retail energy provider business in New York State, which has grown its geographic footprint and customer base significantly while diversifying its service offerings. Today, GRE operates two active REP businesses which resell natural gas and electricity to residential and small business customers. IDT Energy operates in eight utility markets in New York, six utility territories in New Jersey, eight utility territories in Pennsylvania, four utility territories in Maryland and one utility territory in each of Washington, D.C. and Illinois. Residents Energy operates in eight utility markets in New York, seven utility markets in Pennsylvania and five utility markets in New Jersey.

As discussed more fully below, on February 23, 2016, the New York Public Service Commission (PSC) issued an order that sought to impose significant new restrictions on REPs operating in New York, including GRE. Depending on the final language of the order and the outcome of legal appeals, as well as our final response to the order with respect to our relationships with our New York customers, the order will likely have a substantial impact upon GRE’s operations in New York. As of December 31, 2015, New York represented 53% of GRE’s total meters served and 44% of the total residential customer equivalents, or RCEs, of GRE’s customer base.

GRE REPs have applications pending to enter into additional utility service areas, primarily natural gas and dual meter territories, in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Illinois. We continue to evaluate additional, deregulation-driven opportunities in other states.

GRE’s REP businesses, particularly sales of natural gas, are seasonal businesses. Approximately 64% and 59% of our natural gas revenues in the years ended December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively were generated during the first quarter, when the demand for heating was highest. Although the demand for electricity is not as seasonal as natural gas, approximately 30% and 20% of total revenues from electricity sales were generated in the third quarter of 2015 and 2014, respectively.

GRE’s revenues represent 100% of our total consolidated revenues since our inception. In the year ended December 31, 2015, GRE generated revenues of $210 million comprised of $167 million from sales of electricity, $41 million from sales of natural gas, and other revenue of $2 million, as compared with revenues of $275 million in the year ended December 31, 2014 comprised of $214 million from the sales of electricity, $58 million from the sales of natural gas and other revenue of $3 million. Electricity sales have become a more significant portion of GRE’s business in recent years. In addition, in the year ended December 31, 2015, GRE had income from operations of $13 million, as compared to income from operations of $4 million in the year ended December 31, 2014.

The weather has a significant impact on GRE’s operations. For example, unusually sustained cold weather in the first quarter of 2014 drove increased demand. Coupled with short reserves of natural gas in the wholesale markets and delivery constrictions beyond our control, this caused a significant increase in revenues and direct cost of revenues in the first quarter of 2014. In addition, many electricity generation plants are in fact natural gas fired. The winter’s “polar vortex” resulted in extraordinarily large spikes in the prices of wholesale electricity and natural gas in markets where GRE’s REPs and other retail providers purchase their supply.

Because of the resulting dramatic increases in wholesale electricity costs, the retail electricity prices that GRE’s REPs and many other variable rate electricity suppliers charged to their customers also increased sharply. These retail electricity price increases resulted in large numbers of complaints, regulatory actions, and calls for legislation, regulation and litigation. GRE’s subsidiary, IDT Energy, also paid approximately $5 million in rebates to affected customers in the year ended December 31, 2014. These events adversely affected GRE’s REPs customer churn, gross margins and results of operations.

As discussed more fully below in Item 3 “Legal Proceedings” in this Annual Report, IDT Energy reached an agreement in principle on a settlement with the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office and the Acting Consumer Advocate terminating litigation with no admission of liability or finding of wrongdoing by IDT Energy.

The settlement must be approved by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, which is expected in the second quarter of 2016.

In December 2013, GRE acquired Dallas-based Diversegy, LLC, or Diversegy, a retail energy advisory and brokerage company that serves commercial and industrial customers, and its network marketing channel, Epiq Energy, LLC, or Epiq, since renamed IDT Energy Network, or IDTEN. Diversegy connects large commercial and industrial customers with its portfolio of competitive energy products provided by some of the industry’s leading energy suppliers. Diversegy evaluates alternative supply sources based on its customers’ usage patterns and risk profiles in order to provide options that benefit their bottom lines. IDTEN provides independent representatives with the opportunity to build sales organizations and to profit from both residential and commercial energy. IDTEN offers its direct marketing representatives the opportunity to earn commissions on energy supply based on the consumption of the customers they bring into the program.

During 2015, we worked to integrate Diversegy and IDTEN into our existing operations and platform. We restructured both organizations so that they are both based in our Newark headquarters. Neither company contributed materially to revenues in 2015, but we expect that Diversegy will contribute positive net income and that IDTEN will contribute to meter growth in 2016.

Industry Overview

GRE operates retail energy providers that operate in states with deregulated retail energy markets. Like other REPs, GRE’s REPs purchase electricity and natural gas on the wholesale markets and resell the commodities to its customers, primarily homeowners, renters and small businesses. The incumbent local utilities continue to handle electricity and natural gas distribution, billing, and collections. A portion of the proceeds billed to GRE’s REPs customers for the commodity supply is remitted to the REPs.

GRE has no significant fixed assets and low levels of capital expenditure. Its direct cost of revenues is incurred to purchase electricity and natural gas in their respective wholesale markets. Selling, general and administrative expenses are primarily related to customer acquisition, customer retention, billing and purchase of receivables fees paid to the utilities, and program management.

Customers; Marketing

The services of GRE’s REPs, IDT Energy and Residents Energy, are made available to customers under several categories of terms and conditions. The large majority of our current customer base is enrolled in variable rate programs, the only programs GRE’s REPs offered until 2014, via automatically renewing or month-to-month agreements, which enable us to recover our wholesale costs for electricity and natural gas through adjustments to the rates charged to our customers. The frequency and degree of these rate adjustments are determined by GRE, and are not restricted by regulation.

Variable rate energy supply programs are available to all customers in all states served by GRE’s REPs. Likewise, Renewable (Green) energy supply options exist in all markets served by GRE’s REPs. Renewable (Green) Electricity supply is 100% matched with renewable energy certificates that reflect the generation of electricity from sources like running water, wind, solar and biomass.

For our variable rate product, the amount we charge to our customers changes with our costs for the underlying commodity. During times of rising costs, the number of complaints made to our call center or to the state regulators may increase. We proactively seek to address customer concerns through rebates and incentives, as well as by providing accurate information and through communications with regulators.

In 2014, we began offering fixed electric rates in select utility territories with rates guaranteed for up to one year. These offerings represent a small but growing portion of our business. GRE’s REPs fixed-rate offerings are currently available in seven utility service areas in Pennsylvania, three in New York, three in New Jersey, one in Maryland and one in Illinois.

While GRE’s REPs variable rates are not regulated, they, like all GRE’s REP programs, are governed by their terms and conditions, which are accepted by all customers. GRE’s REPS are required to comply with various reporting requirements in order to maintain eligibility to operate as a REP. Certain jurisdictions require GRE’s REPs to

publish its customer offers with the applicable regulatory commission, or in the public domain, generally a website established for such purpose.

The electricity and natural gas we sell are metered and delivered to customers by the local utilities. Consequently, we do not have a maintenance or service staff for customer locations. The utilities also provide billing and collection services for the majority of our customers. For a small number of direct bill customers, we perform our own billing and collection. Additionally, GRE’s REPs’ receivables are generally purchased by the utilities in whose areas we operate for a percentage of their face value (as of December 31, 2015, approximately 2.0%) in exchange for the utility receiving a first priority lien in the customer receivable without recourse against the REP.

GRE’s REP businesses market their energy services primarily through direct marketing methods, including door-to-door sales, outbound telemarketing, network marketing through IDTEN, direct mail and internet signup. As of December 31, 2015, GRE’s REPs serviced 392,000 meters (264,000 electric and 128,000 natural gas), as compared to 363,000 meters (234,000 electric and 129,000 natural gas) as of December 31, 2014.

GRE’s strategy is to acquire profitable customers in low-risk markets, specifically where the utilities have adopted a portfolio of REP-friendly, regulatory-driven programs. Key among these programs is purchase of receivables, or POR, programs, where utilities are contractually obligated to purchase customer receivables at a pre-determined fixed discount. Under POR programs, utilities offer consolidated billing, where the utilities have the responsibility for billing the individual customer and the subsequent collection of the remittances. Additionally, we target markets in which we can procure energy in an efficient and transparent manner. We seek to purchase wholesale energy where there is a real time market that reflects a fair price for the commodity for all participants. This allows GRE to reflect a true market cost base and adjust its rates to its variable rate customers taking into account its competitors who change their commodity prices at longer intervals.

Utilities in New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Washington, D.C. and Maryland offer POR programs, without recourse, that permit customers with past-due balances to remain in the POR and consolidated bill programs. However, utilities in New Jersey generally do not permit customers with past-due balances beyond 120 days to enroll or remain in their POR programs, which means that after a certain amount of time (determined based on the specific commodity), the REP becomes responsible for the billing and collection of the commodity portion of the future invoices for its delinquent customers.

We also regularly monitor other deregulated or deregulating markets to determine if they are appropriate for entry, and may initiate the licensing process in a selected region to facilitate entry into the region contingent upon favorable deregulatory developments.

Acquisition and Management of Gas and Electric Supply

Since 2009, IDT Energy has been party to a Preferred Supplier Agreement with BP Energy Company, or BP. The agreement allows for purchases of electricity and natural gas for customers focused in areas where the utilities have POR programs. Under the arrangement, IDT Energy purchases electricity and natural gas at market rate plus a fee. IDT Energy’s obligations to BP are secured by a first security interest in deposits or receivables from utilities in connection with their purchase of IDT Energy’s customer’s receivables under the applicable POR program, and in any cash deposits or letters of credit posted in connection with any collateral accounts with BP. The agreement with BP has been amended to cover the territories in which we operate. The agreement was modified and extended on November 19, 2015, and is scheduled to terminate on November 30, 2019. IDT Energy’s ability to purchase electricity and natural gas under this agreement is subject to satisfaction of certain conditions including the maintenance of certain covenants.

GRE is required to meet certain minimum green energy supply criteria in some of the markets in which it operates. We meet those thresholds by acquiring renewable energy certificates, or REC’s. In addition, GRE offers green or other renewable energy products to its customers in several territories. GRE acquires green renewable energy conversion rights or attributes and REC’s to satisfy the load requirements for these customers.

As an owner of REPs, GRE does not own electrical power generation, transmission, or distribution facilities, or natural gas production, pipeline or distribution facilities. GRE’s REPs currently contract with Dominion Transmission, Inc., National Fuel Supply, Williams Gas Pipeline and Texas Eastern Transmission and others for

natural gas pipeline, storage and transportation services, and utilizes the New York Independent System Operator, Inc., or NYISO, and PJM Interconnection, LLC, or PJM, for electric transmission and distribution. NYISO operates the high-voltage electric transmission network in New York State, and administers and monitors New York’s wholesale electricity markets. PJM is a regional transmission organization that coordinates the movement of wholesale electricity in all or parts of thirteen states (including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Illinois) and the District of Columbia.

For risk management purposes, GRE REPs utilize forward physical delivery contracts for a portion of their purchases of electricity and natural gas, which are defined as commodity derivative contracts. In addition, GRE’s REPs enter into put and call options as hedges against unfavorable fluctuations in market prices of electricity and natural gas.

The NYISO and PJM perform real-time load balancing for each of the electrical power grids in which GRE REPs operate. Similarly, load balancing is performed by the utilities or local distribution company, or LDC, for each of the natural gas markets in which GRE operates. Load balancing ensures that the amount of electricity and natural gas that GRE purchases is equal to the amount necessary to service its customers’ demands at any specific point in time. GRE is charged or credited for balancing the electricity and natural gas purchased and sold for its account by its suppliers and the LDCs. GRE manages the differences between the actual electricity and natural gas demands of its customers and its bulk or block purchases by buying and selling in the spot market, and through monthly cash settlements and/or adjustments to future deliveries in accordance with the load balancing performed by utilities, LDCs, NYISO and PJM.

Diversegy and IDT Energy Network (IDTEN)

Diversegy, which we acquired in December 2013, operates as an energy broker and advisor to industrial, commercial and municipal customers across deregulated energy markets in the United States. Customers of all types and size have the ability to leverage Diversegy’s expertise and purchasing power as they evaluate their electricity and natural gas procurement plans. Diversegy allows us to enter more markets around the country as we are not limited to only the markets we operate as a REP, and we are not responsible for assuming the risk associated with procuring and managing the commodity.

IDTEN (formerly Epiq Energy, LLC), which we also acquired in December 2013, has built and operates a network marketing platform that sells GRE’s REPs’ and Diversegy’s services. IDTEN offers an innovative direct sales opportunity to individuals who are seeking to profit from the deregulation of energy in the United States, focusing on residential and small to medium-sized businesses. IDTEN’s sales channel has the potential to reach customers our traditional sales channels of door-door marketing and outbound telemarketing has difficulty in reaching. During 2015, IDTEN recruited active independent representatives in states where GRE operates REPs.

Competition

As an operator of REPs, GRE competes with the local utility companies in each of the markets where it provides services and with many other licensed REPs. In some markets, competitor REPs are affiliated with local utilities. GRE also competes with several large vertically integrated energy companies. Some of these competitors are larger and better capitalized than GRE. Competition with the utilities and REPs exposes GRE to customer churn, especially since GRE’s residential customers generally do not sign long-term contracts.

REPs and utilities offering fixed rate products or guaranteed pricing often are unable to change their sell rates offered to customers in response to volatility in the prices of the underlying commodities. In times of high commodity prices, REPs like GRE’s REPs that offer variable rate products, and reflect real-time commodity costs, may offer variable rates prices which are not competitive with fixed rate providers. Conversely, in a downward moving commodity cost environment, variable rate REPs like GRE’s REPs may benefit from the lag that utilities experience in reducing their sell rate to reflect the lower cost base in the commodity markets, and may reflect commodity costs decreases in their offerings and rates.

In the latter part of 2014, GRE began offering a fixed rate plan for up to one year to electric customers in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Illinois. This was expanded into New York and Maryland in 2015 and represents approximately 16% of the electric customer base.

Increasing our market share depends in part on our ability to persuade more customers to switch to GRE’s services than those that churn from us to other providers. Moreover, local utilities and some REPs may have certain advantages such as name recognition, financial strength and long-standing relationships with customers. Persuading potential customers to switch to GRE requires significant marketing and sales operations. If GRE is not successful in convincing customers to switch, our REP businesses, results of operations and financial condition will all be adversely affected.

Regulation

As of December 31, 2015, GRE’s REPs operate in eight utility territories in New York, six utility territories in New Jersey, eight utility territories in Pennsylvania, four utility territories in Maryland, one in Washington D.C. and one in Illinois. IDT Energy recently received regulatory approvals to enter nine new utility territories in Pennsylvania and one new territory covering Maryland and Washington D.C. Residents Energy recently received regulatory approval from the Public Utility Commission of Ohio to sell electricity and gas in the state of Ohio and from the Illinois Commerce Commission to sell electricity in the State of Illinois. The State of New York, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the State of New Jersey, the State of Maryland, the State of Illinois, the District of Columbia, the State of Ohio, the federal government, and related public service/utility commissions, among others, establish the rules and regulations for our REP operations.

Like all operators of REPs, GRE is affected by the actions of governmental agencies, mostly on the state level, by the respective state Public Service/Utility Commissions, and other organizations (such as NYISO and PJM) and indirectly the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, or FERC. Regulations applicable to electricity and natural gas have undergone substantial change over the past several years as a result of restructuring initiatives at both the state and federal levels. GRE’s REPs may be subject to new laws, orders or regulations or the revision or interpretation of existing laws, orders or regulations.

If GRE’s REPs enter territories outside of the utility regions within which they currently operate in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Illinois and Washington D.C., or territories outside of these states, they would need to be licensed and would be subject to the rules and regulations of such states or municipalities and respective utilities.

As of December 31, 2015, Diversegy was licensed to serve as a broker of electricity in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Ohio, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Delaware, and as a gas broker in New Jersey, Maryland, Ohio, Rhode Island and New Hampshire. IDTEN was licensed as an electricity broker in New Jersey, Illinois, Ohio, the District of Columbia, Maryland and Pennsylvania, and as a gas broker in New Jersey, Ohio, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire and the District of Columbia. Both Diversegy and IDTEN serve as brokers in other states that do not require licenses.

Employees

As of March 1, 2016, GRE employed 145 full time employees, 68 of whom are located in the Jamestown, New York office, of which approximately 85% are affiliated with our customer care center, 46 of whom are located in our New Jersey office and 31 of whom are located in the Florida and New York offices performing customer acquisition and support.

Genie Oil and Gas, Inc.

Genie Oil and Gas (GOGAS) is an oil and gas exploration company. GOGAS currently holds our interests in four development projects, two of which are currently inactive and another of which does not currently have a funding source for continued operations: (1) an 86.5% interest in Afek, which operates an exploration project in the southern portion of the Golan Heights in Northern Israel (2) an 88.4% interest in Genie Mongolia, Inc., an inactive oil shale exploration project in Central Mongolia, (3) a 98.3% interest in AMSO, which holds and manages a 41.3% interest in AMSO, LLC, an oil shale development project in Colorado, that is a joint venture with Total, S.A., and (4) an 86.1% interest in IEI, an inactive oil shale development project in Israel’s Shfela Basin.

The Genie Mongolia, AMSO, LLC and IEI projects are early stage oil shale projects. Oil shale is an organic-rich, fine-grained sedimentary rock that contains significant amounts of kerogen (a solid mixture of organic chemical

compounds) from which liquid hydrocarbons can be extracted. However, extracting oil and gas from oil shale is more complex than conventional oil and gas recovery and is more expensive. Rather than pumping it directly out of the ground in the form of liquid oil, the oil shale can be mined and then heated to a high temperature through a process called surface retorting, with the resultant liquid separated and collected. An alternative which we and others are researching and developing is in-situ retorting, which involves heating the oil shale to a temperature of approximately 660°F while it is still underground, and then pumping the resulting liquid and/or gases to the surface. In-situ retorting is considered to be less environmentally invasive than surface retorting and may offer significant economic advantages.

Afek Oil and Gas Ltd.

In April 2013, the Government of Israel finalized the award to Afek of an exclusive three year petroleum exploration license covering 396.5 square kilometers in the southern portion of the Golan Heights. Afek is in the process of submitting its work plan for the subsequent exploration phases and is taking the required steps to seek extension of the license, which is currently scheduled to expire in April 2016. Afek has retained oil and gas exploration professionals and has contracted with internationally recognized vendors to provide the services required for its exploration program. In 2013, Afek completed preliminary geophysical work including electromagnetic surveys and the reprocessing of the 2D seismic data to characterize the subsurface prior to drilling exploration wells. Afek subsequently conducted initial analysis of the acquired data internally and with outside exploration experts.

In early 2014, Afek submitted a permit application to the Northern District Planning and Building Committee to conduct an exploration drilling program to further characterize the resource in its license area. In July, the Northern District Planning and Building Committee voted to approve an up to ten-well exploratory drilling program, and subsequently issued the requisite permits.

In October, 2014, the High Court of Justice in Israel issued an interim order to halt Afek’s drilling program until it could rule on a petition filed by the Israel Union for Environmental Defense and some local residents challenging the issuance of the drilling permit. In December 2014, the Court ruled against the petitioners, and lifted its interim order.

In February 2015, Afek began drilling its first exploratory well in Northern Israel’s Golan Heights. To date, Afek has completed drilling five wells. In addition, the initial phase of the flow test program is underway which will test multiple target zones within one, or more, of the completed wells. The results of the exploration program to date are consistent with our original theory and demonstrate the existence of significant hydrocarbons in the basin, although there are still unknowns that will impact the commercial viability of the resource. The next step is to execute and analyze the results of flow tests and other data to determine the nature of the hydrocarbons and the potential production methodology and associated costs of potential commercial development. We remain excited about the potential for this project and look forward to gathering more information to determine next steps and the future path. The volume of the resources and to what extent they may be extractable cannot yet be determined. The resources do not constitute proved, probable or possible reserves.

On February 1, 2016, Israel’s Northern District Planning and Building Committee approved a two-year permit extension for Afek to continue to conduct its up to ten-well oil and gas exploration program. The original permit was for a one-year period, which commenced in February 2015. This extension is expected to cover the remainder of Afek’s ongoing exploratory program in the area covered by its exploratory license issued by Israel’s National Infrastructure, Energy and Water Ministry.

Afek incurred exploration expenses of $6.6 million, $7.0 million and $4.0 million in the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Genie Mongolia

In April 2013, Genie Mongolia and the Petroleum Authority of Mongolia entered into an exclusive oil shale development agreement to explore and evaluate the commercial potential of oil shale resources in a 34,470 square kilometer area in Central Mongolia. The five year agreement allows Genie Mongolia to explore, identify and characterize the oil shale resource in the exclusive survey area and to conduct a pilot test using in-situ technology on appropriate oil shale deposits. In September 2014, Genie Mongolia signed a prospecting agreement with the Petroleum Authority of Mongolia covering an additional 25,000 square kilometers in Central Mongolia. In light of the progress achieved by Afek in Northern Israel, we suspended our operations in Mongolia.

Genie Mongolia maintains the rights to the acreage it has acquired, however, it has reduced its operating expenses and is looking to divest its assets in Mongolia.

Genie Mongolia incurred research and development expenses of $1.7 million, $2.7 million and $3.4 million in the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

American Shale Oil Corporation

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management, or BLM, effective January 1, 2007, issued to EGL Resources a lease for research, development and demonstration, or RD&D Lease, in western Colorado, which it assigned to its affiliate, E.G.L. Oil Shale, L.L.C. (or EGL). In April 2008, EGL was acquired by AMSO and IDT (and subsequently renamed AMSO, LLC) in exchange for cash of $5.5 million, certain commitments for future funding of AMSO, LLC’s operations and a 1% override on AMSO, LLC’s future revenue. In March 2009, a subsidiary of TOTAL S.A., the world’s fifth largest integrated oil and gas company, acquired a 50% interest in AMSO, LLC in exchange for cash paid to us of $3.2 million and Total’s commitment to fund the majority of AMSO, LLC’s research, development and demonstration expenditures as well as certain other funding commitments. As a result of dilution resulting from Total funding certain capital calls for AMSO, AMSO currently holds a 41.3% interest in AMSO, LLC.

According to reports from the United States Geological Service, or USGS, oil shale resources in the United States are estimated at over 4 trillion barrels; and based on management estimates, could potentially supply the U.S.’s demand for liquid fuel over the next 100 years. The majority of those deposits are found in the Green River Formation, which spans parts of Colorado, Utah and Wyoming, the Piceance Basin of Colorado, and the Uinta Basin of Utah and Colorado. Colorado’s Piceance Basin, where AMSO, LLC’s RD&D Lease is located, contains some of the richest oil shale resources in the world (as reported by the Department of Energy and USGS sources).

AMSO, LLC’s RD&D Lease covers an area of 160 acres. The RD&D Lease had an initial ten-year term beginning on January 1, 2007 and provides for a five-year extension if AMSO, LLC can demonstrate that a process leading to the production of commercial quantities of shale oil is diligently being pursued. In November 2015, AMSO, LLC satisfied the extension criteria, and the RD&D Lease was extended effective on January 1, 2017. If AMSO, LLC can demonstrate the economic and environmental viability of its technology, it will have the opportunity to submit a one-time payment pursuant to the applicable regulations and convert its RD&D Lease to a commercial lease on 5,120 acres, which overlap and are contiguous with the 160 acres covered by its RD&D Lease. AMSO, LLC’s plan is to target the mining interval where the illite-rich oil shale is located.

AMSO, LLC is utilizing a team of experienced experts in various fields to conduct research, development and demonstration activities. AMSO, LLC constructed surface oil and gas processing facilities and drilled pilot wells for its pilot test in Colorado. The pilot test is intended to confirm the accuracy of several of the key underlying assumptions of AMSO, LLC’s proposed in-situ heating and retorting process. In January 2012, AMSO, LLC conducted a fully integrated commissioning test of the above and below ground facilities to determine their readiness for pilot test operations. The underground electric heater did not perform to specifications during the commissioning test. After modifications were made, in March 2013 AMSO, LLC initiated start-up of the oil shale pilot test. After approximately two weeks of operation, the down-hole electric heater failed. Pilot operations were too short to allow conclusions to be drawn about the ultimate viability of AMSO, LLC’s technical approach. AMSO, LLC subsequently decided not to attempt to re-engineer the current downhole electrical heating system. Instead, it initiated a comprehensive review of alternative heating system solutions. From 2013 through 2015, AMSO, LLC continued its review of alternative heating system solutions.

AMSO, LLC incurred $4.8 million, $7.8 million and $8.6 million for research and development in the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Israel Energy Initiatives, Ltd.

IEI began its resource appraisal study in 2009, and completed the field work included in its study in 2011. The resource appraisal was comprised primarily of a drilling operation conducted in the license area. The resource appraisal plan included drilling and coring several wells to depths of approximately 600 meters, as well as well logging, analysis of core materials and other geochemical tests, water monitoring and hydrology tests, laboratory analyses of samples and other laboratory experiments. The results from the appraisal process, both from field tests and laboratory experiments, confirmed IEI’s expectations as to the attractiveness of the oil shale resource in the license area from the standpoint of richness, thickness and hydrology.

In June 2013, IEI submitted its application for the construction and operation of its oil shale pilot test facility to the Jerusalem District Building and Planning Committee. IEI was asked to provide supplements to the environmental impact assessment and a revised application was submitted in November, 2013. In September 2014, the Jerusalem District Building and Planning Committee voted against issuing the pilot plant building and construction permits.

IEI is evaluating whether and how to exploit the abundant oil shale resource in Israel in light of the Committee’s decision. Operations at IEI are currently suspended.

IEI incurred $0.2 million, $2.6 million and $3.7 million for research and development in the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Financing

We are considering sales of equity interests in Afek or GOGAS to provide the necessary financing for their activities.

Competition

If GOGAS is successful in developing and producing commercial quantities of oil and gas from oil shale and other conventional and unconventional resources in an environmentally acceptable manner and receives all the necessary regulatory approvals, then, in the commercial production phases of operations, it will likely face competition from conventional and unconventional oil producers, other fossil fuels and other alternative energy providers in marketing and selling refined products and natural gas. Many of the potential competitors, including national oil companies, are larger and have substantially greater resources to be able to withstand the volatility of the oil and gas market (including as to price, availability, refining capacity and other factors).

Regulation

The RD&D Lease held by AMSO, LLC covers an area of 160 acres. The RD&D Lease had an initial ten-year term beginning on January 1, 2007 and provides for a five-year extension if AMSO, LLC can demonstrate that a process leading to the production of commercial quantities of shale oil is diligently being pursued. In November 2015, AMSO, LLC satisfied the extension criteria, and the RD&D Lease was extended effective on January 1, 2017. If AMSO, LLC can demonstrate the economic and environmental viability of its technology, it will have the opportunity to submit a one-time payment pursuant to the applicable regulations and convert its RD&D Lease to a commercial lease on 5,120 acres, which overlap and are contiguous with the 160 acres covered by its RD&D Lease.

In order to execute these activities and milestones, AMSO, LLC must obtain the necessary permitting and comply with the various rules, regulations, and policies spanning multiple regulatory bodies and governmental agencies at various levels. In connection with the site characterization phase (which AMSO, LLC completed) and the pilot phase (which is ongoing), AMSO, LLC has been working to ensure compliance with rules, regulations, and policies of the BLM and the Department of Environmental Protection at the federal level, with the Colorado Division of Reclamation and Mining Service and the Air Pollution Control Division and the Water Control Division of the

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment at the state level, and with Rio Blanco County at the county level. In accordance with the technical and regulatory requirements of the RD&D Lease, in May 2009, AMSO, LLC submitted its in-situ Plan of Development to the BLM. In September 2009, the BLM approved AMSO, LLC’s Plan of Development, allowing AMSO, LLC to proceed with implementation, subject to compliance with Colorado’s permitting requirements (which AMSO, LLC has satisfied). AMSO, LLC continues to refine its Plan of Development in conjunction with its ongoing operations, and the BLM has approved such modifications.

Although AMSO, LLC has diligently worked to satisfy the regulatory requirements and challenges necessary for implementing the site characterization and initial pilot phase of the project, it is difficult at this time to predict all of the compliance requirements that may be necessary throughout the life of the project.

Afek holds an exclusive exploration license in Northern Israel’s Golan Heights, granted by Israel’s National Infrastructure, Energy and Water Ministry. Its up to ten-well exploratory drilling program was approved by the Northern District Planning and Building Committee. The original oil and gas exploration license term expires in April 2016, and Afek is required to file an application to extend the term with the Ministry of Infrastructure, Energy and Water. We believe the extension will be granted. In February 2015, Afek began drilling its first exploratory well. Contingent upon the results of its exploration program, Afek may seek to declare a commercial discovery and apply for a commercial production lease pursuant to Israeli law. The international community considers the Golan Heights an internationally disputed territory, and therefore political risk may affect our ability to execute our plan of operations. This may influence local decision makers, as well as service providers necessary to our operations. On February 1, 2016, Israel’s Northern District Planning and Building Committee approved a two-year permit extension for Afek to continue to conduct its up to ten-well oil and gas exploration program. The original permit was for a one-year period, which commenced in February 2015. This extension is expected to cover the remainder of Afek’s ongoing exploratory program in the area covered by it exploratory license issued by Israel’s National Infrastructure, Energy and Water Ministry.

IEI had an exclusive Shale Oil Exploration and Production License that was extended until July 2015 when it expired. Operations at IEI are currently on hold as IEI evaluates whether and how to exploit the abundant oil shale resource in Israel.

Intellectual Property

We rely on a combination of patents, copyrights, trademarks, domain name registrations and trade secret laws in the United States and other jurisdictions and contractual restrictions to protect our intellectual property rights and our brand names. All of our employees sign confidentiality agreements. These agreements provide that the employee may not use or disclose our confidential information except as expressly permitted in connection with the performance of his or her duties for us, or in other limited circumstances. These agreements also state that, to the extent rights in any invention conceived of by the employee while employed by us do not vest in us automatically by operation of law, the employee is required to assign his or her rights to us.

In connection with its RD&D process and related technologies, some patents are registered in the name of AMSO, LLC and some patents are registered in the name of Genie IP BV., a Dutch subsidiary of our. AMSO, LLC owns five patents issued in the United States, eighteen patents issued abroad, four of which are jointly owned with Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC (“LLNS”), as well as several pending applications, both in the United States and abroad. The issued or allowed patents include: patent No. 7,743,826 (US), which expires April 16, 2028; patent No. 7,921,907 (US), which expires January 19, 2027; patent No. 8,162,043 (US), which expires January 19, 2027; patent No. 8,464,792 (US), which expires July 27, 2031; patent No. 8,899,331 (US), granted jointly to AMSO, LLC and LLNS, which expires December 29, 2030; patent registration No. 3668 (Mongolia) which expires December 25, 2032; patent registration No. 32691 (Morocco), granted jointly to AMSO, LLC and LLNS on October 1, 2011, which expires September 30, 2029; patent registration No. 3565 (Mongolia), granted jointly to AMSO, LLC and LLNS on April 13, 2012, which expires March 29, 2031; patent No. 508 (Madagascar), granted on December 2, 2011, which expires November 2, 2029; patent No. 606 (Madagascar), granted on April 18, 2014, which expires April 27, 2031; patent registration No. 3590 (Mongolia), granted on April 13, 2012, which expires April 22, 2031; patent No. 32765 (Morocco), granted on November 1, 2011, which expires November 2, 2029; patent registration

No. 2,741,861 (Canada), granted on August 27, 2013, which expires November 2, 2029; patent registration No. 2,738,920 (Canada), granted jointly to AMSO, LLC and LLNS, which expires September 30, 2029; and patent registration No. CN 102209835 (China), granted on April 16, 2014, which expires November 1, 2029; patent No. 3895 (Mongolia), granted January 28, 2015, which expires March 29, 2031; patent No. 222732 (Israel), granted December 25, 2015, which expires March 29, 2031; Patent No. ZL201180031952.4 (China), granted on January 6, 2016, which expires March 30, 2031; Patent No. 212486 (Israel), granted March 1, 2015, which expires Nov. 2, 2029; Patent No. 216332 (Israel), granted April 1, 2015, which expires May 13, 2030; Patent No. 4102/EXT/2012 (DR Congo), granted June 17, 2014, which expires April 26, 2032; Patent No. 34256 (Morocco), granted May 2, 2013, which expires March 30, 2031; Patent No. 34231 (Morocco), granted May 2, 2013, which expires April 27, 2031; and patent No. 9,127,541 (US), which expires November 2, 2029.

Genie IP B.V. owns Mongolian utility models 2050, 2052, 2053, 2054, 2055, and 2067 which all expire on January 23, 2019. The patents and utility models are directed to in-situ methods and systems for the extraction of oil from shale, integral to our technical and operational plans, as well as carbon sequestration in depleted oil shale deposits and down-hole heater technologies. AMSO has also been granted three trademarks in the United States in connection with its operations.

Genie IP B.V. has seven published international Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) applications, three published Israeli patent applications and additional unpublished patent applications. Some of these patent applications relate to methods and apparatus for oil extraction from shale, some of these patent applications relate to downstream processing of oil extracted from shale, and some of these patent applications relate to techniques for locating and extracting unconventional naturally-occurring oil from a tight formation.

Employees

GOGAS, excluding AMSO, employs 53 employees, while AMSO (including AMSO, LLC) employs 18 full-time employees, including a secondee assigned by Total. AMSO, IEI and Afek also retain the services of a number of professional consultants, including geologists, hydrologists, drilling and completions engineers, process engineers, environmental experts, permitting consultants, energy experts, legal, and land designation and acquisition consultants.

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

RISK FACTORS

Our business, operating results or financial condition could be materially adversely affected by any of the following risks as well as the other risks highlighted elsewhere in this document, particularly the discussions about regulation, competition and intellectual property. The trading price of our Class B common stock and Series 2012-A Preferred Stock could decline due to any of these risks.

Risks Related to Genie Retail Energy

The REP business is highly competitive, and we may be forced to cut prices or incur additional costs.

GRE’s REP businesses face substantial competition both from the traditional incumbent utilities as well as from other REPs, including REP affiliates of the incumbent utilities in specific territories. As a result, we may be forced to reduce prices, incur increased costs or lose market share and cannot always pass along increases in commodity costs to customers. We compete on the basis of provision of services, customer service and price. Present or future competitors may have greater financial, technical or other resources which could put us at a disadvantage. Additionally, our experience has shown that utilities don’t change their sell rates offered to customers immediately in response to increased prices for the underlying commodities. There is a time lag before utilities increase prices to reflect their increased costs and market prices for commodities.

REPs like IDT Energy that offer variable rate products, and reflect real-time commodity costs, may offer variable rates prices which are not competitive with other fixed rate providers.

Conversely, in a downward moving commodity cost environment, variable rate REPs like IDT Energy may benefit from the lag that utilities experience in reducing their sell rate to reflect the lower cost base in the commodity markets, and may reflect commodity costs decreases in their offerings and rates.

Increasing our market share depends in part on our ability to persuade more customers to switch to GRE’s services than those that churn from us to other providers or back to the local utility. Moreover, local utilities and some REPs may have certain advantages such as name recognition, financial strength and long-standing relationships with customers. Persuading potential customers to switch to GRE’s REPs requires significant marketing and sales operations. If GRE is not successful in convincing customers to switch, our REP businesses, results of operations and financial condition will all be adversely affected.

Our current strategy is based on current regulatory conditions and assumptions, which could change or prove to be incorrect.

Regulation over the electricity and natural gas markets has been in flux at the state and federal levels. In particular, any changes adopted by the FERC, or changes in state or federal laws or regulations (including greenhouse gas laws) may affect the prices at which GRE purchases electricity or natural gas for its customers. While we endeavor to pass along increases in energy costs to our customers pursuant to our variable rate customer offerings, we may not always be able to do so due to competitive market forces and the risk of losing our customer base.

On February 23, 2016, the New York PSC issued an order that sought to impose significant new restrictions on REPs operating in New York, including GRE. The restrictions described in the PSC’s order, which were to become effective March 4, 2016, would require that all REPs’ electricity and natural gas offerings to residential and small business customers include an annual guarantee of savings compared to the price charged by the relevant incumbent utility or, for electricity offerings, provide at least 30% of the supply from renewable sources. Customers not enrolled in a compliant program would be relinquished back to the local utility at the end of their contract period or, for variable price customers operating on month to month agreements, at the end of the current monthly billing cycle.

On March 4, 2016, a group of parties from the REP industry sought and won a temporary restraining order to stay implementation of the most restrictive portions of the PSC’s order until a court hearing on April 14, 2016. GRE expects that the REP industry will take additional legal action in response to the order seeking a definitive judicial review of the industry’s challenges to the PSC’s order.

We are evaluating the potential impact of the PSC’s order on our New York operations, while preparing to operate in compliance with any new requirements. Depending on the final language of the order and the outcome of legal appeals, as well as our final response to the order with respect to our relationships with our New York customers, the order will likely have a substantial impact upon GRE’s operations in New York. As of December 31, 2015, New York represented 53% of GRE’s total meters served and 44% of the total RCEs of GRE’s customer base.

In connection with the events described in the Risk Factor below entitled “Unusual weather conditions may have significant direct and indirect impacts on GRE’s business and results of operations”, IDT Energy responded to formal and informal information requests from state utility commissions, state attorneys general, and state legislators related to the wholesale and retail electricity price increases in the winter of 2014. In addition, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office and the Acting Consumer Advocate filed a Joint Complaint against IDT Energy with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission in connection with such events. Legislators and regulators may enact or modify laws or regulation to prevent the repetition of the price spikes discussed below or address customer complaints that have come to light in connection with those events. Potential regulatory and/or legislative changes may impact our ability to use our established sales and marketing channels. Any changes in these factors, or any significant changes in industry development, could have an adverse effect on our revenues, profitability and growth or threaten the viability of our current business model.

Fixed Rate Products or Guaranteed Pricing Programs could result in losses or decreased profits if GRE fails to estimate commodity prices accurately.

REPs and utilities offering fixed rate products or guaranteed pricing often are unable to change their sell rates offered to customers in response to volatility in the prices of the underlying commodities. In times of high commodity prices, these fixed rate programs expose us to the risk that we will incur significant unforeseen costs in performing the contracts.

However, it is difficult to predict future commodity costs. Any shortfalls resulting from the risks associated with fixed-price programs will reduce our working capital and profitability. Our inability to accurately estimate the cost of providing services under these programs could have an adverse effect on our profitability and cash flows.

GRE’s growth depends on its ability to enter new markets.

New markets for our business are determined based on many factors, which include the regulatory environment, as well as GRE’s REP businesses ability to procure energy in an efficient and transparent manner. We seek to purchase wholesale energy where there is a real time market that reflects a fair price for the commodity for all participants. Once new markets are determined to be suitable for GRE’s REP businesses, we will expend substantial efforts to obtain necessary licenses and will incur significant customer acquisition costs and there can be no assurance that we will be successful in new markets. Furthermore, there are regulatory differences between the markets that we currently operate in and new markets, including, but not limited to, exposure to credit risk, additional churn caused by tariff requirements, rate-setting requirements and incremental billing costs. A failure to identify, become licensed in, and enter new territories may have a material negative impact on our growth, financial condition and results of operations.

Unfair business practices or other activities of REPs may adversely affect us.

Competitors in the highly competitive REP market have engaged in unfair business practices to sign up new customers. Competitors engaging in unfair business practices create an unfavorable impression about our industry on consumers, regulators or political bodies. Such unfair practices by other companies can adversely affect our ability to grow or maintain our customer base. The successes, failures or other activities of various REPs within the markets that we serve may impact how we are perceived in the market. Further, such practices can lead to regulatory action, such as the recent New York PSC Order, that can negatively impact us and the industry.

Demand for REP services and consumption by customers are significantly related to weather conditions.

Typically, colder winters and hotter summers create higher demand and consumption for natural gas and electricity, respectively. Milder than normal winters and/or summers may reduce the demand for our energy services, thus negatively impacting our financial results.

Unusual weather conditions may have significant direct and indirect impacts on GRE’s business and results of operations.

A confluence of issues in January and February 2014 associated with the 2013-2014 winter season’s polar vortex resulted in extraordinarily large spikes in the prices of wholesale electricity and natural gas in markets where GRE and other retail providers purchase their supply. In some regions, wholesale prices increased briefly by factors of more than eight times. Because of dramatic increases in wholesale electricity costs, the retail electricity prices that GRE’s REPs and many other variable rate electricity suppliers charged to their customers increased sharply in January and February 2014. The unusually cold weather and resultant high energy costs also adversely affected GRE’s customer churn and customer acquisition efforts. GRE responded by reducing its target margins in order to mitigate the severity of the commodity price increases on its customers and issued rebates to hard hit customers.

Repeats of the circumstances described above or similar circumstances could similarly harm margins and profitability in the future, and we could find it necessary to take similar or other actions that would have a negative impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

Because our variable pricing plan resulted in increased prices charged to customers, we experienced an increase in customer churn as utilities and fixed price REPs appeared to have more attractive pricing, although those increased churn levels have peaked. A failure to mitigate an increase in churn could result in decreases in meters served and revenues.

GRE has a twelve-month guaranteed rate residential offering in some utility territories, and a new brand, Residents Energy, to focus on marketing and sales of guaranteed rate offerings. We will face greater commodity risk from guaranteed rate offerings, some of which we may not be able to effectively hedge.

The retail electricity price increases discussed above resulted in large numbers of customers filing informal and formal complaints to state utility commissions, state attorneys general and state legislators. IDT Energy was served with several thousand formal and informal customer complaints to state utility commission and state attorneys general related to the winter retail price increases. IDT Energy has responded to each customer complaint it has received and attempted to resolve each complaining customer’s concerns. GRE’s REPs also paid approximately $5 million in rebates to affected customers in the year ended December 31, 2014. IDT Energy was not under any obligation to provide such rebates and did so in order to mitigate the impact of the price increases on its customers notwithstanding that the underlying cause of the price increase was beyond GRE’s control.

If certain REPs, however, are determined to have acted in a manner that was harmful to customers, the entire industry can suffer due to the reputational harm.

GRE is subject to litigation that may limit its operations.

In connection with the events described in the Risk Factor above entitled “Unusual weather conditions may have significant direct and indirect impacts on GRE’s business and results of operations”, IDT Energy has also been sued in separate putative class action suits in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, partially related to the price increases during the winter of 2014. These matters are more fully discussed below in Item 3 “Legal Proceedings” in this Annual Report.

IDT Energy does not believe that it was at fault or acted in any way improperly with respect to the events of winter 2014. However, we cannot predict the outcome of putative class action litigation or the impact on us of these or other actions, or whether there will be other impacts from the conditions that existed in winter 2014. Further, although we have taken action to insulate us and our customers from future similar events, we cannot assure that those actions will be effective and we will not be subject to class actions in the future.

Such class action lawsuits or other claims against us could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition, competitive position or results of operations.

Regulatory conditions can affect the amount of taxes and fees we need to pay and our pricing advantages.

We are subject to audits in various jurisdictions for various taxes, including income tax, utility excise tax and sales and use tax. Aggressive stances taken recently by regulators increase the likelihood of our having to pay additional taxes and fees in connection with these audits. In the future, we may seek to pass such charges along to our customers, which could have an adverse impact on our pricing advantages.

Commodity price volatility could have an adverse effect on our direct cost of revenues and our results of operations.

Volatility in the markets for certain commodities can have an adverse impact on our costs for the purchase of the electricity and natural gas that GRE sells to its customers. In our fixed or guaranteed price products, we cannot, and in our variable price products, due to customer or competitive factors, we may not always be able or choose to, pass along increases in costs to our customers. This would have an adverse impact on our margins and results of operations. Alternatively, volatility in pricing for GRE’s electricity and natural gas related to the cost of the underlying commodities can lead to increased customer churn. In times of high commodity costs, our variable pricing model and commodity purchasing approach can lead to competitive disadvantages as we must pass along all or some portion of our increased costs to our customers.

We face risks that are beyond our control due to our reliance on third parties and our general reliance on the electrical power and transmission infrastructure within the United States.

Our ability to provide energy delivery and commodity services depends on the operations and facilities of third parties, including, among others, BP, NYISO and PJM. Our reliance on the electrical power generation and transmission infrastructure within the United States makes us vulnerable to large-scale power blackouts. The loss of use or destruction of third party facilities that are used to generate or transmit electricity due to extreme weather conditions, breakdowns, war, acts of terrorism or other occurrences could greatly reduce our potential earnings and cash flows.

The REP business, including our relationship with our suppliers, is dependent on access to capital and liquidity.

Our business involves entering into contracts to purchase large quantities of electricity and natural gas. Because of seasonal fluctuations, we are generally required to purchase electricity or natural gas in advance and finance that purchase until we can recover such amounts from revenues. GRE has a Preferred Supplier Agreement with BP pursuant to which we purchase electricity and natural gas at market rate plus a fee. The agreement was modified and extended on November 19, 2015, and is scheduled to terminate on November 30, 2019. In addition to other advantages of this agreement, we are only required to post security with BP. There can be no assurance that we will be able to maintain the required covenants, that BP will be able to maintain their required credit rating, or that the agreement will be renewed upon its expiration. In addition, the security requirements outside of the BP agreement may increase as we enter other markets. Difficulty in obtaining adequate credit and liquidity on commercially reasonable terms may adversely affect our business, prospects and financial conditions.

A revision to certain utility best practices and programs in which we participate and with which we comply could disrupt our operations and adversely affect our results and operations.

Certain retail access “best practices” and programs proposed and/or required by state regulators have been implemented by utilities in most of the service territories in which we operate. One such practice is participation in purchase of receivables, or POR, programs under which certain utilities purchase customer receivables for approximately 98% of their face value in exchange for a first priority lien in the customer receivables without recourse against a REP. This program is a key to our control of bad debt risk in our REP business in New York and a similar program is important to us in Pennsylvania.

In New Jersey, customers who are delinquent in paying their invoices are no longer eligible to receive a consolidated utility invoice. A consolidated utility invoice is similar to a purchase of receivables program since the utility has the responsibility to bill the customer and collect the receivable. Instead, those customers are switched to a dual bill arrangement, whereby GRE’s REP businesses are responsible to bill and collect the commodity portion of the customers’ invoices. Once we invoice these customers under a dual bill arrangement, we have bad debt risk associated with that portion of our revenues. Economic conditions, the creditworthiness of our customers in New Jersey and our ability to collect from these customers, among other things, may impact our profitability.

The REP business depends on maintaining the licenses in the states we operate and any loss of those licenses would adversely affect our business, prospects and financial conditions.

GRE’s REP businesses require licenses from public utility commissions and other regulatory organizations to operate its business. Those agencies may impose various requirements to obtain or maintain licenses. Further, certain non-governmental organizations have been focusing on the REP industry and the treatment of customers by certain REPs. Any negative publicity regarding the REP industry in general and GRE in particular or any increase in customer complaints regarding GRE’s REP businesses could negatively affect our relationship with the various commissions and regulatory agencies and could negatively impact our ability to obtain new licenses to expand operations or maintain the licenses currently held. In the aftermath of the polar vortex, several regulatory bodies adopted more aggressive policies toward REPs, including the action against IDT Energy in Pennsylvania described elsewhere in this Annual Report. Any loss of our REP licenses would cause a negative impact on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flow.

The REP business depends on the continuing efforts of our management team and our personnel with strong industry or operational knowledge and our efforts may be severely disrupted if we lose their services.

Our success depends on key members of our management team, the loss of whom could disrupt our business operation. Our business also requires a capable, well-trained workforce to operate effectively. There can be no assurance that we will be able to retain our qualified personnel, the loss of whom may adversely affect our business, prospects and financial conditions.

We could be harmed by network disruptions, security breaches, or other significant disruptions or failures of our IT infrastructure and related systems.

To be successful, we need to continue to have available a high capacity, reliable and secure network. We face the risk, as does any company, of a security breach, whether through cyber-attack, malware, computer viruses, sabotage, or other significant disruption of our IT infrastructure and related systems. We face a risk of a security breach or disruption from unauthorized access to our proprietary or classified information on our systems. Certain of our personnel operate in jurisdictions that could be a target for cyber-attacks. The secure maintenance and transmission of our information is a critical element of our operations. Our information technology and other systems that maintain and transmit our information, or those of service providers or business partners, may be compromised by a malicious third party penetration of our network security, or that of a third party service provider or business partner, or impacted by advertent or inadvertent actions or inactions by our employees, or those of a third party service provider or business partner. As a result, our information may be lost, disclosed, accessed or taken without our consent.

Although we make significant efforts to maintain the security and integrity of these types of information and systems, there can be no assurance that our security efforts and measures will be effective or that attempted security breaches or disruptions would not be successful or damaging, especially in light of the growing sophistication of cyber-attacks and intrusions. We may be unable to anticipate all potential types of attacks or intrusions or to implement adequate security barriers or other preventative measures.

Network disruptions, security breaches and other significant failures of the above-described systems could (i) disrupt the proper functioning of these networks and systems, and therefore, our operations; (ii) result in the unauthorized access to, and destruction, loss, theft, misappropriation or release of our proprietary, confidential, sensitive or otherwise valuable information, including trade secrets, which others could use to compete against us or for disruptive, destructive or otherwise harmful purposes and outcomes; (iii) require significant management attention or financial resources to remedy the damages that result or to change our systems; or (iv) result in a loss of business, damage our reputation or expose us to litigation. Any or all of which could have a negative impact on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

Our growth strategy depends, in part, on our acquiring complementary businesses and assets and expanding our existing operations, which we may be unable to do.

Our growth strategy is based, in part, on our ability to acquire businesses and assets that are complementary to our existing operations. We may also seek to acquire other businesses. The success of this acquisition strategy will depend, in part, on our ability to accomplish the following:

• identify suitable businesses or assets to buy;

• complete the purchase of those businesses on terms acceptable to us;

• complete the acquisition in the time frame we expect;

• improve the results of operations of the businesses that we buy and successfully integrate their operations into our own; and

• avoid or overcome any concerns expressed by regulators, including antitrust concerns.

There can be no assurance that we will be successful in pursuing any or all of these steps. Our failure to implement our acquisition strategy could have an adverse effect on other aspects of our business strategy and our business in general. We may not be able to find appropriate acquisition candidates, acquire those candidates that we find or integrate acquired businesses effectively or profitably.

Risks Related to Genie Oil and Gas

We have no current production of oil and gas and we may never have any.

We do not have any current production of oil and gas. We cannot assure you that we will produce or market shale oil or gas at all or in commercially profitable quantities. Our ability to produce and market oil and gas may depend upon our ability to develop and operate our planned projects and facilities, which may be affected by events or conditions that impact the advancement, operation, cost or results of such projects or facilities, including:

• Energy commodity prices relative to production costs;

• The occurrence of unforeseen technical difficulties;

• The outcome of negotiations with potential partners, governmental agencies, regulatory bodies, suppliers, customers or others;

• Changes to existing legislation or regulation governing our current or planned operations;

• Our ability to obtain all the necessary permits to operate our facilities;

• Changes in operating conditions and costs, including costs of third-party equipment or services such as drilling and processing and access to power sources; and

• Security concerns or acts of terrorism that threaten or disrupt the safe operation of our facilities.

In-situ technology for the extraction of oil and gas from oil shale is in its early stages of development and has not been deployed commercially at large scale. AMSO, LLC, Genie Mongolia and IEI may not be able to develop environmentally acceptable and economically viable technology in connection therewith.

Certain of our projects are predicated on the production and extraction of oil and gas from unconventional resources, defined as any resource other than the traditional oil well. Our initial activity is in the in-situ production of oil and gas from oil shale, which is typically more costly and is less established technically than traditional oil and gas production and therefore, incurs a higher degree of technology risk. The greater cost increases the risk that we will not be profitable given commodity price fluctuations, assuming we enter into commercial production.

Operating hazards and uninsured risks with respect to the oil and gas operations may have material adverse effects on our operations.

Our research, exploration and, if successful, development and production operations are subject to risks similar to those normally incident to the exploration for and the development and production of oil and gas, including blowouts, subsidence, uncontrollable flows of oil, gas or well fluids, fires, pollution and other environmental and operating risks. These hazards could result in substantial losses due to injury or loss of life, severe damage to or destruction of property and equipment, pollution and other environmental damage and suspension of operations. While as a matter of practice we have insurance against some or all of these risks, such insurance may not cover the particular hazard and may not be sufficient to cover all losses. The occurrence of a significant event adversely affecting any of our operations could have a material adverse effect on us, could materially affect our continued operations and could expose us to material liability.

Genie Oil and Gas’ dependence on contractors, equipment and professional services that have limited availability could result in increased costs and possibly material delays in their respective work schedules.

Due to the lack of available technical resources with in-situ hydrocarbon production experience, the costs for our operations may be more expensive than planned or there could be delays in our operating plans. We are also more likely to incur delays in our drilling and operating schedule and we may not be able to meet our required work schedule. Similarly, some of the professional personnel we need for our planned operations are not available in the locations in which we operate or are not available on short notice for work in such location, and, therefore, we may need to use non-local contractors for various projects. Any or all of the factors specified above may result in increased costs and delays in our work schedule.

Genie Oil and Gas will require substantial funds and will need to raise additional capital in the future.

We will need substantial funds to fully execute our research and development activities, and, if those activities are successful, we will need additional substantial funds to commence our anticipated commercial operations, if any. Failure to secure adequate funding could adversely affect our ability to advance our strategic plans as currently contemplated and require us to delay, scale back, or shut down our operations.

On February 25, 2016, Total informed AMSO of its decision not to continue funding AMSO, LLC. As a result, we will need to find other sources of funding or otherwise risk shutting down AMSO, LLC’s operations.

Genie Oil and Gas’ success depends on the continuing efforts of key personnel and certain strategic partners, and our efforts may be severely disrupted if we lose their services.

Our future success depends, to a significant extent, on our ability to attract and retain qualified technical personnel, particularly those with expertise in the oil and gas industry and with in-situ hydrocarbon projects. There is substantial competition for qualified technical personnel, and there can be no assurance that we will be able to attract or retain our qualified technical personnel. Specifically, we heavily rely on the services of Harold Vinegar, Ph.D. at GOGAS, for his technical expertise, assistance in the development of our intellectual property and guidance on building out a pilot/commercial facility for potential commercial production. Specifically, Dr. Vinegar has a long-term employment agreement with us through 2017. In addition, AMSO, LLC was dependent on Total (as discussed more fully in Item 1 to Part I of this Annual Report) for technical expertise, financial support and guidance.

The unexpected loss of the services of one or more of these people and/or the technical expertise and support of certain partners, and the ability to find suitable replacements within a reasonable period of time thereafter, could have a material adverse effect on our operations.

There are uncertainties associated with AMSO, LLC’s lease, Afek licenses and Genie Mongolia’s agreements.

The RD&D Lease awarded by the BLM to EGL Resources and acquired by AMSO, LLC covers an area of 160 acres. The lease had an initial ten-year term beginning on January 1, 2007 and provides for a five-year extension if AMSO can demonstrate that a process leading to the production of commercial quantities of shale oil is diligently being pursued. In November 2015, AMSO satisfied the extension criteria, and the RD&D Lease was extended effective on January 1, 2017. The terms of the RD&D Lease do not guarantee that the BLM will grant a commercial lease. Further, there is significant environmental opposition to the commercial production of shale oil. Under current regulation, there are numerous conditions and requirements, the evaluation of which is subject to considerable discretion by the BLM, that AMSO, LLC will have to satisfy in order to convert its RD&D Lease into a commercial lease prior to the expiration of the RD&D Lease term. These conditions, which are more fully discussed in Item 1to Part I of this Annual Report, require AMSO, LLC to demonstrate, among other things, an economically viable commercial production process which will likely depend upon the prices of competing products, including conventional oil. There can be no assurance that AMSO, LLC will satisfy all of these conditions and requirements. Additionally, there have been proposed changes to the regulations governing commercial leases such as the lease into which AMSO, LLC intends to convert its RD&D Lease. The BLM indicated that it intends to issue new commercial oil shale regulations, which could affect the commercial royalty rates and the conversion criteria. Although the conversion terms of AMSO, LLC’s RD&D Lease provide for applicability of the existing regulatory scheme, we cannot assure you that we will not be subjected to more restrictive or less favorable regulations.

IEI had an exclusive Shale Oil Exploration and Production License that covers approximately 238 square kilometers in the south of the Shfela region in Israel. The license expired in July 2015. Although IEI may apply for a new license, there is no guarantee that a new license would be granted or that the license will not be successfully challenged by environmental or other opposition groups.

In April 2013, the Government of Israel finalized the award to Afek of an exclusive three year petroleum exploration license covering 396.5 square kilometers in the southern portion of the Golan Heights. Because of the dispute as to the status of the Golan Heights, operations under the license may initiate international criticism, sanctions and

boycotts. The political uncertainties surrounding the Golan Heights may result in (i) questions regarding the validity of the license granted to Afek by the State of Israel,; (ii) disputed titles to any resources extracted; (iii) possible sanctions on Afek or us or restrictions on sale of any extracted resources; and (iv) possible negative publicity or other adverse public activities or perceptions of Afek and us. In addition, if the Golan Heights are returned to Syria by Israel, the continuation of Afek’s license would be in doubt.

In February 2016, Israel’s Northern District Planning and Building Committee approved a two-year permit extension for Afek to continue to conduct its up to ten-well oil and gas exploration program. The original permit was for a one-year period, which commenced in February 2015. This extension is expected to cover the remainder of Afek’s ongoing exploratory program in the southern portion of the area covered by it exploratory license issued by Israel’s National Infrastructure, Energy and Water Ministry. The original oil and gas exploration license term expires in April 2016, and Afek is required to file an application to extend the term with the Ministry of National Infrastructure Energy and Water. We believe the extension will be granted.

In September 2014, Genie Mongolia signed a prospecting agreement with the Petroleum Authority of Mongolia covering an additional 25,000 square kilometers in Central Mongolia. In light of the progress achieved by Afek in Northern Israel, we suspended our operations in Mongolia.

Genie Oil and Gas is subject to regulatory, legal and political risks that may limit its operations.

Our operations and potential earnings may be affected from time to time in varying degree by regulatory, legal and political factors, including laws and regulations related to environmental or energy security matters, including those addressing alternative and renewable energy sources and the risks of global climate change and legal challenges. Such laws and regulations continue to increase in both number and complexity and affect our operations with respect to, among other things:

• The discharge of pollutants into the environment;

• The handling, use, storage, transportation, disposal and cleanup of hazardous materials and hazardous and nonhazardous wastes;

• The dismantlement, abandonment and restoration of our properties and facilities at the end of their useful lives;

• Restrictions on exploration and production;

• Loss of petroleum rights, including key leases, licenses or permits;

• Tax or royalty increases, including retroactive claims;

• Intellectual property challenges that would limit our ability to use our planned in-situ production technologies; and

• Political instability, war or other conflicts in areas where we operate.

For example, in March 2011, the Israeli Parliament passed a bill materially increasing the overall taxes, royalties and other fees due to the Israeli government from revenues derived by oil and natural gas producers. The Israeli Income Tax Ordinance was revised accordingly and the amount payable to the government from revenues derived by oil and natural gas producers increased from a maximum of 32% to 52%. This tax will only be imposed once a project has passed certain milestones set forth in the ordinance (when the profits derived from a certain field have reached 150% of the original investment in that field).

Emerging markets are subject to greater risks than more developed markets, including significant legal, economic and political risks.

Mongolia does not possess as sophisticated and efficient business, regulatory, power and transportation infrastructures as generally exist in more developed market economies. Particularly, the legal system of Mongolia is less developed than those of more established jurisdictions, which may result in risks such as: the lack of effective legal redress in the courts; a higher degree of discretion on the part of governmental authorities; delays caused by the extensive bureaucracy; the lack of judicial or administrative guidance on interpreting applicable laws and regulations; inconsistencies or conflicts between and within various laws, regulations, decrees, orders and resolutions; and relative inexperience of the judiciary and courts in such matters. As a result, there may be ambiguities, inconsistencies and anomalies in the agreements, licenses and title documents through which Genie Mongolia holds its interests in Mongolia, or the underlying legislation upon which those interests are based. Many laws have been enacted, but in many instances they are neither understood nor enforced and may be applied in an inconsistent, arbitrary or unfair manner.

AMSO, LLC’s RD&D Lease is subject to other third party lease interests.

There are other mineral leases which are collocated with AMSO, LLC’s lease interests, including the territory designated for AMSO, LLC’s commercial lease conversion. While some of these other leases are subject to special oil shale stipulations requiring the leaseholders to minimize potential impacts and prevent interference with oil shale development, others are not. Although AMSO, LLC works to coordinate drilling plans and operations with these collocated leaseholders to preserve the integrity of its resource and operations, we cannot guaranty that these collocated leases will not interfere with AMSO, LLC’s operations.

Regulation of greenhouse gas emissions could increase Genie Oil and Gas’ operational costs, cause delays and/or restrict our operations.

The production and processing of oil shale will result in some emission of greenhouse gases. International agreements and national or regional legislation and regulatory measures to limit greenhouse emissions are currently in various phases of discussion or implementation. The Kyoto Protocol and other actual or pending federal, state and local regulations envision a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions through market-based trading schemes. As a result of these and other potential environmental regulations, if our research and development activities are successful and we eventually begin commercial production, we can expect to incur additional capital, compliance, operating, maintenance and remediation costs. To the extent these costs are not ultimately reflected in the price of the products we sell, our operating results will be adversely affected.

The oil and gas industry is subject to the general inherent industry and economic risks.

The oil and gas business is fundamentally a commodity business. This means that potential future commercial operations and earnings may be significantly affected by changes in oil and gas prices and by changes in margins on gasoline, natural gas and other refined products. For example, the recent worldwide decrease in oil prices would have a significant negative impact on potential future commercial operations.

We may be exposed to infringement or misappropriation claims by third parties, which, if determined adversely to us, could cause us to lose significant rights and pay significant damage awards.

Our success depends, among other things, on our ability to use and develop our technology and know-how without infringing on the intellectual property rights of third parties. The validity and scope of claims relating to our technology involve complex scientific, legal and factual questions and analysis. It is therefore difficult to accurately predict whether or not a third party will assert that we are infringing on its intellectual property or whether it would prevail. Although we are not currently aware of any infringement or of any parties pursuing or intending to pursue infringement claims against us, we cannot assure you that we will not be subject to such claims in the future. Also, in many jurisdictions, patent applications remain confidential and are not published for some period after filing. Thus, we may be unaware of other parties’ pending patent applications that relate to our processes. While at present we are unaware of competing patent applications, such applications could potentially surface.

The defense and prosecution of intellectual property suits, patent opposition proceedings and related legal and administrative proceedings can be both costly and time consuming and may significantly divert the efforts and resources of our technical and management personnel. An adverse determination in any such litigation or proceedings to which we may become a party could subject us to significant liability to third parties, require us to seek licenses from third parties, to pay ongoing royalties, to redesign our products, or subject us to injunctions prohibiting the manufacture and sale of our products or the use of our technologies.

Risk Related to Our Financial Condition and Reporting

We hold significant cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash — short-term, and certificates of deposit that are subject to various market risks.

As of December 31, 2015, we had cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash — short-term, and certificates of deposit of $58.5 million. As a result of various market risks, the value of these holdings could be materially and adversely affected.

In the past, we identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting that could have impaired our ability to produce accurate and timely financial statements and potentially cause investors and other users to lose confidence in our published financial data.

Maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting is necessary for us to produce reliable financial statements. In evaluating the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013, management identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting.

These material weaknesses were successfully remediated in 2014. We continue to work to improve our internal control process and diligently review our financial reporting controls and procedures. However, if our remedial measures prove to be insufficient to address the material weaknesses, or if additional material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting are discovered or occur in the future, our consolidated financial statements may contain material misstatements and we could be required to restate our financial results.

Risks Related to Our Capital Structure

Holders of our Class B common stock and Series 2012-A Preferred Stock have significantly less voting power than holders of our Class A common stock.

Holders of our Class B common stock and Series 2012-A Preferred Stock are entitled to one-tenth of a vote per share on all matters on which our stockholders are entitled to vote, while holders of our Class A common stock are entitled to three votes per share. As a result, the ability of holders of our Class B common stock and Series 2012-A Preferred Stock to influence our management is limited.

Holders of our Series 2012-A Preferred Stock are entitled to an annual dividend and such payments may have a negative impact on our cash flow.

Holders of our Series 2012-A Preferred Stock are entitled to receive an annual dividend, payable quarterly in cash. The payment of such dividend could have a negative impact on our cash flow and cash balances. If dividends on any shares of the Series 2012-A Preferred Stock are in arrears for six or more quarters, whether or not consecutive, holders of the Series 2012-A Preferred Stock shall have the right to elect two (2) additional directors to serve on our Board, and this could have a negative impact on the market price of our equity securities.

We are controlled by our principal stockholder, which limits the ability of other stockholders to affect our management.

Howard S. Jonas, our Chairman of the Board, has voting power over 6,915,034 shares of our common stock (which includes 1,574,326 shares of our Class A common stock, which are convertible into shares of our Class B common stock on a 1-for-1 basis, and 5,340,708 shares of our Class B common stock), representing approximately 73% of the

combined voting power of our outstanding capital stock, as of March 10, 2016. Mr. Jonas is able to control matters requiring approval by our stockholders, including the election of all of the directors and the approval of significant corporate matters, including any merger, consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of our assets. As a result, the ability of any of our other stockholders to influence our management is limited.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.

None.

Item 2. Properties.

Our headquarters are located at 520 Broad St., Newark, New Jersey.

IDT Energy’s Jamestown, New York offices are located at 20 West Third Street where we lease approximately 10,000 square feet of space. IDT Energy’s Florida office is located in Holiday, Florida where we lease approximately 4,350 square feet.

AMSO, LLC’s operating office is in Rifle, Colorado. AMSO, LLC is supported by AMSO and other professionals based in our Newark, New Jersey office. AMSO, LLC rents approximately 2,450 square feet of office space and 2,000 square feet of warehouse space in Rifle under operating leases with flexible terms and conditions.

IEI and Afek operate out of IDT Corporation’s offices in Jerusalem. In addition, Afek maintains a research laboratory located on the campus of Ben Gurion University in Be’er Sheva and Afek rents a warehouses in Bnei Yehuda, in the south part of the Golan.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings.

On March 13, 2014, named plaintiff, Anthony Ferrare, commenced a putative class-action lawsuit against IDT Energy, Inc. in the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania. The complaint was served on IDT Energy on July 16, 2014. The named plaintiff filed the suit on behalf of himself and other former and current electric customers of IDT Energy in Pennsylvania with variable rate plans, whom he contends were injured as a result of IDT Energy’s allegedly unlawful sales and marketing practices. On August 7, 2014, IDT Energy removed the case to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. On October 20, 2014, IDT Energy moved to stay or, alternatively, dismiss the complaint, as amended, by the named plaintiff. On November 10, 2014, the named plaintiff opposed IDT Energy’s motion to dismiss and IDT Energy filed a reply memorandum of law in further support of its motion to dismiss. On June 10, 2015, the Court granted IDT Energy’s motion to stay and denied its motion to dismiss without prejudice. IDT Energy believes that the claims in this lawsuit are without merit and intends to vigorously defend the action.

On June 20, 2014, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office (“AG”) and the Acting Consumer Advocate (“OCA”) filed a Joint Complaint against IDT Energy, Inc. with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (“PUC”). In the Joint Complaint, the AG and the OCA allege, among other things, various violations of Pennsylvania’s Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law, the Telemarketing Registration Act and the Pennsylvania PUC’s regulations. IDT Energy has reached an agreement in principle on a settlement with the AG and the OCA to terminate the litigation with no admission of liability or finding of wrongdoing by IDT Energy. On August 4, 2015, IDT Energy, the AG, and the OCA filed a Joint Petition to the Pennsylvania PUC seeking approval of the settlement terms. Under the settlement, if approved by the PUC, IDT Energy will agree to issue additional refunds to its Pennsylvania customers who had variable rates for electricity supply in January, February and March of 2014. IDT Energy will also agree to implement certain modifications to its sales, marketing and customer service processes, along with additional compliance and reporting requirements. The settlement must be approved by the Pennsylvania PUC, which is expected in the second quarter of 2016.

On July 2, 2014, named plaintiff, Louis McLaughlin, filed a putative class-action lawsuit against IDT Energy, Inc. in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, contending that he and other class members were injured as a result of IDT Energy’s allegedly unlawful sales and marketing practices. The named plaintiff filed the suit on behalf of himself and two subclasses: all IDT Energy customers who were charged a variable rate for their energy from July 2, 2008, and all IDT Energy customers who participated in IDT Energy’s rebate program from

July 2, 2008. On December 19, 2014, IDT Energy filed a motion to dismiss the complaint. On December 9, 2015, the Court denied IDT Energy’s motion to dismiss without prejudice so as to allow McLaughlin to file an amended complaint. On January 22, 2016, the named plaintiff filed an amended complaint on behalf of himself and all IDT Energy customers in New York State against IDT Energy, Inc., Genie Retail Energy, Genie Energy International Corporation, and Genie Energy Ltd. Subsequently, on February 22, 2016, IDT Energy moved to dismiss the amended complaint. The named plaintiff’s opposition papers to the motion to dismiss are due on March 18, 2016 and IDT Energy’s reply is due on April 11, 2016. In the meantime, the parties are engaged in limited discovery. IDT Energy believes that the claims in the amended complaint are without merit and intends to vigorously defend the action.

On July 15, 2014, named plaintiff, Kimberly Aks, commenced a putative class-action lawsuit against IDT Energy, Inc. in New Jersey Superior Court, Essex County, contending that she and other class members were injured as a result of IDT Energy’s alleged unlawful sales and marketing practices. The named plaintiff filed the suit on behalf of herself and all other New Jersey residents who were IDT Energy customers at any time between July 11, 2008 and the present. On November 6, 2014, the Court denied IDT Energy’s motion to dismiss the complaint. The parties are currently engaged in discovery. IDT Energy believes that the claims in this lawsuit are without merit and intends to vigorously defend the action.

In addition to the above, we may from time to time be subject to legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business. Although there can be no assurance in this regard, we do not expect any of those legal proceedings to have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not applicable.

Part II

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK

Our Class B common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “GNE”.

The table below sets forth the high and low sales prices for our Class B Common Stock as reported by the NYSE for the fiscal periods indicated which represents the only fiscal periods our Class B Common Stock has been trading on the NYSE.

	High		Low
Fiscal year ended December 31, 2014
First Quarter	$	11.74	$	9.20
Second Quarter	$	10.28	$	6.76
Third Quarter	$	8.75	$	6.60
Fourth Quarter	$	7.33	$	6.01
Fiscal year ended December 31, 2015
First Quarter	$	8.06	$	5.33
Second Quarter	$	14.25	$	7.85
Third Quarter	$	11.40	$	8.06
Fourth Quarter	$	14.97	$	8.00

On March 10, 2016, there were 174 holders of record of our Class B common stock and one holder of record of our Class A common stock. All shares of Class A common stock are beneficially owned by Howard Jonas. These numbers do not include the number of persons whose shares are in nominee or in “street name” accounts through brokers. On March 14, 2016, the last sales price reported on the New York Stock Exchange for the Class B common stock was $7.86 per share.

PRICE RANGE OF PREFERRED STOCK

The Series 2012-A Preferred Stock is listed and traded on the NYSE under the symbol “GNEPRA”. Trading began on the NYSE on October 24, 2012.

The table below sets forth the high and low sales prices for our Series 2012-A Preferred Stock as reported by the NYSE for the fiscal periods indicated which represents the only fiscal periods our Series 2012-A Preferred Stock has been trading on the NYSE.

	High		Low
Fiscal year ended December 31, 2014
First Quarter	$	8.43	$	7.90
Second Quarter	$	8.37		7.25
Third Quarter	$	7.87		7.09
Fourth Quarter	$	7.43		5.63
Fiscal year ended December 31, 2015
First Quarter	$	7.25	$	6.27
Second Quarter	$	7.50		6.80
Third Quarter	$	7.12		6.35
Fourth Quarter	$	7.92		6.10

On March 10, 2016, there were 4 holders of record of our Series 2012-A Preferred Stock. These numbers do not include the number of persons whose shares are in nominee or in “street name” accounts through brokers. On March 14, 2016, the last sales price reported on the New York Stock Exchange for the Series 2012-A Preferred Stock was $7.34 per share.

Additional information regarding dividends required by this item is incorporated by reference from the Management’s Discussion and Analysis section in Item 7 to Part II and Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 to Part II of this Annual Report.

The information required by Item 201(d) of Regulation S-K will be contained in our Proxy Statement for our Annual Stockholders Meeting, which we will file with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after December 31, 2015, and which is incorporated by reference herein.

Performance Graph of Stock

The line graph below compares the cumulative total stockholder return on our Class B common stock and our Series 2012-A Preferred Stock with the cumulative total return of the New York Stock Exchange Composite Index and the Standard & Poor’s Integrated Oil & Gas Index for the period beginning October 26, 2011 and ending December 31, 2015. The graph and table assume that $100 was invested on October 26, 2011 (the first day of trading for the Class B common stock) and on October 24, 2012 with respect to the Series 2012-A Preferred Stock (the first day of trading for the Series 2012-A Preferred stock) with the cumulative total return of the NYSE Composite Index and the S&P Integrated Oil & Gas Index, and that all dividends were reinvested. Cumulative total stockholder returns for our Class B common stock, Series 2012-A Preferred Stock, NYSE Composite Index and the S&P Integrated Oil & Gas Index are based on our fiscal year.

	10/26/11	12/11	3/12	6/12	10/12	12/12	3/13	6/13	9/13	12/13	3/14	6/14	9/14	12/14	3/15	6/15	9/15	12/15

Genie Energy Ltd.	100.00	92.79	113.52	91.86	81.55	84.52	110.24	108.93	116.66	121.55	118.69	93.69	83.69	74.23	96.27	127.44	100.18	135.72
Genie Energy Ltd.Series 2012 – A Preferred					100.00	93.75	107.61	110.44	113.18	116.96	115.52	114.78	110.38	98.97	111.83	117.44	112.48	131.60
NYSE Composite	100.00	110.77	122.34	117.23	124.50	128.48	139.46	141.31	149.27	162.24	165.23	173.46	170.05	173.20	175.18	174.83	159.55	166.11
S&P Integrated Oil & Gas	100.00	117.94	121.17	117.65	124.26	120.54	129.19	131.33	131.37	146.49	142.55	152.30	142.48	136.63	127.19	124.16	108.64	117.69

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The following table provides information with respect to purchases by us of our shares during the fourth quarter of the year ended December 31, 2015.

	Total Number of Shares Purchased	Average Price per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs	Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs(1)
October 1 – 31, 2015	—	$	—	—	6,896,669
November 1 – 30, 2015	—	$	—	—	6,896,669
December 1 – 31, 2015⁽²⁾	480	$	11.07	—	6,896,669
Total	480	$	11.07

____________

(1) Under our existing stock repurchase program, approved by our Board of Directors on March 11, 2013, we were authorized to repurchase up to an aggregate of 7 million shares of our Class B common stock.

(2) Consists of shares of Class B common stock that were tendered by employees of ours to satisfy the tax withholding obligations in connection with the lapsing of restrictions on awards of restricted stock. Such shares were repurchased by us based on their fair market value on the trading day immediately prior to the vesting date.

Item 6. Selected Financial Data.

The selected consolidated financial data presented below as of December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, and for each of the three years then ended, has been derived from our Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Form 10-K, which have been audited by BDO USA, LLP, independent registered public accounting firm. The selected consolidated financial data presented below as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and for the year ended December 31, 2012 and the five months ended December 31, 2011 has been derived from our Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been audited by Grant Thornton LLP, independent registered public accounting firm. The selected consolidated financial data presented below for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2011 has been derived from our Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been audited by Zwick and Banyai, PLLC, independent registered public accounting firm. The selected consolidated financial data presented below for the five months ended December 31, 2010 is unaudited. The selected consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes thereto and other financial information appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report.

(in thousands, except per share data)	Year ended December 31, 2015			Year ended December 31, 2014			Year ended December 31, 2013			Year ended December 31, 2012			Five Months ended December 31, 2011			Fiscal year ended July 31, 2011			Five Months ended December 31, 2010 (Unaudited)
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Revenues	$	210,109		$	275,031		$	279,174		$	229,459		$	76,783		$	196,018		$	74,877
Net (loss) income		(8,636	)		(27,407	)		(5,341	)		(2,535	)		(268	)		(2,555	)		916
(Loss) earnings per common share – basic		(0.40	)		(1.31	)		(0.36	)		(0.17	)		0.04			0.08			0.09
(Loss) earnings per common share – diluted		(0.40	)		(1.31	)		(0.36	)		(0.17	)		0.04			0.07			0.08
Cash dividend declared per common share		0.12			0.06			—			0.133			0.05			—			—

(in thousands)	December 31, 2015		December 31, 2014		December 31, 2013		December 31, 2012		December 31, 2011
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Total assets	$	155,815	$	152,928	$	158,843	$	150,306	$	150,194
Long-term obligations		2,000		—		—		—		—

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

This Annual Report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including statements that contain the words “believes,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends” and similar words and phrases. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results projected in any forward-looking statement. In addition to the factors specifically noted in the forward-looking statements, other important factors, risks and uncertainties that could result in those differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed under Item 1A to Part I “Risk Factors” in this Annual Report. The forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this Annual Report, and we assume no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Investors should consult all of the information set forth in this report and the other information set forth

from time to time in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including our reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K.

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included in Item 8 of this Annual Report.

OVERVIEW

We own 99.3% of our subsidiary, GEIC, which owns 100% of GRE and 92% of GOGAS. Our principal businesses consist of:

• GRE operates REPs, including IDT Energy and Residents Energy, and energy brokerage and marketing services. Its REP businesses resell electricity and natural gas to residential and small business customers primarily in the Eastern United States; and

• GOGAS is an oil and gas exploration company that consists of:

• an 86.5% interest in Afek, which operates an exploration project in the Golan Heights in Northern Israel, and

• early stage projects including (1) an 88.4% interest in Genie Mongolia, an oil shale exploration project in Central Mongolia, which is inactive (2) a 98.3% interest in AMSO, which holds and manages a 41.3% interest in AMSO, LLC, an oil shale development project in Colorado, and (3) an 86.1% interest in IEI, an oil shale development project in Israel, which is inactive.

GRE has outstanding deferred stock units granted to officers and employees that represent an interest of 3.9% of the equity of GRE.

As part of our ongoing business development efforts, we continuously seek out new opportunities, which may include complementary operations or businesses that reflect horizontal or vertical expansion from our current operations. Some of these potential opportunities are considered briefly and others are examined in further depth. In particular, we seek out acquisitions to expand the geographic scope and size of our REP businesses, and additional energy exploration projects to diversify our GOGAS unit’s operations, among geographies, technologies and resources.

Genie Retail Energy

GRE operates REPs that resell electricity and natural gas to residential and small business customers in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Illinois. GRE’s revenues represented 100% of our consolidated revenues in the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.

The positive difference between the net sales price of electricity and natural gas sold to its customers and the sum of the cost of its electricity and natural gas supplies, transmission and ancillary services is GRE’s gross profit margin.

GRE’s direct cost of revenues consists primarily of natural gas and electricity purchased for resale. As of November 19, 2015, IDT Energy and certain of its affiliates entered into an Amended and Restated Preferred Supplier Agreement with BP pursuant to which IDT Energy purchases electricity and natural gas at a market rate plus a fee. IDT Energy remits a monthly payment for its purchases and related fees. Any outstanding, unpaid balances accrue interest until paid. IDT Energy’s obligations to BP are secured by a first security interest in deposits or receivables from utilities in connection with their purchase of IDT Energy’s customers’ receivables, and in any cash deposits or letters of credit posted in connection with any collateral accounts with BP. The agreement’s termination date is November 30, 2019, except either party may terminate the agreement on November 30, 2018 by giving the other party notice by May 31, 2018. IDT Energy’s ability to purchase electricity and natural gas under this agreement is subject to satisfaction of certain conditions including the maintenance of certain covenants.

As an operator of REPs, GRE does not own electrical power generation, transmission, or distribution facilities, or natural gas production, pipeline or distribution facilities. Instead, GRE’s REPs contract with various pipeline and distribution companies for natural gas pipeline, storage and transportation services, and utilizes NYISO and PJM for electric transmission and distribution. GRE’s direct cost of revenues include scheduling costs, ISO fees,

pipeline costs and utility service charges for the purchase of these services. At December 31, 2015, GRE REPs were members of ISO New England, although GRE has not commenced operations in this territory yet. GRE expects to commence operations in this territory in 2016.

For risk management purposes, GRE utilizes put and call options and swaps as hedges against unfavorable fluctuations in market prices of electricity and natural gas and to reduce exposure from price fluctuations. The put and call options and swaps are recorded at fair value as a current asset or liability and any changes in fair value are recorded in direct cost of revenues. The impact of these options and swaps on direct cost of revenues is relatively small in comparison to GRE’s purchases of gas and electricity for resale.

The NYISO and PJM perform real-time load balancing for each of the electrical power grids in which GRE REPs operate. Similarly, the utility or the LDC performs load balancing for each of the natural gas markets in which GRE REPs operate. Load balancing ensures that the amount of electricity and natural gas that GRE REPs purchase is equal to the amount necessary to service its REP customers’ demands at any specific point in time. GRE manages the differences between the actual electricity and natural gas demands of its customers and its bulk or block purchases by buying and selling in the spot market, and through monthly cash settlements and/or adjustments to futures deliveries in accordance with the load balancing performed by utilities, LDCs, NYISO and PJM. Suppliers and the LDC’s charge or credit GRE for balancing the electricity and natural gas purchased and sold for its account.

The local utilities generally meter and deliver electricity and natural gas to GRE’s REP customers. The local utilities provide billing and collection services on GRE’s behalf for most of GRE’s customers. GRE receives the proceeds less the utility’s POR fees and in some cases less fees for billing and other ancillary services.

Volatility in the electricity and natural gas markets affects the wholesale cost of the electricity and natural gas that GRE REPs sell to customers. GRE may not always choose to pass along increases in costs to its customers for various reasons including competitive pressures and to protect overall customer satisfaction. This can adversely affect GRE’s gross margins and results of operations. Alternatively, increases in GRE’s rates charged to REP customers may lead to increased customer churn.

GRE’s selling expense consists primarily of sales commissions paid to independent agents and marketing costs, which are the primary costs associated with the acquisition of customers. General and administrative expense includes compensation, benefits, utility fees for billing and collection, professional fees, rent and other administrative costs.

Seasonality and Weather

The weather and the seasons, among other things, affect GRE’s revenues. Weather conditions have a significant impact on the demand for natural gas used for heating and electricity used for heating and cooling. Typically, colder winters increase demand for natural gas and electricity, and hotter summers increase demand for electricity. Milder winters and/or summers have the opposite effect. Natural gas revenues typically increase in the first quarter due to increased heating demands and electricity revenues typically increase in the third quarter due to increased air conditioning use. Approximately 64% and 59% of GRE’s natural gas revenues for the relevant years were generated in the first quarter of 2015 and 2014, respectively, when demand for heating was highest. Although the demand for electricity is not as seasonal as natural gas (due, in part, to usage of electricity for both heating and cooling), approximately 30% and 20% of GRE’s electricity revenues for the relevant years were generated in the third quarter of 2015 and 2014, respectively. As described below, because of dramatic increases in wholesale electricity prices in January and February 2014, the retail electricity prices that GRE and many other variable rate electricity suppliers charged to their customers also increased sharply. As a result, approximately 45% of GRE’s electricity revenues in 2014 were generated in the first quarter of 2014.

Concentration of Customers and Associated Credit Risk

GRE reduces its REP customer credit risk by participating in purchase of receivable programs for a majority of its receivables. In addition to providing billing and collection services, utility companies purchase GRE’s receivables and assume all credit risk without recourse to GRE. GRE’s primary credit risk is therefore nonpayment by the utility companies. Certain of the utility companies represent significant portions of our consolidated revenues and consolidated gross trade accounts receivable balance and such concentrations increase our risk associated with nonpayment by those utility companies.

The following table summarizes the percentage of consolidated revenues from customers by utility company that equal or exceed 10% of consolidated revenues in the period (no other single utility company accounted for more than 10% of consolidated revenues in these periods):

	Year ended December 31,
	2015		2014		2013
Con Edison	23	%	23	%	25	%
National Grid USA	12	%	na		10	%
West Penn Power	na		10	%	11	%
Penelec	na		na		10	%

na – less than 10% of consolidated revenue in the period

The following table summarizes the percentage of consolidated gross trade accounts receivable by utility company that equal or exceed 10% of consolidated gross trade accounts receivable at December 31, 2015 and 2014 (no other single utility company accounted for 10% or greater of our consolidated gross trade accounts receivable at December 31, 2015 or 2014):

December 31	2015		2014
Con Edison	22	%	25	%

Winter 2014 Price Volatility and Customer Complaints

A confluence of issues in January and February 2014 associated with that winter’s polar vortex that were outside the ability of REPs to control, resulted in extraordinarily large spikes in the prices of wholesale electricity and natural gas in markets where GRE and other retail providers purchase their supply. These issues included sustained, extremely cold weather in much of GRE’s service area, short reserves of natural gas in the wholesale markets, delivery constrictions and unusually volatile commodity trading in the financial markets. Because of dramatic increases in wholesale electricity prices, the retail electricity prices that GRE and many other variable rate electricity suppliers charged to their customers also increased sharply in January and February 2014. These retail electricity price increases resulted in large numbers of customers filing informal and formal complaints to state utility commissions, state attorneys general, and state legislators. IDT Energy was served with several thousand formal and informal customer complaints to state utility commissions and state attorneys general related to the retail price increases. IDT Energy has responded to each customer complaint it has received and attempted to resolve each complaining customer’s concerns. GRE also paid approximately $5 million in rebates to affected customers in the year ended December 31, 2014. GRE was under no obligation to provide such rebates, but did so in order to mitigate the impact of the price increases on its customers notwithstanding that the underlying cause of the price increase was beyond GRE’s control.

IDT Energy also received, and in most instances, responded to, formal and informal information requests from state utility commissions, state attorneys general, and state legislators related to the wholesale and retail electricity price increases in the winter of 2014. In addition, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office and the Acting Consumer Advocate filed a Joint Complaint against IDT Energy with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission in connection with such events. On August 4, 2015, IDT Energy, the Attorney General’s Office, and the Acting Consumer Advocate filed a Joint Petition to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission seeking approval of their proposed settlement terms. IDT Energy has also been sued in separate putative class action suits in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, partially related to the price increases during the winter of 2014. These matters are more fully discussed in Item 3 to Part I “Legal Proceedings” in this Annual Report.

IDT Energy does not believe that it was at fault or acted in any way improperly with respect to the events of winter 2014. However, we cannot predict the outcome of the regulatory or putative class action litigation or the impact on us of these or other actions, or whether there will be other impacts from the conditions that existed in winter 2014. As noted above, IDT Energy is a party to a Joint Petition to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission seeking approval of proposed terms to settle the Pennsylvania regulatory matter.

New York Public Service Commission’s Order

We are evaluating the potential impact of the PSC’s order on our New York operations while preparing to operate in compliance with any new requirements. Depending on the final language of the order and the outcome of legal appeals, as well as our final response to the order with respect to our relationships with our New York customers, the order will likely have a substantial impact upon GRE’s operations in New York. As of December 31, 2015, New York represented 53% of GRE’s total meters served and 44% of the total RCEs of GRE’s customer base.

Afek Oil and Gas, Ltd.

In April 2013, the Government of Israel finalized the award to Afek of an exclusive three year petroleum exploration license covering 396.5 square kilometers in the southern portion of the Golan Heights. Afek is in the process of submitting its work plan for the subsequent exploration phases and is taking the required steps to seek extension of the license, which is currently scheduled to expire in April 2016. Afek has retained oil and gas exploration professionals and has contracted with internationally recognized vendors to provide the services required for its exploration program. In 2013, Afek completed preliminary geophysical work including electromagnetic survey and the reprocessing of 2D seismic data to characterize the subsurface prior to drilling exploration wells. Afek subsequently conducted initial analysis of the acquired data internally and with outside exploration experts.

Genie Mongolia

characterize the oil shale resource in the exclusive survey area and to conduct a pilot test using in-situ technology on appropriate oil shale deposits. In September 2014, Genie Mongolia signed a prospecting agreement with the Petroleum Authority of Mongolia covering an additional 25,000 square kilometers in Central Mongolia. In light of the progress achieved by Afek in Northern Israel, we suspended our operations in Mongolia.

Investment in American Shale Oil, LLC

AMSO, LLC holds an RD&D Lease awarded by the BLM that covers an area of 160 acres in western Colorado. The RD&D Lease had an initial ten-year term that began on January 1, 2007 and provides for a five-year extension if AMSO can demonstrate that a process leading to the production of commercial quantities of shale oil is diligently being pursued. In November 2015, AMSO satisfied the extension criteria, and the RD&D Lease was extended effective on January 1, 2017. If AMSO, LLC can demonstrate the economic and environmental viability of its technology, it will have the opportunity to submit a one-time payment pursuant to the applicable regulations and convert its RD&D Lease to a commercial lease on 5,120 acres, which overlap and are contiguous with the 160 acres covered by its RD&D Lease.

Except as set forth below, AMSO was responsible for funding 20% of the initial $50 million of AMSO, LLC’s approved expenditures, and is responsible for funding 35% of the approved expenditures between $50 million and $100 million, and 40% of the costs of the one-time payment for conversion of AMSO, LLC’s RD&D Lease to a commercial lease, in the event AMSO, LLC’s application for conversion is approved, with the remaining amounts of such expenditures to be funded by Total. All other expenditures are to be borne in proportion to equity ownership. The percentages for expenditures are subject to adjustment in connection with certain changes in the equity ownership of AMSO LLC. As of December 31, 2015, the cumulative contributions of AMSO and Total to AMSO, LLC were $82.9 million.

AMSO has the right to decide at each capital call whether or not to fund AMSO, LLC, and will make a determination at each such time. AMSO did not fund the capital calls for any quarter from the fourth quarter of 2013 through the second quarter of 2015. AMSO funded an aggregate of $0.3 million from the third quarter of 2015 through the first quarter of 2016, which was 28% of its share of the capital calls. In the period from January 2014 through January 2016, Total funded an aggregate of $4.6 million for AMSO’s share of the capital calls that AMSO did not fund. Because of AMSO’s decisions not to fund all of its share of AMSO, LLC’s expenditures, AMSO’s ownership interest in AMSO, LLC was reduced to 41.3% and Total’s ownership interest increased to 58.7%. In addition, AMSO’s share of future funding of AMSO, LLC up to a cumulative $100 million was reduced to 28.9% and Total’s share increased to 71.1%.

The agreements with Total provide for varying consequences for AMSO’s failure to fund its share at different stages of the project, including dilution of AMSO’s interest in AMSO, LLC or paying interest to Total for expenditures they fund on behalf of AMSO. Either Total or AMSO may terminate its obligations to make capital contributions and withdraw as a member of AMSO, LLC. Even if AMSO were to withdraw its interest in AMSO, LLC, it will remain liable for its share of expenditures for safety and environmental reclamation related to events occurring prior to its withdrawal.

We account for our ownership interest in AMSO, LLC using the equity method since we have the ability to exercise significant influence over its operating and financial matters, although we do not control AMSO, LLC. AMSO, LLC is a variable interest entity, however, we have determined that we are not the primary beneficiary. AMSO’s allocated share of the net loss of AMSO, LLC is included in “Equity in the net loss of AMSO, LLC” in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. In part because of AMSO’s decision not to fund all of its share of AMSO, LLC’s expenditures, AMSO, LLC allocates its net loss beginning January 2014 as follows: $12.1 million of losses were allocated to Total, then it allocates any remaining losses proportionately such that over time AMSO and Total’s capital accounts as a percentage of AMSO, LLC’s total capital will equal their ownership interests.

Israel Energy Initiatives, Ltd.

IEI had an exclusive Shale Oil Exploration and Production License awarded in July 2008 by the Government of Israel. The license covered approximately 238 square kilometers in the south of the Shfela region in Central Israel. Under the terms of the license, IEI was to conduct a geological appraisal study across the license area, characterize the resource and select a location for a pilot plant. The initial term of the license was for three years until July 2011. The license was extended until July 2015 when it expired. IEI submitted its application for the construction and operation of its oil shale pilot test facility to the Jerusalem District Committee for Planning and Building, and on September 2, 2014, the Committee declined to issue IEI a permit to build and operate a pilot drilling project. IEI is evaluating whether and how to exploit the abundant oil shale resource in Israel in light of the Committee’s decision. Operations at IEI are currently suspended.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Our financial statements and accompanying notes are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, or U.S. GAAP. The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses as well as the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Critical accounting policies are those that require application of management’s most subjective or complex judgments, often as a result of matters that are inherently uncertain and may change in subsequent periods. Our critical accounting policies include those related to the allowance for doubtful accounts, goodwill, oil and gas accounting and income taxes. Management bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience and other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. See Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report for a complete discussion of our significant accounting policies.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses that result from the inability or unwillingness of our customers to make required payments. The allowance for doubtful accounts was $0.2 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014. Our allowance is determined based on known troubled accounts, historical experience and other currently available evidence. Our estimates of recoverability of customer accounts may change due to new developments, changes in assumptions or changes in our strategy, which may impact our allowance for doubtful accounts balance. We continually assess the likelihood of potential amounts or ranges of recoverability and adjust our allowance accordingly, however, actual collections and write-offs of trade accounts receivable may materially differ from our estimates.

Goodwill

Our goodwill balance of $3.7 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014 was allocated to our GRE segment. IDT Energy is the reporting unit for our goodwill impairment tests. Goodwill is not amortized since it is deemed to have an indefinite life. It is reviewed annually (or more frequently under various conditions) for impairment using a fair value approach. The goodwill impairment assessment involves estimating the fair value of the reporting unit and comparing it to its carrying amount, which is known as Step 1. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, Step 2 is performed to determine if an impairment of goodwill is required. We estimate the fair value of our reporting units using discounted cash flow methodologies, as well as considering third party market value indicators. Goodwill impairment is measured by the excess of the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill over its implied fair value. We have the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. However, we may elect to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test even if no indications of a potential impairment exist.

IDT Energy’s estimated fair value substantially exceeded its carrying value in Step 1 of our annual impairment tests for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, therefore it was not necessary to perform Step 2 for these tests. In addition, we do not believe IDT Energy is currently at risk of failing Step 1. In the year ended December 31, 2014, we determined that an impairment of the goodwill from the acquisitions of Diversegy and IDTEN was required. We recorded goodwill impairment of $3.6 million, which reduced the carrying amount of the goodwill related to Diversegy and IDTEN to zero. Calculating the fair value of the reporting unit, and allocating the estimated fair value to all of the tangible assets, intangible assets and liabilities, requires significant estimates and assumptions

by management. Should our estimates or assumptions regarding the fair value of IDT Energy prove to be incorrect, we may be required to record impairments to our goodwill in future periods and such impairments could be material.

Oil and Gas Accounting

We account for our oil and gas activities under the successful efforts method of accounting. Under this method, the costs of drilling exploratory wells and exploratory-type stratigraphic test wells are capitalized, pending determination of whether the well has found proved reserves. Other exploration costs are charged to expense as incurred. At December 31, 2015, our capitalized exploration costs — unproved oil and gas property were $26.9 million. Unproved properties are assessed for impairment, and if considered impaired, are charged to expense when such impairment is deemed to have occurred. The assessment of unproved properties for impairment requires significant estimates and assumptions by management. Should our estimates or assumptions regarding the recoverability of the unproved properties prove to be incorrect, we may be required to record impairments to our unproved properties in future periods and such impairments could be material.

Income Taxes

Our current and deferred income taxes and associated valuation allowance are impacted by events and transactions arising in the normal course of business as well as in connection with special and non-routine items. Assessment of the appropriate amount and classification of income taxes is dependent on several factors, including estimates of the timing and realization of deferred income tax assets, the results of Internal Revenue Service audits of our federal income tax returns, and changes in tax laws or regulations.

The valuation allowance on our deferred income tax assets was $38.4 million and $27.7 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Subsequent to the Spin-Off, we initiated a tax strategy that enables us to currently deduct losses from our foreign subsidiaries against our profitable U.S. operations. Because of this strategy, the decrease in pre-tax earnings of GRE in 2012, and our current projections, we concluded that we no longer met the criteria of more likely than not in order to utilize our deferred federal income tax assets in the foreseeable future.

We use a two-step approach for recognizing and measuring tax benefits taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. We determine whether it is more-likely-than-not that, a tax position will be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. In evaluating whether a tax position has met the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, we presume that the appropriate taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information will examine the position. Tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold are measured to determine the amount of tax benefit to recognize in the financial statements. The tax position is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Differences between tax positions taken in a tax return and amounts recognized in the financial statements will generally result in one or more of the following: an increase in a liability for income taxes payable, a reduction of an income tax refund receivable, a reduction in a deferred tax asset, or an increase in a deferred tax liability. We review and adjust our liability for unrecognized tax benefits based on our best estimate and judgment given the facts, circumstances and information available at each reporting date. To the extent that the outcome of these tax positions is different from the amounts recorded, such differences may affect income tax expense and actual tax payments.

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NOT YET ADOPTED

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, and the International Accounting Standards Board jointly issued a comprehensive new revenue recognition standard that will supersede most of the current revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards, or IFRS. The goals of the revenue recognition project were to clarify and converge the revenue recognition principles under U.S. GAAP and IFRS and to develop guidance that would streamline and enhance revenue recognition requirements. We will adopt this standard on January 1, 2018. Entities have the option of using either a full retrospective or modified retrospective approach for the adoption of the standard. We are evaluating the impact that the standard will have on our consolidated financial statements.

In July 2015, the FASB issued an Accounting Standards Update, or ASU, that simplifies the subsequent measurement of inventory. The amendments in this ASU do not apply to inventory that is measured using last-in, first-out or the

retail inventory method. The ASU changes the measurement of inventory to the lower of cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. We measure GRE’s natural gas inventory at weighted average cost. We will adopt the amendments in this ASU on January 1, 2017. We are evaluating the impact that the ASU will have on our consolidated financial statements.

In January 2016, the FASB issued an ASU to provide more information about recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments. The amendments in the ASU include, among other changes, the following: (1) equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method or that result in consolidation) will be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income, (2) a qualitative assessment each reporting period to identify impairment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values, (3) financial assets and financial liabilities will be presented separately by measurement category and form of financial asset on the balance sheet or the notes to the financial statements, and (4) an entity should evaluate the need for a valuation allowance on a deferred tax asset related to available-for-sale securities in combination with the entity’s other deferred tax assets. Entities will no longer be able to recognize unrealized holding gains and losses on equity securities classified as available-for-sale in other comprehensive income. In addition, a practicability exception will be available for equity investments that do not have readily determinable fair values and do not qualify for the net asset value practical expedient. These investments may be measured at cost, less any impairment, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for an identical or similar investment of the same issuer. Entities will have to reassess at each reporting period whether an investment qualifies for this practicability exception. We will adopt the amendments in this ASU on January 1, 2018. We are evaluating the impact that the ASU will have on our consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued an ASU related to the accounting for leases. The new standard establishes a right-of-use, or ROU, model that requires a lessee to record a ROU asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement. We will adopt the new standard on January 1, 2019. A modified retrospective transition approach is required for lessees for capital and operating leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements, with certain practical expedients available. We are evaluating the impact that the new standard will have on our consolidated financial statements.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

We evaluate the performance of our operating business segments based primarily on income (loss) from operations. Accordingly, the income and expense line items below income (loss) from operations are only included in our discussion of the consolidated results of operations.

Year Ended December 31, 2015 compared to Year Ended December 31, 2014

Genie Retail Energy Segment

(in millions)						Change
Year ended December 31,	2015		2014			$			%
Revenues:
Electricity	$	167.3	$	214.5		$	(47.2	)	(22.0	)%
Natural gas		40.8		57.9			(17.1	)	(29.8	)
Other		2.0		2.6			(0.6	)	(24.0	)
Total revenues		210.1		275.0			(64.9	)	(23.6	)
Direct cost of revenues		141.0		223.1			(82.1	)	(36.8	)
Gross profit		69.1		51.9			17.2		33.0
Selling, general and administrative		55.6		44.7			10.9		24.2
Bad debt		—		0.3			(0.3	)	(109.3	)
Goodwill impairment		—		3.6			(3.6	)	(100.0	)
Adjustment to estimated contingent payments		—		(0.2	)		0.2		100.0
Income from operations	$	13.5	$	3.5		$	10.0		285.1	%

Revenues. GRE’s electricity revenues decreased in 2015 compared to 2014 because of both a 13.7% decrease in the average rate charged to customers and a 9.6% decrease in electricity consumption. The decrease in the average rate charged to customers was mostly due to a 27.8% decrease in the underlying commodity cost in 2015 compared to 2014. In the first quarter of 2014, there were extraordinarily large spikes in the prices of wholesale electricity and natural gas in markets where GRE and other REPs purchased their supply because of the polar vortex in January and February 2014. The decrease in electricity consumption was the result of a decrease in average meters served, which decreased 3.9% in 2015 compared to 2014, and a 5.9% decrease in average consumption per meter in 2015 compared to 2014. The decrease in average consumption per meter was the result of higher usage in 2014 due to the prolonged cold temperatures as well as the higher levels of churn that followed the polar vortex being concentrated in relatively higher consuming meters.

GRE’s natural gas revenues decreased in 2015 compared to 2014 because of a 21.1% decrease in the average rate charged to customers, and a 10.7% decrease in natural gas consumption. The decrease in the average rate charged to customers for natural gas was due to a 37.1% decrease in the underlying commodity cost in 2015 compared to 2014. The decrease in natural gas consumption was the result of a 8.1% decrease in average meters served, as well as a 2.8% decrease in average consumption per meter, in 2015 compared to 2014. Natural gas consumption in 2014 was upwardly affected by the prolonged cold temperatures during the polar vortex in January and February 2014 and the subsequent churn was concentrated in higher consuming meters.

GRE’s customer base as measured by meters served consisted of the following:

(in thousands)	December 31, 2015	September 30, 2015	June 30, 2015	March 31, 2015	December 31, 2014
Meters at end of quarter:
Electricity customers	264	261	250	232	234
Natural gas customers	128	127	127	126	129
Total meters	392	388	377	358	363

Gross meter acquisitions in 2015 were 275,000 compared to 213,000 in 2014. GRE had success in selling “IDT Energy® SmartBudget” and other offerings with fixed rate characteristics. The increase was also partially due to an intentional slowing of customer acquisitions in 2014 in the territories most impacted by the rising wholesale commodity costs during the effects of the polar vortex. During the second and third quarters of 2014, GRE accelerated acquisitions of new customers in Illinois, and reengaged its marketing efforts in certain Pennsylvania utility territories where it had suspended those activities. Net meters served increased by 29,000 or 8.4% in 2015 compared to a decrease of 64,000 or 15.0% in 2014 due to the increases in gross meter acquisitions and a reduction in customer churn. Average monthly churn decreased from 6.8% in 2014 to 6.3% in 2015, reflecting a return to more normalized churn rates following the unusually high rates recorded in the first and second quarters of 2014 following that winter’s polar vortex. Churn rates were also favorably impacted by the successful introduction of the pricing plans with fixed rate characteristics.

GRE has applications pending to enter into additional utility service areas, primarily natural gas and dual meter territories, in various locations in the states where we currently operate and in other jurisdictions. We continue to evaluate additional, deregulation-driven opportunities in order to expand our business geographically.

The average rates of annualized energy consumption, as measured by residential customer equivalents, or RCEs, are presented in the chart below. An RCE represents a natural gas customer with annual consumption of 100 mmbtu or an electricity customer with annual consumption of 10 MWh. Because different customers have different rates of energy consumption, RCEs are an industry standard metric for evaluating the consumption profile of a given retail customer base.

(in thousands)	December 31, 2015	September 30, 2015	June 30, 2015	March 31, 2015	December 31, 2014
RCEs at end of quarter:
Electricity customers	178	178	168	158	160
Natural gas customers	81	82	83	83	83
Total RCEs	259	260	251	241	243

The RCE increase at December 31, 2015 compared to December 31, 2014 primarily reflects the increase in electricity customers in New Jersey and Illinois utility territories that have relatively high per meter consumption rates compared to our total customer base.

Other revenue in 2015 and 2014 includes revenue earned by Diversegy, and IDTEN, both of which were acquired in December 2013. Diversegy and IDTEN earn commissions, entry fees and other fees from their retail energy advisory and brokerage business and network marketing business, respectively.

Direct Cost of Revenues and Gross Margin Percentage. GRE’s direct cost of revenues and gross margin percentage were as follows:

(in millions)					Change
Year ended December 31,	2015		2014		$			%
Direct cost of revenues:
Electricity	$	107.9	$	165.6	$	(57.7	)	(34.8	)%
Natural gas		30.9		55.0		(24.1	)	(43.9	)
Other		2.2		2.5		(0.3	)	(12.9	)
Total direct cost of revenues	$	141.0	$	223.1	$	(82.1	)	(36.8	)%

Year ended December 31,	2015		2014		Change
Gross margin percentage:
Electricity	35.5	%	22.8	%	12.7	%
Natural gas	24.3		4.9		19.4
Other	(9.5	)	4.5		(14.0	)
Total gross margin percentage	32.9	%	18.9	%	14.0	%

Direct cost of revenues for electricity decreased in 2015 compared to 2014 primarily because of the 27.8% decrease in the average unit cost of electricity in 2015 compared to 2014, as well as the 9.6% decrease in electricity consumption in 2015 compared to 2014. Gross margin on electricity sales increased in 2015 compared to 2014 because the average rate charged to customers decreased less than the average unit cost of electricity.

Direct cost of revenues for natural gas decreased in 2015 compared to 2014 primarily because the average unit cost of natural gas decreased 37.1% in 2015 compared to 2014 and natural gas consumption decreased 10.7% in 2015 compared to 2014. Gross margin on natural gas sales increased in 2015 compared to 2014 because the average rate charged to customers decreased less than the average unit cost of natural gas.

Other direct cost of revenues primarily includes commission expense incurred by Diversegy and IDTEN.

Selling, General and Administrative. The increase in selling, general and administrative expense in 2015 compared to 2014 was due to increases in customer acquisition costs and payroll and related expenses. In addition, in 2015, the increase included an accrual of $2.7 million for regulatory and legal matters including outside counsel fees. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in billing costs in 2015 compared to 2014. As a percentage of GRE’s total revenues, selling, general and administrative expense increased from 16.3% in 2014 to 26.5% in 2015.

Bad Debt. GRE’s bad debt expense in 2014 was $0.3 million compared to expense reversal of $29,000 in 2015. Bad debt expense in 2014 was mostly related to amounts due from a utility company that was under dispute.

Goodwill Impairment. In 2014, our annual goodwill impairment test resulted in the impairment of the goodwill of the Diversegy and IDTEN reporting unit primarily because of continuing losses since the acquisitions of those companies. We recorded goodwill impairment of $3.6 million in 2014, which reduced the carrying amount of the goodwill related to Diversegy and IDTEN to zero. We estimated the fair value of the reporting unit and compared the estimated fair value to the reporting unit’s carrying amount. We measured the fair value of the reporting unit by discounting its estimated future cash flows using an appropriate discount rate. Since the carrying value of the reporting unit including goodwill exceeded the estimated fair value, we performed the required additional steps and determined that the goodwill was fully impaired. Goodwill impairment is not a cash expenditure, therefore the impairment did not impact our liquidity at December 31, 2014, nor will goodwill impairment impact our future liquidity. No impairment was recorded as a result of our 2015 annual impairment test.

Adjustment to Estimated Contingent Payments. In 2014, we reduced our estimate of our contingent payment liability related to our acquisition of Diversegy and IDTEN and recorded a gain of $0.2 million. The contingent payments include 100% of the gross profit from each closing customer contract during the remainder of the initial term of such contract and 100% of the gross profit from each post-closing customer contract during the initial term of such contract, plus 25% of the gross profit from the first renewal term of such contracts. A closing customer contract is generally a contract in effect at closing, and a post-closing customer contract is generally a contract that became effective within 60 days following the acquisition. We estimated the acquisition date fair value of the contingent payments based on historical gross profits, customer attrition and contract renewals.

Afek Segment

We have an 86.5% interest in Afek, which operates an exploration project in the Golan Heights in Northern Israel. Afek was included in the Genie Oil and Gas segment from its inception until December 31, 2014. Beginning in the first quarter of 2015, Afek is a separate reportable segment. Comparative results have been reclassified and restated as if Afek was a separate segment in all periods presented. Afek does not currently generate any revenues, nor does it incur any direct cost of revenues.

(in millions)					Change
Year ended December 31,	2015		2014		$			%
General and administrative expense	$	0.8	$	0.2	$	0.6		351.9	%
Research and development		0.1		0.1		—		(56.0	)
Exploration		6.6		7.0		(0.4	)	(5.6	)
Loss from operations	$	7.5	$	7.3	$	0.2		2.2	%

General and Administrative. General and administrative expense increased in 2015 compared to 2014 primarily because of increases in payroll expense and consulting and professional fees.

Exploration. In 2014, Afek was issued a permit by Israel’s Northern District Planning and Building Committee to conduct an up to ten-well exploratory drilling program. In connection with a petition from the Israel Union for Environmental Defense and certain local residents, Israel’s High Court of Justice issued an interim injunction against Afek, restricting Afek from building installations or changing the surface of the ground until the Court ruled on the petition. In December 2014, the High Court rejected the petition challenging the permits, and lifted its injunction on Afek’s exploratory program in Northern Israel. In February 2015, Afek initiated drilling on its first exploratory well pursuant to its up to ten-well exploratory program. To date, Afek has completed drilling five wells and has initiated a well flow test program on one or more of those wells.

Genie Oil and Gas Segment

Genie Oil and Gas does not currently generate any revenues, nor does it incur any direct cost of revenues.

(in millions)					Change
Year ended December 31,	2015		2014		$			%
General and administrative expense	$	0.7	$	1.1	$	(0.4	)	(31.9	)%
Research and development		1.9		5.4		(3.5	)	(64.4	)
Equity in net loss of AMSO, LLC		0.4		—		0.4		nm
Loss from operations	$	3.0	$	6.5	$	(3.5	)	(52.8	)%

nm – not meaningful

General and Administrative. General and administrative expense decreased in 2015 compared to 2014 primarily due to decreases in payroll, travel, rent, consulting and professional expenses.

Research and Development. Research and development expense consists of the following:

(in millions) Year ended December 31,	2015		2014
Genie Mongolia	$	1.7	$	2.7
IEI		0.2		2.6
Other		—		0.1
Total research and development expense	$	1.9	$	5.4

Genie Mongolia’s research and development expense in 2015 and 2014 related to the joint geological survey agreement with the Republic of Mongolia, which was executed in April 2013, to explore certain of that country’s oil shale deposits. In 2014, Genie Mongolia acquired approximately 40 kilometers of 2D seismic results and drilled in three different basins within the license areas. Genie Mongolia also continued surface mapping and other geophysical evaluation work within the areas. In light of the progress achieved by Afek, we have suspended our operations in Mongolia.

During 2014, the environmental documents portion of IEI’s permit application for the construction and operation of its oil shale pilot test facility was under review by the Ministry of Environment. In addition, as per the required permitting process, IEI continued laboratory work, engineering work and associated preparation of environmental permit applications related to the planned pilot. IEI submitted its application for the construction and operation of its oil shale pilot test facility to the Jerusalem District Committee for Planning and Building, and on September 2, 2014, the Committee declined to issue IEI a permit to build and operate a pilot drilling project. IEI is evaluating whether and how to exploit the abundant oil shale resource in Israel in light of the Committee’s decision. Operations at IEI are currently on hold.

Equity in the Net Loss of AMSO, LLC. Equity in the net loss of AMSO, LLC was $0.4 million in 2015 and nil in 2014. AMSO has the right to decide at each capital call whether or not to fund AMSO, LLC, and will make a determination at each such time. AMSO did not fund the capital calls for any quarter from the fourth quarter of 2013 through the second quarter of 2015. AMSO funded an aggregate of $0.3 million from the third quarter of 2015 through the first quarter of 2016, which was 28% of its share of the capital calls. In the period from January 2014 through January 2016, Total funded an aggregate of $4.6 million for AMSO’s share of the capital calls that AMSO did not fund. In part because of AMSO’s decisions not to fund all of its share of AMSO, LLC’s expenditures, AMSO, LLC allocates its net loss beginning January 2014 as follows: $12.1 million of losses were allocated to Total, then it allocates any remaining losses proportionately such that over time AMSO and Total’s capital accounts as a percentage of AMSO, LLC’s total capital will equal their ownership interests. AMSO, LLC’s net loss was $5.2 million and $8.2 million in 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Corporate

Corporate does not generate any revenues, nor does it incur any direct cost of revenues. Corporate costs include unallocated compensation, consulting fees, legal fees, business development expense and other corporate-related general and administrative expense.

(in millions)					Change
Year ended December 31,	2015		2014		$			%
General and administrative expense and loss from operations	$	8.9	$	15.4	$	(6.5	)	(42.0	)%

The decrease in Corporate general and administrative expense in 2015 compared to 2014 was mostly due to a decrease in stock-based compensation expense, which decreased to $4.5 million in 2015 from $9.7 million in 2014. Stock-based compensation in 2014 related primarily to the December 2013 grant of options to purchase 3.0 million shares of our Class B common stock at an exercise price of $10.30 per share to Howard Jonas, our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, and the subsequent amendment of that compensation arrangement. The options were initially vesting

in five equal annual installments commencing on December 31, 2014. The estimated total value of the options on the grant date was $19.3 million. In July and August 2014, in connection with our entry into a Second Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with Mr. Jonas, the options were cancelled and Mr. Jonas purchased an aggregate of 3.6 million shares of our Class B common stock. The decrease in Corporate general and administrative expense in 2015 compared to 2014 was also due to a decrease in payroll expense. As a percentage of our consolidated revenues, Corporate general and administrative expense decreased from 5.6% in 2014 to 4.2% in 2015.

Consolidated

Selling, General and Administrative. Pursuant to an agreement between us and IDT, IDT charges us for services it provides, and we charge IDT for services that we provide to certain of IDT’s subsidiaries. In 2015 and 2014, the amounts that IDT charged us, net of the amounts that we charged IDT, were $1.8 million and $2.9 million, respectively, which were included in consolidated selling, general and administrative expense.

Stock-based compensation expense included in consolidated selling, general and administrative expense was $5.2 million and $10.8 million in 2015 and 2014, respectively. The decrease in stock-based compensation expense was primarily due to unrecognized compensation cost that was fully recognized in 2014. At December 31, 2015, aggregate unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock-based compensation was $12.4 million. The unrecognized compensation cost is recognized over the expected service period.

The following is a discussion of our consolidated income and expense line items below income from operations.

(in millions)							Change
Year ended December 31,	2015			2014			$		%
(Loss) income from operations	$	(5.9	)	$	(25.6	)	$	19.7