Via Renewables (VIASP) 10-Q 8 May 17 2017 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information Document - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	May 05, 2017
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Trading Symbol	SPKE
Entity Registrant Name	Spark Energy, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	1,606,268
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Common Class A
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		6,499,504
Common Class B
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		10,742,563

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 24,931	$ 18,960
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $2.4 million and $2.3 million as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively	108,754	112,491
Accounts receivable—affiliates	2,013	2,624
Inventory	430	3,752
Fair value of derivative assets	2,388	8,344
Customer acquisition costs, net	18,515	18,834
Customer relationships, net	12,474	12,113
Prepaid assets	2,319	1,361
Deposits	6,264	7,329
Other current assets	13,595	12,175
Total current assets	191,683	197,983
Property and equipment, net	4,389	4,706
Fair value of derivative assets	0	3,083
Customer acquisition costs, net	8,776	6,134
Customer relationships, net	18,537	21,410
Deferred tax assets	54,335	55,047
Goodwill	79,407	79,147
Other assets	8,690	8,658
Total assets	365,817	376,168
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	40,315	52,309
Accounts payable—affiliates	3,217	3,775
Accrued liabilities	40,022	36,619
Fair value of derivative liabilities	1,723	680
Current portion of Senior Credit Facility	22,236	51,287
Current contingent consideration for acquisitions	12,103	11,827
Current portion of note payable	8,185	15,501
Convertible subordinated notes to affiliates	0	6,582
Other current liabilities	2,230	5,476
Total current liabilities	130,031	184,056
Long-term liabilities:
Fair value of derivative liabilities	4,964	68
Payable pursuant to tax receivable agreement—affiliates	49,886	49,886
Subordinated debt—affiliate	0	5,000
Deferred tax liability	139	938
Contingent consideration for acquisitions	4,083	10,826
Other long-term liabilities	1,333	1,658
Total liabilities	190,436	252,432
Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)
Series A Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, 20,000,000 shares authorized, 1,610,000 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2017 and zero shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2016	38,346	0
Additional paid-in capital	33,812	25,413
Accumulated other comprehensive (income)/loss	(7)	11
Retained earnings	4,625	4,711
Total stockholders' equity	38,603	30,303
Non-controlling interest in Spark HoldCo, LLC	98,432	93,433
Total equity	137,035	123,736
Total liabilities, Series A Preferred Stock and stockholders' equity	365,817	376,168
Common Class A
Common stock	65	65
Common Class B
Common stock	$ 108	$ 103

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Prepaid assets - affiliates (less than)		$ 0
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 2,400	$ 2,300
Preferred stock par value per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock shares authorized (shares)	20,000,000	20,000,000
Preferred stock shares issued (shares)	1,610,000	0
Preferred stock shares outstanding (shares)	1,610,000	0
Common Class A
Common stock par value per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock shares authorized (shares)	120,000,000	120,000,000
Common stock shares issued (shares)	6,499,504	6,496,559
Common stock shares outstanding (shares)	6,499,504	6,496,559
Common Class B
Common stock par value per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock shares authorized (shares)	60,000,000	60,000,000
Common stock shares issued (shares)	10,742,563	10,224,742
Common stock shares outstanding (shares)	10,742,563	10,224,742

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMEN

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Revenues:
Retail revenues		$ 194,539	$ 110,019
Net asset optimization (expense)/revenues	[1]	(194)	527
Total Revenues		194,345	110,546
Operating Expenses:
Retail cost of revenues	[2]	143,698	68,800
General and administrative	[3]	24,377	17,380
Depreciation and amortization		9,232	6,789
Total Operating Expenses		177,307	92,969
Operating income		17,038	17,577
Other (expense)/income:
Interest expense		(3,445)	(753)
Interest and other income		199	(95)
Total other expenses		(3,246)	(848)
Income before income tax expense		13,792	16,729
Income tax expense		2,406	988
Net income		11,386	15,741
Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interests		9,117	11,568
Net income attributable to Spark Energy, Inc. stockholders		2,269	4,173
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment for equity method investee		(49)	0
Other comprehensive loss		(49)	0
Comprehensive income		11,337	15,741
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests		9,086	11,568
Comprehensive income attributable to Spark Energy, Inc. stockholders		$ 2,251	$ 4,173
Net income attributable to Spark Energy, Inc. per share of Class A common stock (4)
Basic (in dollars per share)	[4]	$ 0.32	$ 1.11
Diluted (in dollars per share)	[4]	$ 0.31	$ 0.68
Weighted average shares of Class A common stock outstanding
Basic (in shares)		6,498	3,756
Diluted (in shares)		6,634	14,520
[1]	Net asset optimization revenues (expenses) includes asset optimization revenues —affiliates of $0 and $113 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and asset optimization revenues—affiliates cost of revenues of $0 and $1,258 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
[2]	Retail cost of revenues includes retail cost of revenues—affiliates of $0 and less than $100 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
[3]	General and administrative includes general and administrative expense—affiliates of $7,300 and $4,400 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
[4]	In accordance with GAAP, net income attributable to stockholders of Class A common stock is presented net of cumulative Series A Preferred Stock dividends of $183 as of March 31, 2017.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME5

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parenthetical)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)
Retail revenues	$ 110,019,000
Optimization revenues	527,000	[1]
Retail cost of revenues (less than)	68,800,000	[2]
General and administrative	17,380,000	[3]
Accumulated dividend on Series A preferred stock	0
Affiliates
Retail revenues	0
Optimization revenues	113,000
Optimization cost of revenues - affiliates	1,258,000
Retail cost of revenues (less than)	100,000
General and administrative	$ 4,400,000
[1]	Net asset optimization revenues (expenses) includes asset optimization revenues —affiliates of $0 and $113 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and asset optimization revenues—affiliates cost of revenues of $0 and $1,258 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
[2]	Retail cost of revenues includes retail cost of revenues—affiliates of $0 and less than $100 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
[3]	General and administrative includes general and administrative expense—affiliates of $7,300 and $4,400 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME6

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY - 3 months ended Mar. 31, 2017 - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Total Stockholders' Equity	Common StockClass A Common Stock	Common StockClass B Common Stock	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings (Deficit)	Non-controlling Interest
Balance at beginning of period (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2016			6,497	10,225
Balance at beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 123,736	$ 30,303	$ 65	$ 103	$ 11	$ 25,413	$ 4,711	$ 93,433
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock based compensation	531	531				531
Restricted stock unit vesting (in shares)			3
Restricted stock unit vesting	78	78	$ 0			78
Consolidated net income	11,386	2,269					2,269	9,117
Foreign currency translation adjustment for equity method investee	(49)	(18)			(18)			(31)
Distributions paid to non-controlling unit holders	(4,347)							(4,347)
Net contribution of the Major Energy Companies	260							260
Dividends paid to Class A common stockholders	(2,355)	(2,355)					(2,355)
Conversion of Convertible Subordinated Notes to Class B Common Stock (in shares)				518
Conversion of Convertible Subordinated Notes to Class B Common Stock	7,795	7,795		$ 5		7,790		0
Balance at end of period (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2017			6,500	10,743
Balance at end of period at Mar. 31, 2017	$ 137,035	$ 38,603	$ 65	$ 108	$ (7)	$ 33,812	$ 4,625	$ 98,432

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME7

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 11,386	$ 15,741
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization expense	8,167	6,789
Deferred income taxes	(87)	841
Stock based compensation	1,367	618
Amortization of deferred financing costs	248	117
Change in Fair Value of Earnout Liabilities	1,936	1,000
Bad debt expense	356	907
Loss on derivatives, net	21,456	9,749
Current period cash settlements on derivatives, net	(6,178)	(10,457)
Accretion of discount to convertible subordinated notes to affiliate	1,004	35
Other	7	235
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Decrease in accounts receivable	3,381	5,060
Increase in accounts receivable—affiliates	(55)	(273)
Decrease in inventory	3,322	3,484
Increase in customer acquisition costs	(7,690)	(2,305)
Increase in prepaid and other current assets	(1,597)	(1,180)
Decrease in other assets	0	265
Decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(9,348)	(7,340)
(Decrease) increase in accounts payable—affiliates	(558)	1,949
(Decrease) increase in other current liabilities	(2,413)	156
(Decrease) increase in other non-current liabilities	(324)	111
Net cash provided by operating activities	24,380	25,502
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment	(112)	(665)
Payment of the Major Energy Companies Earnout	(7,403)	0
Payment of the Provider Companies Earnout and Installment Note	(2,097)	0
Contribution to equity method investment in eRex Spark	0	(168)
Net cash used in investing activities	(9,612)	(833)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of Series A Preferred Stock, net of issuance costs	38,607	0
Borrowings on notes payable	5,625	0
Payments on notes payable	(46,993)	(18,825)
Proceeds from disgorgement of stockholders short-swing profits	666	0
Payment of dividends to Class A common stockholders	(2,355)	(1,493)
Payment of distributions to non-controlling unitholders	(4,347)	(5,876)
Net cash used in financing activities	(8,797)	(26,194)
Increase in cash and cash equivalents	5,971	(1,525)
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period	18,960	4,474
Cash and cash equivalents—end of period	24,931	2,949
Property and equipment purchase accrual	76	57
Tax impact from tax receivable agreement upon exchange of units of Spark HoldCo, LLC to shares of Class A Common Stock	0	1,707
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	888	539
Taxes	$ 118	$ 842

Formation and Organization

Formation and Organization	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Formation and Organization	1. Formation and Organization Organization Spark Energy, Inc. ("Spark Energy," "Company," "we" or "us") is an independent retail energy services company that provides residential and commercial customers in competitive markets across the United States with an alternative choice for natural gas and electricity. The Company is a holding company whose sole material asset consists of units in Spark HoldCo, LLC (“Spark HoldCo”). Spark HoldCo owns all of the outstanding membership interests or common stock in each of Spark Energy, LLC (“SE”), Spark Energy Gas, LLC (“SEG”), Oasis Power Holdings, LLC ("Oasis"), CenStar Energy Corp. ("CenStar"), Electricity Maine, LLC, Electricity N.H., LLC and Provider Power Mass, LLC (collectively, the "Provider Companies"); and Major Energy Services, LLC, Major Energy Electric Services, LLC, and Respond Power, LLC (collectively, the "Major Energy Companies"), the operating subsidiaries through which the Company operates. The Company is the sole managing member of Spark HoldCo, is responsible for all operational, management and administrative decisions relating to Spark HoldCo’s business and consolidates the financial results of Spark HoldCo and its subsidiaries. SE is a licensed retail electric provider in multiple states. SE provides retail electricity services to end-use retail customers, ranging from residential and small commercial customers to large commercial and industrial users. SE was formed on February 5, 2002 under the Texas Revised Limited Partnership Act (as recodified by the TBOC) and was converted to a Texas limited liability company on May 21, 2014. SEG is a retail natural gas provider and asset optimization business competitively serving residential, commercial and industrial customers in multiple states. SEG was formed on January 17, 2001 under the Texas Revised Limited Partnership Act (as recodified by the TBOC) and was converted to a Texas limited liability company on May 21, 2014. Oasis, through its operating subsidiary, Oasis Power LLC, is a retail energy provider formed on August 28, 2009 as a limited liability company under the TBOC. We acquired Oasis on July 31, 2015 from an affiliate. CenStar is a retail energy provider incorporated on July 18, 2008 under the New York Business Corporation Law. We acquired CenStar on July 8, 2015. The Provider Companies operate as retail energy providers. Electricity Maine, LLC, Electricity N.H., LLC, and Provider Power Mass, LLC were formed on June 17, 2010, January 20, 2012 and August 22, 2012, respectively, as limited liability companies under the Maine Limited Liability Company Act. We acquired the Provider Companies on August 1, 2016, as described in Note 3 "Acquisitions." The Major Energy Companies operate as retail energy providers. Major Energy Services, LLC, Major Energy Electric Services, LLC and Respond Power, LLC were formed on October 11, 2005, September 12, 2007 and July 11, 2008, respectively, as limited liability companies under the New York Limited Liability Company Law. We completed the purchase of all the outstanding membership interests of the Major Energy Companies on August 23, 2016 from an affiliate, as described in Note 3 "Acquisitions." We are a Delaware corporation formed on April 22, 2014 for the purpose facilitating an initial public offering ("IPO") of our Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share ("Class A common stock"), and to become the sole managing member of, and to hold an ownership interest in, Spark HoldCo. In connection with our IPO, NuDevco Retail Holdings LLC ("NuDevco Retail Holdings") formed NuDevco Retail, LLC (“NuDevco Retail”), a single member limited liability company, on May 29, 2014, to hold the remaining Spark HoldCo units and shares of our Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share ("Class B common stock"). In January 2016, Retailco, LLC ("Retailco") succeeded to the interest of NuDevco Retail Holdings of its Class B common stock and an equal number of Spark HoldCo units it held pursuant to a series of transfers. See Note 4 "Equity" for further discussion. Relationship with our Founder and Majority Shareholder W. Keith Maxwell, III (our "Founder") is the owner of a majority in voting power of our common stock through his ownership of NuDevco Retail and Retailco. Retailco is a wholly owned subsidiary of TxEx Energy Investments, LLC ("TxEx"), which is wholly owned by Mr. Maxwell. NuDevco Retail is a wholly owned subsidiary of NuDevco Retail Holdings, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Electric HoldCo, LLC, which is also a wholly owned subsidiary of TxEx. Emerging Growth Company Status As a company with less than $1.0 billion in revenues during its last fiscal year, the Company qualifies as an “emerging growth company” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, or the JOBS Act. An emerging growth company may take advantage of specified reduced reporting and other regulatory requirements. The Company will remain an “emerging growth company” until as late as the last day of the Company's 2019 fiscal year, or until the earliest of (i) the last day of the fiscal year in which the Company has $1.0 billion or more in annual revenues; (ii) the date on which the Company becomes a “large accelerated filer” (the fiscal year-end on which the total market value of the Company’s common equity securities held by non-affiliates is $700 million or more as of June 30); (iii) the date on which the Company issues more than $1.0 billion of non-convertible debt over a three -year period. As a result of the Company's election to avail itself of certain provisions of the JOBS Act, the information that the Company provides may be different than what you may receive from other public companies in which you hold an equity interest. Exchange and Registration Rights The Spark HoldCo Third Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement provides that if the Company issues a new share of Class A common stock, Series A Preferred Stock (as defined below) or other equity security of the Company (other than shares of Class B common stock, and excluding issuances of Class A common stock upon an exchange of Class B common stock or Series A Preferred Stock), Spark HoldCo will concurrently issue a corresponding limited liability company unit either to the holder of the Class B common stock, or to the Company in the case of the issuance of shares of Class A common stock, Series A Preferred Stock or such other equity security. As a result, the number of Spark HoldCo units held by the Company always equals the number of shares of Class A common stock, Series A Preferred Stock or such other equity securities of the Company outstanding. Each share of Class B common stock, all of which are held by NuDevco Retail and Retailco, has no economic rights but entitles the holder to one vote on all matters to be voted on by stockholders generally. Holders of Class A common stock and Class B common stock vote together as a single class on all matters presented to our stockholders for their vote or approval, except as otherwise required by applicable law or by our certificate of incorporation. NuDevco Retail and Retailco have the right to exchange (the “Exchange Right”) all or a portion of their Spark HoldCo units (together with a corresponding number of shares of Class B common stock) for Class A common stock (or cash at Spark Energy, Inc.’s or Spark HoldCo’s election (the “Cash Option”)) at an exchange ratio of one share of Class A common stock for each Spark HoldCo unit (and corresponding share of Class B common stock) exchanged. In addition, NuDevco Retail and Retailco have the right, under certain circumstances, to cause the Company to register the offer and resale of NuDevco Retail's and Retailco's shares of Class A common stock obtained pursuant to the Exchange Right. Retail Acquisition Co., LLC ("RAC") is entitled to similar registration rights under the $2.1 million convertible subordinated note (the "CenStar Note") and $5.0 million convertible subordinated note (the "Oasis Note"). Refer to Note 8 "Debt" for further information.

Basis of Presentation and Summa

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	2. Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies The accompanying interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements (“interim statements”) of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC"). This information should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and notes contained in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 . The Company's unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are presented on a consolidated basis and include all wholly-owned and controlled subsidiaries. We account for investments over which we have significant influence but not a controlling financial interest using the equity method of accounting. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. The preparation of the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements requires estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the interim financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates. Effects on the business, financial condition and results of operations resulting from revisions to estimates are recognized when the facts that give rise to the revision become known. The information furnished herein reflects all normal recurring adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the condensed consolidated financial statements. Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year or for any interim period. Transactions with Affiliates The Company enters into transactions with and pays certain costs on behalf of affiliates that are commonly controlled by W. Keith Maxwell III, and these affiliates enter into transactions with and pay certain costs on our behalf, in order to reduce risk, reduce administrative expense, create economies of scale, create strategic alliances and supply goods and services among these related parties. These transactions include, but are not limited to, certain services to the affiliated companies associated with the Company’s debt facility prior to the IPO, employee benefits provided through the Company’s benefit plans, insurance plans, leased office space, administrative salaries for management due diligence work, recurring management consulting, and accounting, tax, legal, or technology services based on services provided, departmental usage, or headcount, which are considered reasonable by management. As such, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include costs that have been incurred by the Company and then directly billed or allocated to affiliates, and costs that have been incurred by our affiliates and then directly billed or allocated to us, and are recorded net in general and administrative expense on the condensed consolidated statements of operations with a corresponding accounts receivable—affiliates or accounts payable—affiliates, respectively, recorded in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Additionally, the Company enters into transactions with certain affiliates for sales or purchases of natural gas and electricity, which are recorded in retail revenues, retail cost of revenues, and net asset optimization revenues in the condensed consolidated statements of operations with a corresponding accounts receivable—affiliate or accounts payable—affiliate in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The allocations and related estimates and assumptions are described more fully in Note 13 “Transactions with Affiliates.” Presentation of the Acquisition of Major Energy Companies On April 15, 2016, National Gas & Electric, LLC (“NG&E”), an affiliate of the Company , completed the acquisition of 100% of the membership interests of Major Energy Companies. On May 3, 2016, Spark HoldCo and Retailco entered into a Membership Interest Purchase Agreement (the "Major Purchase Agreement") with NG&E for the purchase of all of the membership interests of the Major Energy Companies. Spark HoldCo and Retailco completed the acquisition of the Major Energy Companies from NG&E on August 23, 2016. Subsequent Events Subsequent events have been evaluated through the date these financial statements are issued. Any material subsequent events that occurred prior to such date have been properly recognized or disclosed in the condensed consolidated financial statements. See Note 15 "Subsequent Events" for further discussion. Recent Accounting Pronouncements Adopted Standards In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718) ("ASU 2016-09"). ASU 2016-09 includes provisions intended to simplify various aspects of accounting for shared-based payments, including income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liability and classification on the statement of cash flows. This guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods of public entities beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted ASU 2016-09 in the first quarter of 2017. The new standard requires prospective recognition of excess tax benefits resulting from stock-based compensation vesting and exercises to be recognized as a reduction of income taxes and reflected in operating cash flows. Previously, these amounts were recognized in additional paid-in capital and presented as a financing activity on the statement of cash flows. No net excess tax benefits were recognized as a reduction of income taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2017. Prior periods have not been adjusted. The Company has elected to continue to estimate the number of stock-based awards expected to vest, as permitted by ASU 2016-09, rather than electing to account for forfeitures as they occur. ASU 2016-09 requires that employee taxes paid when an employer withholds shares for tax-withholding purposes to be reported as financing activities in the statement of cash flows. Previously, these cash flows were included in operating activities. The Company has elected to adopt this prospectively, as permitted by ASU 2016-09. This change resulted in no impact on the statement of cash flow for the three months ended March 31, 2017. In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-17, Consolidation (Topic 810): Interests Held through Related Parties that Are under Common Control ("ASU 2016-17"). ASU 2016-17 amends the consolidation guidance on how a reporting entity that is the single decision maker of a variable interest entity ("VIE") should treat indirect interests in the entity held through related parties that are under common control with the reporting entity when determining whether it is the primary beneficiary of that VIE. Under ASU 2016-17, a single decision maker of a VIE is required to consider indirect economic interests in the entity held through related parties on a proportionate basis when determining whether it is the primary beneficiary of that VIE. If a single decision maker and its related party are under common control, the single decision maker is required to consider indirect interests in the entity held through those related parties to be the equivalent of direct interests in their entirety. The amendments are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 (the Company's first quarter of fiscal 2017), including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The standard may be applied retrospectively or through a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The Company adopted ASU 2016-17 effective January 1, 2017, and the adoption had no impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. Standards Being Evaluated/Standards Not Yet Adopted In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers , which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date , which deferred the effective date to periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted only as of annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. In December 2016, the FASB further issued ASU No. 2016-20, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, to increase stakeholders' awareness of the proposals and to expedite improvements to ASU 2014-09. After assessing the new standard, the Company expects that there will be no material impacts to our revenue recognition procedures. The FASB issued additional amendments to ASU No. 2014-09, as amended by ASU No. 2015-14: • March 2016 - ASU No. 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net) ("ASU 2016-08"). ASU 2016-08 clarifies the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations. The guidance includes indicators to assist an entity in determining whether it controls a specified good or service before it is transferred to customers. • April 2016 - ASU No. 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing ("ASU 2016-10"). ASU 2016-10 covers two specific topics: performance obligations and licensing. This amendment includes guidance on immaterial promised goods or services, shipping or handling activities, separately identifiable performance obligations, functional or symbolic intellectual property licenses, sales-based and usage-based royalties, license restrictions (time, use, geographical) and licensing renewals. • May 2016 - ASU No. 2016-12, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients ("ASU 2016-12"). ASU 2016-12 clarifies certain core recognition principles including collectability, sales tax presentation, noncash consideration, contract modifications and completed contracts at transition and disclosures no longer required if the full retrospective transition method is adopted. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) ("ASU 2016-02") . ASU 2016-02 amends the existing accounting standards for lease accounting by requiring entities to include substantially all leases on the balance sheet by requiring the recognition of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for all leases. Entities may elect to not recognize leases with a maximum possible term of less than 12 months. For lessees, a lease is classified as finance or operating and the asset and liability are initially measured at the present value of the lease payments. For lessors, accounting for leases is largely unchanged from previous guidance. ASU 2016-02 also requires qualitative disclosures along with certain specific quantitative disclosures for both lessees and lessors. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted, and are effective for interim periods in the year of adoption. The ASU should be applied using a modified retrospective approach, which requires lessees and lessors to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance on its consolidated financial statements. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments ("ASU 2016-13"). ASU 2016-13 requires entities to use a current expected credit loss ("CECL") model, which is a new impairment model based on expected losses rather than incurred losses. The model requires financial assets measured at amortized cost be presented at the net amount expected to be collected. The allowance for credit losses is a valuation account that is deducted from the amortized cost basis. The income statement reflects the measurement of credit losses for newly recognized financial assets, as well as the expected credit losses during the period. The measurement of expected losses is based upon historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the reported amount. This guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance on its consolidated financial statements. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230), Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments ("ASU 2016-15") . ASU 2016-15 provides guidance on the presentation and classification of eight specific cash flow issues in the statement of cash flows. Those issues are cash payment for debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs; settlement of zero-coupon debt instrument or other debt instrument with coupon interest rates that are insignificant in relation to the effective interest rate of the borrowing; contingent consideration payments made after a business combination; cash proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims, cash received from settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies; distribution received from equity method investees; beneficial interest in securitization transactions; and classification of cash receipts and payments that have aspects of more than one class of cash flows. The guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. This ASU should be applied using a retrospective transition method for each period presented. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance on its consolidated financial statements. In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory (“ASU 2016-16”). ASU 2016-16 requires immediate recognition of the current and deferred income tax consequences of intercompany asset transfers other than inventory. Current U.S. GAAP prohibits the recognition of current and deferred income taxes for an intra-entity asset transfer until the asset has been sold to an outside party. This guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods of public entities beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted as of the beginning of an annual reporting period for which financial statements (interim or annual) have not been issued or made available for issuance. This ASU should be applied using a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment directly to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance on its consolidated financial statements. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash ("ASU 2016-18"). ASU 2016-18 is intended to add and clarify guidance on the classification and presentation of restricted cash on the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-18 requires that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Therefore, amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The amendments are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance on its consolidated financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business ("ASU 2017-01"). ASU 2017-01 clarifies the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The definition of a business affects many areas of accounting, including acquisitions, disposals, goodwill, and consolidation. ASU 2017-01 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those periods, and the amendments should be applied prospectively on or after the effective date. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance on its consolidated financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-03, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections (Topic 250) and Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323) ("ASU 2017-03"). ASU 2017-03 offers amendments to SEC paragraphs pursuant to staff announcements at the September 22, 2016 and November 17, 2016 EITF meetings for clarification purposes. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance on its consolidated financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment ("ASU 2017-04"). ASU 2017-04 simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill by eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Under the amendments in this update, an entity should perform its annual or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An entity should recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit's fair value. However, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. ASU 2017-04 should be applied on a prospective basis and is effective for annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance on its consolidated financial statements. In February 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-05, Other Income - Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets (Subtopic 610-20) : Clarifying the Scope of Asset Derecognition Guidance and Accounting for Partial Sales of Nonfinancial Assets ("ASU 2017-05"). ASU 2017-05 clarifies the scope of Subtopic 610-20 and adds guidance for partial sales of nonfinancial assets. Subtopic 610-20 was issued in May 2014 as part of ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) and provides guidance for recognizing gains and losses from the transfer of nonfinancial assets in contracts with noncustomers. The amendments in ASU 2017-05 clarify that a financial asset is within the scope of Subtopic 610-20 if it meets the definition of an in substance nonfinancial asset. The amendments also clarify that nonfinancial assets within the scope of Subtopic 610-20 may include nonfinancial assets transferred within a legal entity to a counterparty. The amendments in ASU 2017-05 are effective at the same time as the amendments in ASU 2014-09, which are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. An entity may elect to apply the amendments in ASU 2017-05 either retrospectively to each period presented in the financial statements in accordance with the guidance on accounting changes (retrospective approach) or retrospectively with a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption (modified retrospective approach). The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance on its consolidated financial statements.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	3. Acquisitions Acquisition of the Provider Companies On August 1, 2016, the Company and Spark HoldCo completed the purchase of all of the outstanding membership interests of the Provider Companies. The Provider Companies serve electrical customers in Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. The purchase price for the Provider Companies was approximately $34.1 million , which included $1.3 million in working capital, subject to adjustments, and up to $9.0 million in earnout payments, valued at $4.8 million as of the purchase date, to be paid by June 30, 2017, subject to the achievement of certain performance targets (the "Provider Earnout"). See Note 9 "Fair Value Measurements" for further discussion on the Provider Earnout. The purchase price was funded by the issuance of 699,742 shares of Class B common stock (and a corresponding number of Spark HoldCo units) sold to Retailco, valued at $14.0 million based on a value of $20 per share; borrowings under the Senior Credit Facility of $10.6 million ; and $3.8 million in net installment consideration to be paid in ten monthly payments that commenced in August 2016. The first payment of $0.4 million was made with the initial consideration paid. See Note 8 "Debt" for further discussion of the Senior Credit Facility. The acquisition of the Provider Companies was accounted for under the acquisition method in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations (“ASC 805”). The allocation of purchase consideration was based upon the estimated fair value of the tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the acquisition. The allocation was made to major categories of assets and liabilities based on management’s best estimates, and supported by independent third-party analyses. The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value of tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed was allocated to goodwill. The purchase price allocation for the acquisition of the Provider Companies was finalized as of December 31, 2016. No changes were recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2017. Acquisition of the Major Energy Companies On August 23, 2016, the Company and Spark HoldCo completed the transfer of all of the outstanding membership interests of the Major Energy Companies, which are retail energy companies operating in Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland (including the District of Columbia), Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania across 43 utilities, from NG&E in exchange for consideration of $63.4 million , which included $4.3 million in working capital, subject to adjustments; an assumed litigation reserve of $5.0 million , and up to $35.0 million in installment and earnout payments, valued at $13.1 million as of the purchase date, to be paid to the previous members of the Major Energy Companies, in annual installments on March 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019, subject to the achievement of certain performance targets (the “Major Earnout”). The Company is obligated to issue up to 200,000 shares of Class B common stock (and a corresponding number of Spark HoldCo units) to NG&E, subject to the achievement of certain performance targets, valued at $0.8 million ( 40,718 shares valued at $20 per share) as of the purchase date (the "Stock Earnout"). See Note 9 "Fair Value Measurements" for further discussion on the Major Earnout and Stock Earnout. The purchase price was funded by the issuance of 2,000,000 shares of Class B common stock (and a corresponding number of Spark HoldCo units) valued at $40.0 million based on a value of $20 per share, to NG&E. NG&E is owned by our Founder. The acquisition of the Major Energy Companies by the Company and Spark HoldCo from NG&E was a transfer of equity interests of entities under common control on August 23, 2016. Accordingly, the assets acquired and liabilities assumed were based on their historical values as of August 23, 2016. NG&E acquired the Major Energy Companies on April 15, 2016 and the fair value of the net assets acquired was as follows (in thousands): Reported as of December 31, 2016 Q1 2017 Adjustments (1) March 31, 2017 Cash $ 17,368 $ — $ 17,368 Property and equipment 14 — 14 Intangible assets - customer relationships & non-compete agreements 24,271 — 24,271 Other assets - trademarks 4,973 — 4,973 Non-current deferred tax assets 1,042 — 1,042 Goodwill 34,728 260 34,988 Net working capital, net of cash acquired (6,746 ) — (6,746 ) Fair value of derivative liabilities (7,260 ) — (7,260 ) Total $ 68,390 $ 260 $ 68,650 (1) Changes to the purchase price allocation in the first quarter of 2017 related to NG&E's working capital settlement with the Major Energy Companies' sellers. The initial working capital estimate paid to the Major Energy Companies by NG&E was $10.3 million . The Company subsequently paid $4.3 million in working capital to NG&E on August 23, 2016. Approximately $6.0 million was recorded as an equity transaction and treated as a contribution on August 23, 2016, revised to $4.9 million and $4.7 million based on the estimated working capital true-up adjustments with NG&E as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. An estimated working capital adjustment between the Company and NG&E of $1.4 million was recorded as of December 31, 2016 and is included in accounts payable - affiliates at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016. The Stock Earnout of $0.8 million due to NG&E is also reflected as a reduction to equity as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016. Finalization of the Company's working capital adjustment with NG&E was completed prior to April 15, 2017. The fair values of intangible assets were measured primarily based on significant inputs that are not observable in the market and thus represent a Level 3 measurement as defined by ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement ("ASC 820"). The fair value of derivative liabilities were measured by utilizing readily available quoted market prices and non-exchange-traded contracts fair valued using market price quotations available through brokers or over-the-counter and on-line exchanges and represent a Level 2 measurement as defined by ASC 820. Refer to Note 9 "Fair Value Measurements" for further discussion on the fair values hierarchy. Goodwill The excess of the purchase consideration over the estimated fair value of the amounts initially assigned to the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed was recorded as goodwill. Goodwill arose on the acquisition of the Major Energy Companies by NG&E primarily due to the value of the Major Energy Companies brand strength, established vendor relationships and access to new utility service territories. Goodwill recorded in connection with the acquisition of the Major Energy Companies is deductible for income tax purposes because the acquisition of the Major Energy Companies was an acquisition of all of the assets of the Major Energy Companies. The valuation and purchase price allocation of the Major Energy Companies was based on a preliminary fair value analysis performed as of April 15, 2016, the date the Major Energy Companies were acquired by NG&E. During the measurement period, the Company may record adjustments to the working capital balances upon settlement of the final working capital balances per the terms of the purchase agreement. Goodwill was transferred to the Company based on the acquisition of the Major Energy Companies by NG&E on April 15, 2016. Goodwill recorded in connection with the transfer of the Major Energy Companies is deductible for income tax purposes. In December 2016, certain executives of the Major Energy Companies exercised a change of control provision under employment agreements with the Major Energy Companies. As a result, the Company recorded employment contract termination costs of $4.1 million as of December 31, 2016. The Company paid employment contract termination costs totaling $1.5 million during the three months ended March 31, 2017. As of March 31, 2017, the Company's liability related to the contract termination costs was $2.6 million , to be paid over a 22 month period beginning April 1, 2017.

Equity

Equity	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Equity	4. Equity Non-controlling Interest The Company holds an economic interest and is the sole managing member in Spark HoldCo, with NuDevco Retail and Retailco holding the remaining economic interest in Spark HoldCo. As a result, the Company has consolidated the financial position and results of operations of Spark HoldCo and reflected the economic interest retained by NuDevco Retail and Retailco as a non-controlling interest. The Company and NuDevco Retail and Retailco owned the following economic interests in Spark HoldCo at December 31, 2016 and March 31, 2017 , respectively. Non-controlling Interest Economic Interest The Company NuDevco Retail and Retailco (1) (2) December 31, 2016 38.85 % 61.15 % March 31, 2017 37.70 % 62.30 % . (1) In January 2016, Retailco succeeded to the interest of NuDevco Retail Holdings of its Class B common stock and an equal number of Spark HoldCo units it held pursuant to a series of transfers. (2) In January 2017, Retailco converted the CenStar Note and Oasis Note into 134,731 and 383,090 shares, respectively, of Class B common stock. The following table summarizes the portion of net income and income tax expense (benefit) attributable to non-controlling interest (in thousands): Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 Net income allocated to non-controlling interest $ 8,660 $ 12,008 Income tax expense (benefit) allocated to non-controlling interest (457 ) 440 Net income attributable to non-controlling interest $ 9,117 $ 11,568 Class A Common Stock The Company had a total of 6,499,504 and 6,496,559 shares of its Class A common stock outstanding at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. Each share of Class A common stock holds economic rights and entitles its holder to one vote on all matters to be voted on by shareholders generally. Class B Common Stock The Company has a total of 10,742,563 and 10,224,742 shares of its Class B common stock outstanding at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. Each share of Class B common stock, all of which are held by NuDevco Retail and Retailco, have no economic rights but entitles its holder to one vote on all matters to be voted on by shareholders generally. Holders of Class A common stock and Class B common stock vote together as a single class on all matters presented to our shareholders for their vote or approval, except as otherwise required by applicable law or by our certificate of incorporation. Conversion of CenStar and Oasis Notes On January 8, 2017 and January 31, 2017, respectively, the CenStar Note and Oasis Note were converted into 134,731 and 383,090 shares of Class B common stock (and related Spark HoldCo units). Refer to Note 8 "Debt" for further discussion. Earnings Per Share Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net income attributable to stockholders (the numerator) by the weighted-average number of Class A common shares outstanding for the period (the denominator). Class B common shares are not included in the calculation of basic earnings per share because they are not participating securities and have no economic interest in the Company. Diluted earnings per share is similarly calculated except that the denominator is increased (1) using the treasury stock method to determine the potential dilutive effect of the Company's outstanding unvested restricted stock units, (2) using the if-converted method to determine the potential dilutive effect of the Company's Class B common stock and (3) using the if-converted method to determine the potential dilutive effect of the outstanding convertible subordinated notes into the Company's Class B common stock. The following table presents the computation of earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands, except per share data): Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 Net income attributable to Spark Energy, Inc. stockholders $ 2,269 $ 4,173 Less: Accumulated dividend on Series A preferred stock $ 183 $ — Net income attributable to stockholders of Class A common stock (2) $ 2,086 $ 4,173 Basic weighted average Class A common shares outstanding 6,498 3,756 Basic EPS attributable to stockholders $ 0.32 $ 1.11 Net income attributable to stockholders of Class A common stock (2) $ 2,086 $ 4,173 Effect of conversion of Class B common stock to shares of Class A common stock — 6,094 Effect of conversion of convertible subordinated notes into shares of Class B common stock and shares of Class B common stock into shares of Class A common stock (1) — (413 ) Diluted net income attributable to stockholders of Class A common stock 2,086 9,854 Basic weighted average Class A common shares outstanding 6,498 3,756 Effect of dilutive Class B common stock — 10,113 Effect of dilutive convertible subordinated notes into shares of Class B common stock and shares of Class B common stock into shares of Class A common stock (1) — 493 Effect of dilutive restricted stock units 136 158 Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 6,634 14,520 Diluted EPS attributable to stockholders $ 0.31 $ 0.68 (1) The CenStar Note and Oasis Note converted into 134,731 and 383,090 shares of Class B common stock on January 8, 2017, and January 31, 2017, respectively. (2) In accordance with GAAP, net income attributable to stockholders of Class A common stock is presented net of cumulative Series A Preferred Stock dividends of $183 as of March 31, 2017. The conversion of shares of Class B common stock to shares of Class A common stock was not recognized in dilutive earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2017 as the effect of the conversion was antidilutive. Variable Interest Entity Spark HoldCo is a variable interest entity due to its lack of rights to participate in significant financial and operating decisions and inability to dissolve or otherwise remove its management. Spark HoldCo owns all of the outstanding membership interests in each of the operating subsidiaries through which the Company operates. The Company is the sole managing member of Spark HoldCo, manages Spark HoldCo's operating subsidiaries through this managing membership interest, and is considered the primary beneficiary of Spark HoldCo. The assets of Spark HoldCo cannot be used to settle the obligations of the Company except through distributions to the Company, and the liabilities of Spark HoldCo cannot be settled by the Company except through contributions to Spark HoldCo. The following table includes the carrying amounts and classification of the assets and liabilities of Spark HoldCo that are included in the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2017 (in thousands): March 31, 2017 Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 24,784 Accounts receivable 108,754 Other current assets 57,997 Total current assets 191,535 Non-current assets: Goodwill 79,407 Other assets 40,392 Total non-current assets 119,799 Total Assets $ 311,334 Liabilities Current liabilities: Accounts payable and Accrued Liabilities $ 77,633 Intercompany payable with Spark Energy, Inc. 37,636 Current portion of Senior Credit Facility 22,236 Contingent consideration 12,103 Other current liabilities 7,170 Total current liabilities 156,778 Long-term liabilities: Contingent consideration 4,083 Other long-term liabilities 4,964 Total long-term liabilities 9,047 Total Liabilities $ 165,825

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment	6. Property and Equipment Property and equipment consist of the following amounts as of (in thousands): Estimated useful March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Information technology 2 – 5 $ 29,863 $ 29,675 Leasehold improvements 2 – 5 4,568 4,568 Furniture and fixtures 2 – 5 1,024 1,024 Total 35,455 35,267 Accumulated depreciation (31,066 ) (30,561 ) Property and equipment—net $ 4,389 $ 4,706 Information technology assets include software and consultant time used in the application, development and implementation of various systems including customer billing and resource management systems. As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , information technology includes $1.2 million and $1.1 million , respectively, of costs associated with assets not yet placed into service. Depreciation expense recorded in the condensed consolidated statements of operations was $0.5 million and $0.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively.

Goodwill, Customer Relationship

Goodwill, Customer Relationships and Trademarks	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill, Customer Relationships and Trademarks	5 years 5,234 Total $ 37,230" id="sjs-B4">7. Goodwill, Customer Relationships and Trademarks Goodwill, customer relationships and trademarks consist of the following amounts as of (in thousands): March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Goodwill $ 79,407 $ 79,147 Customer relationships - Acquired (1) Cost $ 63,571 $ 63,571 Accumulated amortization (33,812 ) (31,660 ) Customer relationships - Acquired, net $ 29,759 $ 31,911 Customer relationships - Other (2) Cost $ 4,320 $ 4,320 Accumulated amortization (3,068 ) (2,708 ) Customer relationships - Other, net $ 1,252 $ 1,612 Trademarks (3) Cost $ 6,770 $ 6,770 Accumulated amortization (551 ) (431 ) Trademarks, net $ 6,219 $ 6,339 (1) Customer relationships - Acquired represent those customer acquisitions accounted for under the acquisition method in accordance with ASC 805. See Note 3 "Acquisitions" for further discussion. (2) Customer relationships - Other represent portfolios of customer contracts not accounted for in accordance with ASC 805 as these acquisitions were not in conjunction with the acquisition of businesses. (3) Trademarks reflect values associated with the recognition and positive reputation of acquired businesses accounted for as part of the acquisition method in accordance with ASC 805 through the acquisitions of CenStar, Oasis, the Provider Companies and the Major Energy Companies. These trademarks are recorded as other assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. See Note 3 "Acquisitions" for further discussion. Changes in goodwill, customer relationships and trademarks consisted of the following (in thousands): Goodwill (1) Customer Relationships - Acquired Customer Relationships - Others Trademarks Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 79,147 $ 31,911 $ 1,612 $ 6,339 Additions (Major Working Capital Adjustment) 260 — — — Amortization expense — (2,152 ) (360 ) (120 ) Balance at March 31, 2017 $ 79,407 $ 29,759 $ 1,252 $ 6,219 (1) Changes in goodwill in the three months ended March 31, 2017 related to NG&E's working capital settlement with the Major Energy Companies' sellers. The acquired customer relationship intangibles related to the Major Energy Companies and the Provider Companies were bifurcated between hedged and unhedged customer contracts. The unhedged customer contracts are amortized to depreciation and amortization based on the expected future cash flows by year. The hedged customer contracts were evaluated for favorable or unfavorable positions at the time of acquisition and amortized to retail cost of revenue based on the expected term and position of the underlying fixed price contract in each reporting period. Customer relationship amortization expense for the three months ended March 31, 2017 was $2.2 million , which is net of $1.1 million customer relationship amortization gain included in cost of revenues. Estimated future amortization expense for customer relationships and trademarks at March 31, 2017 is as follows (in thousands): Year ending December 31, 2017 $ 10,281 2018 10,337 2019 5,892 2020 2,894 2021 2,592 > 5 years 5,234 Total $ 37,230

Debt

Debt	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	8. Debt Debt consists of the following amounts (in thousands): March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Current portion of Senior Credit Facility—Working Capital Line (1) (2) $ — $ 29,000 Current portion of Senior Credit Facility—Acquisition Line (2) 22,236 22,287 Current portion of Note Payable—Pacific Summit Energy 8,185 15,501 Convertible subordinated notes to affiliate — 6,582 Total current debt 30,421 73,370 Subordinated Debt — 5,000 Total long-term debt — 5,000 Total debt $ 30,421 $ 78,370 (1) As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the Company had $39.3 million and $29.6 million in letters of credit issued, respectively. (2) As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the weighted average interest rate on the current portion of our Senior Credit Facility was 4.75% and 4.93% , respectively. Deferred financing costs were $0.2 million and $0.4 million as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively, recorded in other current assets, representing capitalized financing costs in connection with the amendment and restatement of our Senior Credit Facility on July 8, 2015. Interest expense consists of the following components for the periods indicated (in thousands): Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 Interest incurred on Senior Credit Facility $ 694 $ 318 Accretion related to Earnouts (1) 1,225 — Letters of credit fees and commitment fees 226 192 Amortization of deferred financing costs 248 117 Interest incurred on convertible subordinated notes to affiliate (2) 1,052 126 Interest Expense $ 3,445 $ 753 (1) Includes accretion related to the Provider Earnout of $0.1 million and the Major Earnout of $1.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 . (2) Includes amortization of the discount on the convertible subordinated notes to affiliates of $1.0 million and $0.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Senior Credit Facility The Company, as guarantor, and Spark HoldCo (the “Borrower,” and together with Spark Energy, LLC, Spark Energy Gas, LLC, CenStar Energy Corp, CenStar Operating Company, LLC, Oasis, Oasis Power, LLC, Electricity Maine, LLC, Electricity N.H., LLC, and Provider Power Mass, LLC, each a subsidiary of Spark HoldCo, the “Co-Borrowers”) are party to a senior secured revolving credit facility (“Senior Credit Facility”), which includes a senior secured revolving working capital facility up to $82.5 million ("Working Capital Line") and a secured revolving line of credit of $25.0 million ("Acquisition Line") to be used specifically for the financing of up to 75% of the cost of acquisitions with the remainder to be financed by the Company either through cash on hand or the issuance of subordinated debt or equity. On June 1, 2016, the Company and the Co-Borrowers entered into Amendment No. 3 to the Senior Credit Facility to, among other things, increase the Working Capital Line from $60.0 million to $82.5 million in accordance with the Co-Borrowers' right to increase under the existing terms of the Senior Credit Facility. Amendment No. 3 also provides for the addition of new lenders and re-allocates working capital and revolving commitments among existing and new lenders. Amendment No. 3 also provides for additional representations of the Co-Borrowers and additional protections of the lenders of the Senior Credit Facility. On August 1, 2016, the Company and the Co-Borrowers entered into Amendment No. 4 to the Senior Credit Facility to, among other things, amend the provisions under the Acquisition Line to allow for the Provider Companies acquisition. Amendment No. 4 also raises the minimum availability under the Working Capital Line to $40.0 million . In addition, Amendment No. 4 designates Major Energy Companies as "unrestricted subsidiaries" upon the closing of such acquisition on August 23, 2016. The Senior Credit Facility will mature on July 8, 2017. The outstanding balances under the Working Capital Line and the Acquisition Line are classified as current debt as of March 31, 2017 . At our election, the interest rate under the Working Capital Line is generally determined by reference to: • the Eurodollar-based rate plus an applicable margin of up to 3.00% per annum (based upon the prevailing utilization); or • the alternate base rate plus an applicable margin of up to 2.00% per annum (based upon the prevailing utilization). The alternate base rate is equal to the highest of (i) Société Générale’s prime rate, (ii) the federal funds rate plus 0.50% per annum, or (iii) the reference Eurodollar rate plus 1.00% ; or • the rate quoted by Société Générale as its cost of funds for the requested credit plus up to 2.50% per annum (based upon the prevailing utilization). The interest rate is generally reduced by 25 basis points if utilization under the Working Capital Line is below fifty percent. Borrowings under the Acquisition Line are generally determined by reference to: • the Eurodollar rate plus an applicable margin of up to 3.75% per annum (based upon the prevailing utilization); or • the alternate base rate plus an applicable margin of up to 2.75% per annum (based upon the prevailing utilization). The alternate base rate is equal to the highest of (i) Société Générale's prime rate, (ii) the federal funds rate plus 0.50% per annum, or (iii) the reference Eurodollar rate plus 1.00% . The Co-Borrowers pay an annual commitment fee of 0.375% or 0.50% on the unused portion of the Working Capital Line depending upon the unused capacity and 0.50% on the unused portion of the Acquisition Line. The lending syndicate under the Senior Credit Facility is entitled to several additional fees including an upfront fee, annual agency fee, and fronting fees based on a percentage of the face amount of letters of credit payable to any syndicate member that issues a letter of credit. The Company has the ability to elect the availability under the Working Capital Line between $40.0 million to $82.5 million . On September 30, 2016, the Company and the Co-Borrowers elected to reduce the capacity of the Working Capital Line from $82.5 million to $60.0 million . At December 31, 2016, we elected up to the $70.0 million level. The Company and the Co-Borrowers elected a Working Capital Line of $82.5 million , effective as of March 22, 2017. Availability under the working capital line will be subject to borrowing base limitations. The borrowing base is calculated primarily based on 80% to 90% of the value of eligible accounts receivable and unbilled product sales (depending on the credit quality of the counterparties) and inventory and other working capital assets. The Co-Borrowers must generally seek approval of the agent or the lenders for permitted acquisitions to be financed under the Acquisition Line. The Senior Credit Facility is secured by pledges of the equity of the portion of Spark HoldCo owned by the Company and of the equity of Spark HoldCo’s subsidiaries (excluding the Major Energy Companies) and the Co-Borrowers’ present and future subsidiaries, all of the Co-Borrowers’ and their subsidiaries’ present and future property and assets, including accounts receivable, inventory and liquid investments, and control agreements relating to bank accounts. The Major Energy Companies are currently excluded from the definition of "Borrowers" under the Senior Credit Facility. Accordingly we did not factor their working capital into our working capital covenants. The Senior Credit Facility also contains covenants that, among other things, require the maintenance of specified ratios or conditions as follows: • Minimum Net Working Capital . The Co-Borrowers must maintain minimum consolidated net working capital equal to the greater of $5.0 million or 15% of the elected availability under the Working Capital Line. • Minimum Adjusted Tangible Net Worth. The Co-Borrowers must maintain a minimum consolidated adjusted tangible net worth at all times equal to the net cash proceeds from equity issuances occurring after the date of the Senior Credit Facility plus the greater of (i) 20% of aggregate commitments under the Working Capital Line plus 33% of borrowings under the Acquisition Line and (ii) $18.0 million . • Minimum Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio. Spark Energy, Inc. must maintain a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.25 to 1.00. The Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is defined as the ratio of (a) Adjusted EBITDA to (b) the sum of consolidated interest expense (other than interest paid-in-kind in respect of any Subordinated Debt), letter of credit fees, commitment fees, acquisition earn-out payments, distributions and scheduled amortization payments. • Maximum Total Leverage Ratio. Spark Energy, Inc. must maintain a ratio of total indebtedness (excluding the Working Capital Facility and qualifying subordinated debt) to Adjusted EBITDA of a maximum of 2.50 to 1.00. The Senior Credit Facility contains various negative covenants that limit the Company’s ability to, among other things, do any of the following: • incur certain additional indebtedness; • grant certain liens; • engage in certain asset dispositions; • merge or consolidate; • make certain payments, distributions, investments, acquisitions or loans; or • enter into transactions with affiliates. Spark Energy, Inc. is entitled to pay cash dividends to the holders of the Class A common stock and Series A Preferred Stock, and Spark HoldCo will be entitled to make cash distributions to us, NuDevco Retail and Retailco (or their successors in interest) so long as: (a) no default exists or would result from such a payment; (b) the Co-Borrowers are in pro forma compliance with all financial covenants before and after giving effect to such payment and (c) the outstanding amount of all loans and letters of credit does not exceed the borrowing base limits. Spark HoldCo’s inability to satisfy certain financial covenants or the existence of an event of default, if not cured or waived, under the Senior Credit Facility could prevent the Company from paying dividends to holders of the Class A common stock. The Senior Credit Facility contains certain customary representations and warranties and events of default. Events of default include, among other things, payment defaults, breaches of representations and warranties, covenant defaults, cross-defaults and cross-acceleration to certain indebtedness, change in control in which affiliates of W. Keith Maxwell III own less than 40% of the outstanding voting interests in the Company, certain events of bankruptcy, certain events under ERISA, material judgments in excess of $5.0 million , certain events with respect to material contracts, actual or asserted failure of any guaranty or security document supporting the Senior Credit Facility to be in full force and effect and changes of control. If such an event of default occurs, the lenders under the Senior Credit Facility would be entitled to take various actions, including the acceleration of amounts due under the facility and all actions permitted to be taken by a secured creditor. In addition, the Senior Credit Facility contains affirmative covenants that are customary for credit facilities of this type. The covenants include delivery of financial statements, including any filings made with the SEC, maintenance of property and insurance, payment of taxes and obligations, material compliance with laws, inspection of property, books and records and audits, use of proceeds, payments to bank blocked accounts, notice of defaults and certain other customary matters. Convertible Subordinated Notes to Affiliate In connection with the financing of the CenStar acquisition, the Company, together with Spark HoldCo, issued the CenStar Note to RAC for $2.1 million on July 8, 2015. The CenStar Note matures on July 8, 2020, and bears interest at an annual rate of 5% , payable semiannually. The Company has the right to pay interest in kind at its option. The CenStar Note is convertible into shares of the Company’s Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share (and a related unit of Spark HoldCo) at a conversion price of $16.57 per share. RAC may not exercise conversion rights for the first eighteen months after the CenStar Note is issued. The CenStar Note is subject to automatic conversion upon a sale of the Company. The CenStar Note is subordinated in certain respects to the Senior Credit Facility pursuant to a subordination agreement. The Company may pay interest and prepay principal so long as the Company is in compliance with its covenants; is not in default under the Senior Credit Facility and has minimum availability of $5.0 million under its borrowing base under the Senior Credit Facility. Shares of Class A common stock resulting from the conversion of the shares of Class B common stock issued as a result of the conversion right under the CenStar Note will be entitled to registration rights identical to the registration rights currently held by NuDevco Retail and Retailco on shares of Class A common stock it receives upon conversion of its existing shares of Class B common stock. On October 5, 2016, RAC issued to the Company an irrevocable commitment to convert the CenStar Note into 134,731 shares of Class B common stock. RAC assigned the CenStar Note to Retailco on January 4, 2017, and on January 8, 2017, the CenStar Note was converted into 134,731 shares of Class B common stock. In connection with the financing of the Oasis acquisition, the Company, together with Spark HoldCo, issued the Oasis Note to RAC for $5.0 million on July 31, 2015. The Oasis Note matures on July 31, 2020, and bears interest at an annual rate of 5% , payable semiannually. The Company has the right to pay-in-kind any interest at its option. The Oasis Note is convertible into shares of the Company's Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share (and a related unit of Spark HoldCo) at a conversion price of $14.00 per share. RAC may not exercise conversion rights for the first eighteen months after the Oasis Note is issued. The Oasis Note is subject to automatic conversion upon a sale of the Company. The Oasis Note is subordinated in certain respects to the Senior Credit Facility pursuant to a subordination agreement. The Company may pay interest and prepay principal so long as the Company is in compliance with its covenants; is not in default under the Senior Credit Facility and has minimum availability of $5.0 million under its borrowing base under the Senior Credit Facility. Shares of Class A common stock resulting from the conversion of the shares of Class B common stock issued as a result of the conversion right under the Oasis Note will be entitled to registration rights identical to the registration rights currently held by NuDevco Retail and Retailco on shares of Class A common stock it receives upon conversion of its existing shares of Class B common stock. On October 5, 2016, RAC issued to the Company an irrevocable commitment to convert the Oasis Note into 383,090 shares of Class B common stock. RAC assigned the Oasis Note to Retailco on January 4, 2017, and on January 31, 2017 the Oasis Note was converted into 383,090 shares of Class B common stock. The conversion rate of $14.00 per share for the Oasis Note was fixed as of the date of the execution of the Oasis acquisition agreement on May 12, 2015. Due to a rise in the price of our common stock from May 12, 2015 to the closing of Oasis acquisition on July 31, 2015, the conversion rate of $14.00 per share was below the market price per share of Class A common stock of $16.21 on the issuance date of the Oasis Note on July 31, 2015. As a result, the Company assessed the Oasis Note for a beneficial conversion feature. Due to this conversion feature being "in-the-money" upon issuance, we recognized a beneficial conversion feature based on its intrinsic value of $0.8 million as a discount to the Oasis Note and as additional paid-in capital. This discount was amortized as interest expense under the effective interest method over the life of the Oasis Note through the conversion on January 31, 2017, at which time the remaining $1.0 million beneficial conversion feature was written-off and recognized as interest expense. Subordinated Debt Facility On December 27, 2016, we and Spark HoldCo jointly issued to Retailco, an entity owned by our Founder, a 5% subordinated note in the principal amount of up to $25.0 million . The subordinated note allows the Company and Spark HoldCo to draw advances in increments of no less than $1.0 million per advance up to the maximum principal amount of the subordinated note. The subordinated note matures approximately 3 ½ years following the date of issuance, and advances thereunder accrue interest at 5% per annum from the date of the advance. The Company has the right to capitalize interest payments under the subordinated note. The subordinated note is subordinated in certain respects to the Company's Senior Credit Facility pursuant to a subordination agreement. The Company may pay interest and prepay principal on the subordinated note so long as it is in compliance with its covenants under the Senior Credit Facility, is not in default under the Senior Credit Facility and has minimum availability of $5.0 million under the borrowing base under the Senior Credit Facility. Payment of principal and interest under the subordinated note is accelerated upon the occurrence of certain change of control or sale transactions. As of March 31, 2017 , there were no outstanding borrowings under the subordinated note, and at December 31, 2016 , there was $5.0 million in outstanding borrowings under the subordinated note. Pacific Summit Energy LLC Prior to March 31, 2017 , the Major Energy Companies were party to three trade credit arrangements with Pacific Summit Energy LLC (“Pacific Summit”), which consisted of purchase agreements, operating agreements relating to purchasing terms, security agreements, lockbox agreements and guarantees, and provided for the exclusive supply of gas and electricity on credit by Pacific Summit to the Major Energy Companies for resale to end users. Under these arrangements, when the costs that Pacific Summit paid to procure and deliver the gas and electricity exceeded the payments that the Major Energy Companies made attributable to the gas and electricity purchased, the Major Energy Companies incurred interest on the difference. The operating agreements also allowed Pacific Summit to provide credit support. Each form of borrowing incurred interest at the floating 90-day LIBOR rate plus 300 basis points (except for certain credit support guaranties that did not bear interest). In connection with these arrangements, the Major Companies granted first liens to Pacific Summit on a substantial portion of the Major Companies’ assets, including present and future accounts receivable, inventory, liquid assets, and control agreements relating to bank accounts. As of March 31, 2017 , the Company had aggregate outstanding amounts payable under these arrangements of approximately $8.2 million , bearing an interest rate of approximately 4.2% . The Company was also the beneficiary under various credit support guarantees issued by Pacific Summit under these arrangements as of such date. On September 27, 2016, we notified Pacific Summit of our election to trigger the expiration of these arrangements. On March 31, 2017 the agreements were terminated.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	9. Fair Value Measurements Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Fair values are based on assumptions that market participants would use when pricing an asset or liability, including assumptions about risk and the risks inherent in valuation techniques and the inputs to valuations. This includes not only the credit standing of counterparties involved and the impact of credit enhancements but also the impact of the Company’s own nonperformance risk on its liabilities. The Company applies fair value measurements to its commodity derivative instruments and a contingent payment arrangement based on the following fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels: • Level 1—Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities. Instruments categorized in Level 1 primarily consist of financial instruments such as exchange-traded derivative instruments. • Level 2—Inputs other than quoted prices recorded in Level 1 that are either directly or indirectly observable for the asset or liability, including quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, and inputs that are derived from observable market data by correlation or other means. Instruments categorized in Level 2 primarily include non-exchange traded derivatives such as over-the-counter commodity forwards and swaps and options. • Level 3—Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, including situations where there is little, if any, observable market activity for the asset or liability. The Level 3 category includes estimated earnout obligations related to the Company's acquisitions. As the fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable data (Level 3), the Company maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. In some cases, the inputs used to measure fair value might fall in different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In these cases, the lowest level input that is significant to a fair value measurement in its entirety determines the applicable level in the fair value hierarchy. Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis The following table presents assets and liabilities measured and recorded at fair value in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets on a recurring basis by and their level within the fair value hierarchy as of (in thousands): Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total March 31, 2017 Non-trading commodity derivative assets $ 865 $ 1,515 $ — $ 2,380 Trading commodity derivative assets — 8 — 8 Total commodity derivative assets $ 865 $ 1,523 $ — $ 2,388 Non-trading commodity derivative liabilities $ (238 ) $ (6,305 ) $ — $ (6,543 ) Trading commodity derivative liabilities (124 ) (20 ) — (144 ) Total commodity derivative liabilities $ (362 ) $ (6,325 ) $ — $ (6,687 ) Contingent payment arrangement $ — $ — $ (16,186 ) $ (16,186 ) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total December 31, 2016 Non-trading commodity derivative assets $ 1,511 $ 9,385 $ — $ 10,896 Trading commodity derivative assets 101 430 — 531 Total commodity derivative assets $ 1,612 $ 9,815 $ — $ 11,427 Non-trading commodity derivative liabilities $ — $ (661 ) $ — $ (661 ) Trading commodity derivative liabilities — (87 ) — (87 ) Total commodity derivative liabilities $ — $ (748 ) $ — $ (748 ) Contingent payment arrangement $ — $ — $ (22,653 ) $ (22,653 ) The Company had no transfers of assets or liabilities between any of the above levels during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and the year ended December 31, 2016 . The Company’s derivative contracts include exchange-traded contracts fair valued utilizing readily available quoted market prices and non-exchange-traded contracts fair valued using market price quotations available through brokers or over-the-counter and on-line exchanges. In addition, in determining the fair value of the Company’s derivative contracts, the Company applies a credit risk valuation adjustment to reflect credit risk which is calculated based on the Company’s or the counterparty’s historical credit risks. As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the credit risk valuation adjustment was not material. The contingent payment arrangements referred to above reflect estimated earnout obligations incurred in relation to the Company's acquisitions. As of March 31, 2017 , the estimated earnout obligations were $16.2 million , which was comprised of the Provider Earnout, the Major Earnout and the Stock Earnout in the amount of $4.0 million , $11.4 million , and $0.8 million , respectively. As of December 31, 2016 , the estimated earnout obligations were $22.7 million , which was comprised of the Provider Earnout, the Major Earnout and the Stock Earnout in the amount of $4.9 million , $17.1 million , and $0.7 million , respectively. As of March 31, 2017 , the estimated earnouts are recorded on our condensed consolidated balance sheets in current liabilities - contingent consideration and long-term liabilities - contingent consideration in the amount of $12.1 million and $4.1 million , respectively; and as of December 31, 2016 , in current liabilities - contingent consideration and long-term liabilities - contingent consideration in the amount of $11.8 million and $10.8 million , respectively. The Provider Earnout is based on achievement by the Provider Companies of a certain customer count criteria over the nine month period following the closing of the Provider Companies acquisition. The sellers of the Provider Companies are entitled to a maximum of $9.0 million and a minimum of $5.0 million in earnout payments based on the level of customer count attained, as defined by the Provider Companies membership interest purchase agreement. In March 2017, the Company paid the sellers of the Provider Companies $1.0 million related to the earnout based on the achievement of certain customer count targets. During the three months ended March 31, 2017, the Company recorded accretion of $0.1 million to reflect the impact of the time value of the liability. The Company has revalued the liability at March 31, 2017 with no expected change of the earnout payments. In determining the fair value of the Provider Earnout, the Company forecasted an expected customer count and certain other related criteria and calculated the probability of such forecast being attained. As this calculation is based on management's estimates of the liability, we classified the Provider Earnout as a Level 3 measurement. The Major Earnout is based on the achievement by the Major Energy Companies of certain performance targets over the 33 month period following NG&E's closing of the Major Energy Companies acquisition (i.e., April 15, 2016). The previous members of Major Energy Companies are entitled to a maximum of $20.0 million in earnout payments based on the level of performance targets attained, as defined by the Major Purchase Agreement. The Stock Earnout obligation is contingent upon the Major Energy Companies achieving the Major Earnout's performance target ceiling, thereby earning the maximum Major Earnout payments. If the Major Energy Companies earn such maximum Major Earnout payments, NG&E would be entitled to a maximum of 200,000 shares of Class B common stock (and a corresponding number of Spark HoldCo units). Based on the financial results of the Major Energy Companies during the first earnout period, NG&E was not entitled to receive an issuance of shares of Class B common stock (and a corresponding number of SparkHoldCo units). In determining the fair value of the Major Earnout and the Stock Earnout, the Company forecasted certain expected performance targets and calculated the probability of such forecast being attained. In March 2017, the Company paid the previous members of the Major Energy Companies $7.4 million related to the achievement of targets for the period from April 15, 2016 through December 31, 2016. During the three month period ended March 31, 2017, the Company recorded accretion of $1.2 million to reflect the impact of the time value of the liability. The Company revalued the liability at March 31, 2017, resulting in the increase of the fair value of the liability to $12.2 million . The impact of the $0.7 million increase in fair value is recorded in general and administrative expenses. As this calculation is based on management's estimates of the liability, we classified the Major Earnout as a Level 3 measurement. The following tables present reconciliations of liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the years ended March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 . Major Earnout and Stock Earnout Provider Earnout Total Fair value at December 31, 2016 $ 17,760 $ 4,893 $ 22,653 Purchase price contingent consideration $ — $ — $ — Change in fair value of contingent consideration, net 711 — 711 Accretion of contingent earnout consideration (included within interest expense) 1,167 58 1,225 Settlements (1) (7,403 ) (1,000 ) (8,403 ) Fair Value at March 31, 2017 $ 12,235 $ 3,951 $ 16,186 (1) Settlements include pay downs at maturity Other Financial Instruments The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts receivable—affiliates, accounts payable, accounts payable—affiliates, and accrued liabilities recorded in the condensed consolidated balance sheets approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these items. The carrying amount of the Senior Credit Facility recorded in the condensed consolidated balance sheets approximates fair value because of the variable rate nature of the Company’s line of credit. The fair value of our convertible subordinated notes to affiliates is not determinable for accounting purposes due to the affiliate nature and terms of the associated debt instrument with the affiliate. The fair value of the payable pursuant to tax receivable agreement—affiliate is not determinable for accounting purposes due to the affiliate nature and terms of the associated agreement with the affiliate.

Accounting for Derivative Instr

Accounting for Derivative Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Accounting for Derivative Instruments	10. Accounting for Derivative Instruments The Company is exposed to the impact of market fluctuations in the price of electricity and natural gas and basis costs, storage and ancillary capacity charges from independent system operators. The Company uses derivative instruments to manage exposure to these risks, and historically designated certain derivative instruments as cash flow hedges for accounting purposes. The Company holds certain derivative instruments that are not held for trading purposes and are not designated as hedges for accounting purposes. These derivative instruments represent economic hedges that mitigate the Company’s exposure to fluctuations in commodity prices. For these derivative instruments, changes in the fair value are recognized currently in earnings in retail revenues or retail cost of revenues. As part of the Company’s strategy to optimize its assets and manage related risks, it also manages a portfolio of commodity derivative instruments held for trading purposes. The Company’s commodity trading activities are subject to limits within the Company’s Risk Management Policy. For these derivative instruments, changes in the fair value are recognized currently in earnings in net asset optimization revenues. Derivative assets and liabilities are presented net in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets when the derivative instruments are executed with the same counterparty under a master netting arrangement. The Company’s derivative contracts include transactions that are executed both on an exchange and centrally cleared as well as over-the-counter, bilateral contracts that are transacted directly with a third party. To the extent the Company has paid or received collateral related to the derivative assets or liabilities, such amounts would be presented net against the related derivative asset or liability’s fair value. As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the Company had paid $0.3 million and zero in collateral outstanding, respectively. The specific types of derivative instruments the Company may execute to manage the commodity price risk include the following: • Forward contracts, which commit the Company to purchase or sell energy commodities in the future; • Futures contracts, which are exchange-traded standardized commitments to purchase or sell a commodity or financial instrument; • Swap agreements, which require payments to or from counterparties based upon the differential between two prices for a predetermined notional quantity; and • Option contracts, which convey to the option holder the right but not the obligation to purchase or sell a commodity. The Company has entered into other energy-related contracts that do not meet the definition of a derivative instrument or qualify for the normal purchase or normal sale exception and are therefore not accounted for at fair value, including the following: • Forward electricity and natural gas purchase contracts for retail customer load, and • Natural gas transportation contracts and storage agreements. Volumetric Underlying Derivative Transactions The following table summarizes the net notional volume buy/(sell) of the Company’s open derivative financial instruments accounted for at fair value, broken out by commodity, as of (in thousands): Non-trading Commodity Notional March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Natural Gas MMBtu 9,136 8,016 Natural Gas Basis MMBtu — — Electricity MWh 4,276 3,958 Trading Commodity Notional March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Natural Gas MMBtu 108 (953 ) Natural Gas Basis MMBtu — (380 ) Gains (Losses) on Derivative Instruments Gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net and current period settlements on derivative instruments were as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands): Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 Gain (loss) on non-trading derivatives, net $ 2,519 $ (5,876 ) Gain (loss) on trading derivatives, net 368 (242 ) Loss on derivatives, net 2,887 (6,118 ) Current period settlements on non-trading derivatives (1) (2) 3,341 12,643 Current period settlements on trading derivatives 86 244 Total current period settlements on derivatives $ 3,427 $ 12,887 (1) Excludes settlements of $0.6 million and $2.2 million , respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 related to non-trading derivative liabilities assumed in the acquisitions of CenStar and Oasis. (2) Excludes settlements of $14.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 related to non-trading derivative liabilities assumed in the acquisitions of the Provider Companies and Major Energy Companies. Gains (losses) on trading derivative instruments are recorded in net asset optimization revenues and gains (losses) on non-trading derivative instruments are recorded in retail revenues or retail cost of revenues on the condensed consolidated statements of operations. Fair Value of Derivative Instruments The following tables summarize the fair value and offsetting amounts of the Company’s derivative instruments by counterparty and collateral received or paid as of (in thousands): March 31, 2017 Description Gross Assets Gross Net Assets Cash Net Amount Non-trading commodity derivatives $ 4,436 $ (2,056 ) $ 2,380 $ — $ 2,380 Trading commodity derivatives (23 ) 31 8 — 8 Total Current Derivative Assets 4,413 (2,025 ) 2,388 — 2,388 Non-trading commodity derivatives 60 (60 ) — — — Total Non-current Derivative Assets 60 (60 ) — — — Total Derivative Assets $ 4,473 $ (2,085 ) $ 2,388 $ — $ 2,388 March 31, 2017 Description Gross Gross Net Cash Net Amount Non-trading commodity derivatives $ (11,015 ) $ 9,012 $ (2,003 ) $ 300 $ (1,703 ) Trading commodity derivatives (20 ) — (20 ) — (20 ) Total Current Derivative Liabilities (11,035 ) 9,012 (2,023 ) 300 (1,723 ) Non-trading commodity derivatives (7,605 ) 2,765 (4,840 ) — (4,840 ) Total Non-current Derivative Liabilities (7,845 ) 2,881 (4,964 ) — (4,964 ) Total Derivative Liabilities $ (18,880 ) $ 11,893 $ (6,987 ) $ 300 $ (6,687 ) December 31, 2016 Description Gross Assets Gross Net Assets Cash Net Amount Non-trading commodity derivatives $ 19,657 $ (11,844 ) $ 7,813 $ — $ 7,813 Trading commodity derivatives 614 (83 ) 531 — 531 Total Current Derivative Assets 20,271 (11,927 ) 8,344 — 8,344 Non-trading commodity derivatives 7,874 (4,791 ) 3,083 — 3,083 Total Non-current Derivative Assets 7,874 (4,791 ) 3,083 — 3,083 Total Derivative Assets $ 28,145 $ (16,718 ) $ 11,427 $ — $ 11,427 December 31, 2016 Description Gross Gross Net Cash Net Amount Non-trading commodity derivatives $ (662 ) $ 69 $ (593 ) $ — $ (593 ) Trading commodity derivatives (92 ) 5 (87 ) — (87 ) Total Current Derivative Liabilities (754 ) 74 (680 ) — (680 ) Non-trading commodity derivatives (305 ) 237 (68 ) — (68 ) Total Non-current Derivative Liabilities (305 ) 237 (68 ) — (68 ) Total Derivative Liabilities $ (1,059 ) $ 311 $ (748 ) $ — $ (748 ) Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 Loss on non-trading derivatives, net (21,037 ) $ (9,620 ) Loss on trading derivatives, net (419 ) (129 ) Loss on derivatives, net (21,456 ) (9,749 ) Current period settlements on non-trading derivatives (1) (2) 7,574 11,277 Current period settlements on trading derivatives (160 ) (5 ) Total current period settlements on derivatives $ 7,414 $ 11,272 (1) Excludes settlements of less than $0.1 million and $(0.8) million , respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 related to non-trading derivative liabilities assumed in the acquisitions of CenStar and Oasis. (2) Excludes settlements of $(1.3) million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 related to non-trading derivative liabilities assumed in the acquisitions of the Provider Companies and Major Energy Companies. Gains (losses) on trading derivative instruments are recorded in net asset optimization revenues, and gains (losses) on non-trading derivative instruments are recorded in retail cost of revenues on the condensed consolidated statements of operations. Fair Value of Derivative Instruments The following tables summarize the fair value and offsetting amounts of the Company’s derivative instruments by counterparty and collateral received or paid as of (in thousands): March 31, 2017 Description Gross Assets Gross Net Assets Cash Net Amount Non-trading commodity derivatives $ 4,436 $ (2,056 ) $ 2,380 $ — $ 2,380 Trading commodity derivatives (23 ) 31 8 — 8 Total Current Derivative Assets $ 4,413 $ (2,025 ) $ 2,388 $ — $ 2,388 Non-trading commodity derivatives $ 60 $ (60 ) $ — $ — $ — Total Non-current Derivative Assets $ 60 $ (60 ) $ — $ — $ — Total Derivative Assets $ 4,473 $ (2,085 ) $ 2,388 $ — $ 2,388 March 31, 2017 Description Gross Gross Net Cash Net Amount Non-trading commodity derivatives $ (11,015 ) $ 9,012 $ (2,003 ) $ 300 $ (1,703 ) Trading commodity derivatives (20 ) — (20 ) — (20 ) Total Current Derivative Liabilities $ (11,035 ) $ 9,012 $ (2,023 ) $ 300 $ (1,723 ) Non-trading commodity derivatives $ (7,605 ) $ 2,765 $ (4,840 ) $ — $ (4,840 ) Trading commodity derivatives $ (240 ) $ 116 $ (124 ) $ — $ (124 ) Total Non-current Derivative Liabilities $ (7,845 ) $ 2,881 $ (4,964 ) $ — $ (4,964 ) Total Derivative Liabilities $ (18,880 ) $ 11,893 $ (6,987 ) $ 300 $ (6,687 ) December 31, 2016 Description Gross Assets Gross Net Assets Cash Net Amount Non-trading commodity derivatives $ 19,657 $ (11,844 ) $ 7,813 $ — $ 7,813 Trading commodity derivatives 614 (83 ) 531 — 531 Total Current Derivative Assets 20,271 (11,927 ) 8,344 — 8,344 Non-trading commodity derivatives 7,874 (4,791 ) 3,083 — 3,083 Total Non-current Derivative Assets 7,874 (4,791 ) 3,083 — 3,083 Total Derivative Assets $ 28,145 $ (16,718 ) $ 11,427 $ — $ 11,427 December 31, 2016 Description Gross Gross Net Cash Net Amount Non-trading commodity derivatives $ (662 ) $ 69 $ (593 ) $ — $ (593 ) Trading commodity derivatives (92 ) 5 (87 ) — (87 ) Total Current Derivative Liabilities (754 ) 74 (680 ) — (680 ) Non-trading commodity derivatives (305 ) 237 (68 ) — (68 ) Total Non-current Derivative Liabilities (305 ) 237 (68 ) — (68 ) Total Derivative Liabilities $ (1,059 ) $ 311 $ (748 ) $ — $ (748 )

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Taxes	11. Income Taxes Income Taxes The Company and CenStar are each subject to U.S. federal income tax as corporations. Spark HoldCo and its subsidiaries, with the exception of CenStar, are treated as flow-through entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and, as such, are generally not subject to U.S. federal income tax at the entity level. Rather, the tax liability with respect to their taxable income is passed through to their members or partners. Accordingly, the Company is subject to U.S. federal income taxation on its allocable share of Spark HoldCo’s net U.S. taxable income. The Company accounts for income taxes using the assets and liabilities method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and those assets and liabilities tax bases. The Company applies existing tax law and the tax rate that the Company expects to apply to taxable income in the years in which those differences are expected to be recovered or settled in calculating the deferred tax assets and liabilities. Effects of changes in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized in income in the period of the tax rate enactment. A valuation allowance is recorded when it is not more likely than not that some or all of the benefit from the deferred tax asset will be realized. The Company periodically assesses whether it is more likely than not that it will generate sufficient taxable income to realize its deferred income tax assets. In making this determination, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence and makes certain assumptions. The Company considers, among other things, its deferred tax liabilities, the overall business environment, its historical earnings and losses, current industry trends, and its outlook for future years. The Company believes it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be utilized. On February 3, 2016, Retailco exchanged 1,000,000 of its Spark HoldCo units (together with a corresponding number of shares of Class B common stock) for shares of Class A common stock. The exchange resulted in a step up in tax basis, which gave rise to a deferred tax asset of approximately $8.0 million on the exchange date. In addition, the Company recorded an additional long-term liability as a result of the exchange of approximately $10.3 million pursuant to the Tax Receivable Agreement and a corresponding long-term deferred tax asset of approximately $3.9 million . The initial estimate for the deferred tax asset, net of the liability, under the Tax Receivable Agreement was recorded within additional paid-in capital on our condensed consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2016. On April 1, 2016, Retailco exchanged 1,725,000 of its Spark HoldCo units (together with a corresponding number of shares of Class B common stock) for shares of Class A common stock. The exchange resulted in a step up in tax basis, which gave rise to a deferred tax asset of approximately $7.6 million on the exchange date. In addition, the Company recorded an additional long-term liability as a result of the exchange of approximately $10.3 million pursuant to the Tax Receivable Agreement and a corresponding long-term deferred tax asset of approximately $3.9 million . The initial estimate for the deferred tax asset, net of the liability, under the Tax Receivable Agreement was recorded within additional paid-in capital on our condensed consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2016. On June 8, 2016, Retailco exchanged 500,000 of its Spark HoldCo units (together with a corresponding number of shares of Class B common stock) for shares of Class A common stock. The exchange resulted in a step up in tax basis, which gave rise to a deferred tax asset of approximately $5.3 million on the exchange date. In addition, the Company recorded an additional long-term liability as a result of the exchange of approximately $6.9 million pursuant to the Tax Receivable Agreement and a corresponding long-term deferred tax asset of approximately $2.6 million . The initial estimate for the deferred tax asset, net of the liability, under the Tax Receivable Agreement was recorded within additional paid-in capital on our condensed consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2016. The Company had a net deferred tax asset of approximately $15.6 million related to the step up in tax basis resulting from the purchase by the Company of Spark HoldCo units from NuDevco Retail and NuDevco Retail Holdings (predecessor to Retailco) on the IPO date. In addition, as of March 31, 2017 , the Company had a total liability of $49.9 million for the effect of the Tax Receivable Agreement liability classified as a long-term liability. The Company had a long-term deferred tax asset of approximately $19.7 million related to the Tax Receivable Agreement liability. See Note 13 "Transactions with Affiliates" for further discussion. The effective U.S. federal and state income tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 is 17.4% and 5.9% , respectively, with respect to pre-tax income attributable to the Company's stockholders. The higher effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2017 is primarily attributable to the tax treatment of Preferred Dividends and a decrease in the non-controlling interest. The decrease in non-controlling interest is primarily attributable to units exchanged by Retailco, which corresponds with an increase in taxable income allocable to the Company from Spark HoldCo that is subject to U.S. federal income taxation. Total income tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 2017 differed from amounts computed by applying the U.S. federal statutory tax rates to pre-tax income primarily due to state taxes and the impact of permanent differences between book and taxable income, most notably the income attributable to non-controlling interest. The effective tax rate includes a rate benefit attributable to the fact that Spark HoldCo operates as a limited liability company treated as a partnership for federal and state income tax purposes and is not subject to federal and state income taxes. Accordingly, the portion of earnings attributable to non-controlling interest is subject to tax when reported as a component of the non-controlling interest’s taxable income. The February, April and June 2016 exchanges by Retailco decreased the effective tax rate benefit attributable to non-controlling interest.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	12. Commitments and Contingencies From time to time, the Company may be involved in legal, tax, regulatory and other proceedings in the ordinary course of business. Other than proceedings discussed below, management does not believe that we are a party to any litigation, claims or proceedings that will have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial condition or results of operations. Liabilities for loss contingencies arising from claims, assessments, litigations or other sources are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Indirect Tax Audits The Company is undergoing various types of indirect tax audits spanning from years 2006 to 2016 for which the Company may have additional liabilities arise. At the time of filing these condensed consolidated financial statements, these indirect tax audits are at an early stage and subject to substantial uncertainties concerning the outcome of audit findings and corresponding responses. As of March 31, 2017 , we have accrued $1.9 million related to indirect tax audits. The outcome of these indirect tax audits may result in additional expense. Legal Proceedings The Company is the subject of the following lawsuits. At the time of filing these combined and consolidated financial statements, this litigation is at an early stage and subject to substantial uncertainties concerning the outcome of material factual and legal issues. Accordingly, we cannot currently predict the manner and timing of the resolution of this litigation or estimate a range of possible losses or a minimum loss that could result from an adverse verdict in a potential lawsuit. John Melville et al v. Spark Energy Inc. and Spark Energy Gas, LLC is a purported class action filed on December 17, 2015 in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey alleging, among other things, that (i) sales representatives engaged as independent contractors for Spark Energy Gas, LLC engaged in deceptive acts in violation of the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act, (ii) Spark Energy Gas, LLC breach its contract with plaintiff, including a breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing. Plaintiffs are seeking unspecified compensatory and punitive damages for the purported class, injunctive relief and/or declaratory relief, disgorgement of revenues and/or profits and attorneys’ fees. Initial discovery is ongoing. Spark Energy Inc. and Spark Energy Gas, LLC intend to vigorously defend this matter and the allegations asserted therein. Given the early stages of this matter, we cannot predict the outcome or consequences of this case at this time. Halifax-American Energy Company, LLC et al v. Provider Power, LLC, Electricity N.H., LLC, Electricity Maine, LLC, Emile Clavet and Kevin Dean is a lawsuit initially filed on June 12, 2014, in the Rockingham County Superior Court, State of New Hampshire, alleging various claims related to the Provider Companies’ employment of a sales contractor formerly employed with one or more of the plaintiffs, including misappropriation of trade secrets and tortious interference with a contractual relationship. The dispute occurred prior to the Company's acquisition of the Provider Companies. Portions of the original claim proceeded to trial and on January 19, 2016, a jury found in favor of the plaintiff. Damages totaling approximately $0.6 million and attorney’s fees totaling approximately $0.3 million were awarded to the plaintiff. On May 4, 2016, following post-verdict motions, the defendants filed an appeal in the State of New Hampshire Supreme Court, appealing, among other things the failure of the trial court to direct a verdict for the defendants, to set aside the verdict, or grant judgment for the defendants, and the trial court's award of certain attorneys' fees. As of December 31, 2016 and March 31, 2017 , respectively, the Company has accrued approximately $1.0 million in contingent liabilities related to this litigation. Initial damages and attorney's fees have been factored into the purchase price for the Provider Companies, and the Company believes it has full indemnity coverage and set-off rights against future price installments for any actual exposure in the appeal. Katherine Veilleux and Jennifer Chon, individually and on behalf of all other similarly situated v. Electricity Maine. LLC, Provider Power, LLC, Spark Holdco, LLC, Kevin Dean and Emile Clavet is a purported class action lawsuit filed on November 18, 2016 in the United States District Court of Maine, alleging that Electricity Maine, LLC, an entity acquired by Spark Holdco, LLC in mid-2016, enrolled customers through fraudulent and misleading advertising and promotions prior to the acquisition. Plaintiffs allege the following claims against all Defendants: violation of the Maine Unfair Trade Practices Act, violation of RICO, negligence, negligent misrepresentation, fraudulent misrepresentation, unjust enrichment and breach of contract. Plaintiffs seek unspecified damages for themselves and the purported class, rescission of contracts with Electricity Maine, injunctive relief, restitution, and attorney’s fees. Discovery has not yet commenced in this matter. Spark HoldCo intends to vigorously defend this matter and the allegations asserted therein. Given the early stages of this matter, we cannot predict the outcome or consequences of this case at this time. Under the terms of the acquisition, Spark HoldCo is indemnified for losses and expenses in connection with this action subject to certain limits. Gillis et al. v. Respond Power, LLC is a purported class action lawsuit that was originally filed on May 21, 2014 in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas. On June 23, 2014, the case was removed to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. On September 15, 2014, the plaintiffs filed an amended class action complaint seeking a declaratory judgment that the disclosure statement contained in Respond Power, LLC’s variable rate contracts with Pennsylvania consumers limited the variable rate that could be charged to no more than the monthly rate charged by the consumers’ local utility company. The plaintiffs also allege that Respond Power, LLC (i) breached its variable rate contract with Pennsylvania consumers, and the covenant of good faith and fair dealing therein, by charging rates in excess of the monthly rate charged by the consumers’ local utility company; (ii) engaged in deceptive conduct in violation of the Pennsylvania Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law; and (iii) engaged in negligent misrepresentation and fraudulent concealment in connection with purported promises of savings. The amount of damages sought is not specified. By order dated August 31, 2015, the district court denied class certification. The plaintiffs appealed the district court’s denial of class certification to the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. The United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit vacated the district court’s denial of class certification and remanded the matter to the district court for further proceedings. We currently cannot predict the outcome or consequences of this case at this time. The Company is indemnified for Major litigation matters, subject to certain limitations by original owners of the Major Energy Companies.

Transactions with Affiliates

Transactions with Affiliates	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Transactions with Affiliates	13. Transactions with Affiliates The Company enters into transactions with and pays certain costs on behalf of affiliates that are commonly controlled in order to reduce risk, reduce administrative expense, create economies of scale, create strategic alliances and supply goods and services to these related parties. The Company also sells and purchases natural gas and electricity with affiliates. The Company presents receivables and payables with the same affiliate on a net basis in the condensed consolidated balance sheets as all affiliate activity is with parties under common control. Master Service Agreement with Retailco Services, LLC We entered into a Master Service Agreement (the “Master Service Agreement”) effective January 1, 2016 with Retailco Services, LLC ("Retailco Services"), which is wholly owned by our Founder. The Master Service Agreement is for a one -year term and renews automatically for successive one -year terms unless the Master Service Agreement is terminated by either party. Retailco Services provides us with operational support services such as: enrollment and renewal transaction services; customer billing and transaction services; electronic payment processing services; customer services and information technology infrastructure and application support services under the Master Service Agreement. See "Cost Allocations" for further discussion of the fees paid in connection with the Master Service Agreement during the three months ended March 31, 2017 . Accounts Receivable and Payable — Affiliates The Company recorded current accounts receivable—affiliates of $2.0 million and $2.6 million as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively, and current accounts payable—affiliates of $3.2 million and $3.8 million as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively, for certain direct billings and cost allocations for services the Company provided to affiliates, services our affiliates provided to us, and sales or purchases of natural gas and electricity with affiliates. Convertible Subordinated Notes to Affiliate In connection with the financing of the CenStar acquisition, the Company, together with Spark HoldCo, issued the CenStar Note to Retailco Acquisition Co, LLC ("RAC"), which is wholly owned by our Founder, for $2.1 million on July 8, 2015. In connection with the financing of the Oasis acquisition, the Company, together with Spark HoldCo, issued the Oasis Note to RAC for $5.0 million on July 31, 2015. RAC converted the CenStar Note and the Oasis Note into shares of Class B common stock on January 8, 2017 and January 31, 2017, respectively. Refer to Note 8 "Debt" for further discussion. Revenues and Cost of Revenues — Affiliates The Company and an affiliate are party to an agreement whereby the Company purchases natural gas from an affiliate. Cost of revenues—affiliates, recorded in net asset optimization revenues in the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 related to this agreement were zero and $1.3 million , respectively. The Company also purchases natural gas at a nearby third-party plant inlet that is then sold to an affiliate. Revenues—affiliates, recorded in net asset optimization revenues in the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 related to these sales were zero and $0.1 million , respectively. Additionally, the Company entered into a natural gas transportation agreement with another affiliate at its pipeline, whereby the Company transports retail natural gas and pays the higher of (i) a minimum monthly payment or (ii) a transportation fee per MMBtu times actual volumes transported. The current transportation agreement renews annually on February 28 at a fixed rate per MMBtu without a minimum monthly payment. While this transportation agreement remains in effect, this entity is no longer an affiliate as our Founder terminated his interest in the affiliate on May 16, 2016. Cost of revenues—affiliates, recorded in retail cost of revenues in the condensed consolidated statements of operations related to this activity, was less than $0.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 . Cost Allocations The Company paid certain expenses on behalf of affiliates, which are reimbursed by the affiliates to the Company, and our affiliates paid certain expenses on our behalf, which are reimbursed by us. These transactions include costs that can be specifically identified and certain allocated overhead costs associated with general and administrative services, including executive management, due diligence work, recurring management consulting, facilities, banking arrangements, professional fees, insurance, information services, human resources and other support departments to the affiliates. Where costs incurred on behalf of the affiliate or us could not be determined by specific identification for direct billing, the costs were primarily allocated to the affiliated entities or us based on percentage of departmental usage, wages or headcount. The total net amount direct billed and allocated from affiliates was $7.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 . Of the $7.4 million total net amount directly billed and allocated from affiliates, the Company recorded general and administrative expense of $7.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 in the condensed consolidated statement of operations in connection with fees paid, net of damages charged, under the Master Service Agreement with Retailco Services. Additionally under the Master Service Agreement, we capitalized $0.1 million of property and equipment for the application, development and implementation of various systems during three months ended March 31, 2017 . The total net amount direct billed and allocated from affiliates was $5.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, of which $4.4 million was recorded as general and administrative expense in the condensed consolidated statement of operations and $0.6 million was capitalized and amortized in accordance with our accounting policies. Distributions to and Contributions from Affiliates During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 , the Company made net capital distributions to NuDevco Retail and Retailco of $3.9 million and $3.5 million , respectively, in conjunction with the payment of quarterly distributions attributable to its Spark HoldCo units. During the three months ended March 31, 2017 , the Company made distributions to NuDevco Retail and Retailco for gross-up distributions of $0.5 million in connection with distributions made between Spark HoldCo and Spark Energy, Inc. for payment of income taxes incurred by Spark Energy, Inc. Proceeds from Disgorgement of Stockholder Short-swing Profits During the three months ended March 31, 2017 , the Company received $0.7 million cash for the disgorgement of stockholder short-swing profits under Section 16(b) under the Exchange Act accrued at December 31, 2016. The amount was recorded as an increase to additional paid-in capital in our condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2016 . Class B Common Stock In connection with the Major Energy Companies acquisition, the Company issued Retailco 2,000,000 shares of Class B common stock (and a corresponding number of Spark HoldCo units) to NG&E. In connection with the financing of the Provider Companies acquisition, the Company sold 699,742 shares of Class B common stock (and a corresponding number of Spark HoldCo units) to RetailCo, valued at $14.0 million based on a value of $20 per share. Tax Receivable Agreement The Company is party to a Tax Receivable Agreement with Spark HoldCo, NuDevco Retail Holdings and NuDevco Retail. This agreement generally provides for the payment by the Company to Retailco, LLC (as successor to NuDevco Retail Holdings) and NuDevco Retail of 85% of the net cash savings, if any, in U.S. federal, state and local income tax or franchise tax that the Company actually realizes (or is deemed to realize in certain circumstances) in future periods as a result of (i) any tax basis increases resulting from the purchase by the Company of Spark HoldCo units from NuDevco Retail Holdings, (ii) any tax basis increases resulting from the exchange of Spark HoldCo units for shares of Class A common stock pursuant to the Exchange Right (or resulting from an exchange of Spark HoldCo units for cash pursuant to the Cash Option) and (iii) any imputed interest deemed to be paid by the Company as a result of, and additional tax basis arising from, any payments the Company makes under the Tax Receivable Agreement. The Company retains the benefit of the remaining 15% of these tax savings. See Note 11 "Income Taxes" for further discussion. In certain circumstances, the Company may defer or partially defer any payment due (a “TRA Payment”) to the holders of rights under the Tax Receivable Agreement, which are currently Retailco and NuDevco Retail. During the five -year period ending September 30, 2019, the Company will defer all or a portion of any TRA Payment owed pursuant to the Tax Receivable Agreement to the extent that Spark HoldCo does not generate sufficient Cash Available for Distribution (as defined below) during the four-quarter period ending September 30th of the applicable year in which the TRA Payment is to be made in an amount that equals or exceeds 130% (the “TRA Coverage Ratio”) of the Total Distributions (as defined below) paid in such four-quarter period by Spark HoldCo. For purposes of computing the TRA Coverage Ratio: • “Cash Available for Distribution” is generally defined as the Adjusted EBITDA of Spark HoldCo for the applicable period, less (i) cash interest paid by Spark HoldCo, (ii) capital expenditures of Spark HoldCo (exclusive of customer acquisition costs) and (iii) any taxes payable by Spark HoldCo; and • “Total Distributions” are defined as the aggregate distributions necessary to cause the Company to receive distributions of cash equal to (i) the targeted quarterly distribution the Company intends to pay to holders of its Class A common stock payable during the applicable four-quarter period, plus (ii) the estimated taxes payable by the Company during such four-quarter period, plus (iii) the expected TRA Payment payable during the calendar year for which the TRA Coverage Ratio is being tested. In the event that the TRA Coverage Ratio is not satisfied in any calendar year, the Company will defer all or a portion of the TRA Payment to NuDevco Retail or Retailco under the Tax Receivable Agreement to the extent necessary to permit Spark HoldCo to satisfy the TRA Coverage Ratio (and Spark HoldCo is not required to make and will not make the pro rata distributions to its members with respect to the deferred portion of the TRA Payment). If the TRA Coverage Ratio is satisfied in any calendar year, the Company will pay NuDevco Retail or Retailco the full amount of the TRA Payment. Following the five -year deferral period ending September 30, 2019, the Company will be obligated to pay any outstanding deferred TRA Payments to the extent such deferred TRA Payments do not exceed (i) the lesser of the Company's proportionate share of aggregate Cash Available for Distribution of Spark HoldCo during the five -year deferral period or the cash distributions actually received by the Company during the five -year deferral period, reduced by (ii) the sum of (a) the aggregate target quarterly dividends (which, for the purposes of the Tax Receivable Agreement, will be $0.3625 per share per quarter) during the five -year deferral period, (b) the Company's estimated taxes during the five -year deferral period, and (c) all prior TRA Payments and (y) if with respect to the quarterly period during which the deferred TRA Payment is otherwise paid or payable, Spark HoldCo has or reasonably determines it will have amounts necessary to cause the Company to receive distributions of cash equal to the target quarterly distribution payable during that quarterly period. Any portion of the deferred TRA Payments not payable due to these limitations will no longer be payable. We met the threshold coverage ratio required to fund the first TRA Payment to Retailco and NuDevco Retail under the Tax Receivable Agreement during the four-quarter period ending September 30, 2016, resulting in an initial TRA Payment of $1.4 million becoming due in December 2016. On November 6, 2016, Retailco and NuDevco Retail granted the Company the right to defer the TRA Payment until May 2018. During the period of time when the Company has elected to defer the TRA payment, the outstanding payment amount will accrue interest at a rate calculated in the manner provided for under the Tax Receivable Agreement. We do not expect to meet the threshold coverage ratio required to fund the payment to Retailco, LLC under the Tax Receivable Agreement during the four-quarter period ending September 30, 2017. As such, the payment will be deferred pursuant to the terms thereof. The liability has been classified as non-current in our condensed consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

Segment Reporting

Segment Reporting	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting	14. Segment Reporting The Company’s determination of reportable business segments considers the strategic operating units under which the Company makes financial decisions, allocates resources and assesses performance of its retail and asset optimization businesses. The Company’s reportable business segments are retail natural gas and retail electricity. The retail natural gas segment consists of natural gas sales to, and natural gas transportation and distribution for, residential and commercial customers. Asset optimization activities, considered an integral part of securing the lowest price natural gas to serve retail gas load, are part of the retail natural gas segment. The Company recorded asset optimization revenues of $61.9 million and $42.3 million and asset optimization cost of revenues of $62.1 million and $41.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, which are presented on a net basis in asset optimization revenues. The retail electricity segment consists of electricity sales and transmission to residential and commercial customers. Corporate and other consists of expenses and assets of the retail natural gas and retail electricity segments that are managed at a consolidated level such as general and administrative expenses. To assess the performance of the Company’s operating segments, the Chief Operating Decision Maker analyzes retail gross margin. The Company defines retail gross margin as operating income (loss) plus (i) depreciation and amortization expenses and (ii) general and administrative expenses, less (i) net asset optimization revenues (expenses), (ii) net gains (losses) on non-trading derivative instruments, and (iii) net current period cash settlements on non-trading derivative instruments. The Company deducts net gains (losses) on non-trading derivative instruments, excluding current period cash settlements, from the retail gross margin calculation in order to remove the non-cash impact of net gains and losses on non-trading derivative instruments. Retail gross margin is a primary performance measure used by our management to determine the performance of our retail natural gas and electricity business by removing the impacts of our asset optimization activities and net non-cash income (loss) impact of our economic hedging activities. As an indicator of our retail energy business’ operating performance, retail gross margin should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, operating income, as determined in accordance with GAAP. Below is a reconciliation of retail gross margin to income before income tax expense (in thousands): Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 Reconciliation of Retail Gross Margin to Income before taxes Income before income tax expense $ 13,792 $ 16,729 Interest and other income (199 ) 95 Interest expense 3,445 753 Operating Income 17,038 17,577 Depreciation and amortization 9,232 6,789 General and administrative 24,377 17,380 Less: Net asset optimization (expenses) revenues (194 ) 527 Net, Losses on non-trading derivative instruments (21,037 ) (9,620 ) Net, Cash settlements on non-trading derivative instruments 7,574 11,277 Retail Gross Margin $ 64,304 $ 39,562 The Company uses retail gross margin and net asset optimization revenues as the measure of profit or loss for its business segments. This measure represents the lowest level of information that is provided to the chief operating decision maker for our reportable segments. Financial data for business segments are as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 Retail Retail Corporate Eliminations Spark Retail Total Revenues $ 131,733 $ 62,612 $ — $ — $ 194,345 Retail cost of revenues 106,780 36,918 — — 143,698 Less: Net asset optimization expenses — (194 ) — — (194 ) Losses on non-trading derivatives (19,287 ) (1,750 ) — — (21,037 ) Current period settlements on non-trading derivatives 7,764 (190 ) — — 7,574 Retail Gross Margin $ 36,476 $ 27,828 $ — $ — $ 64,304 Total Assets at March 31, 2017 $ 666,742 $ 272,045 $ 163,806 $ (736,776 ) $ 365,817 Goodwill at March 31, 2017 $ 76,877 $ 2,530 $ — $ — $ 79,407 Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 Retail Retail Corporate Eliminations Spark Retail Total revenues $ 61,933 $ 48,613 $ — $ — $ 110,546 Retail cost of revenues 46,300 22,500 — — 68,800 Less: Net asset optimization revenues — 527 — — 527 Losses on non-trading derivatives (9,390 ) (230 ) — — (9,620 ) Current period settlements on non-trading derivatives 9,617 1,660 — — 11,277 Retail Gross Margin $ 15,406 $ 24,156 $ — $ — $ 39,562 Total Assets at December 31, 2016 $ 577,695 $ 242,739 $ 169,404 $ (613,670 ) $ 376,168 Goodwill at December 31, 2016 $ 76,617 $ 2,530 $ — $ — $ 79,147 Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 Retail Retail Corporate Eliminations Spark Retail Total revenues $ — $ — $ — $ — Retail cost of revenues — — — Less: Net asset optimization expenses — — — — (Losses) gains on non-trading derivatives 2,519 — — 2,519 Current period settlements on non-trading derivatives 3,341 — — 3,341 Retail Gross Margin $ — $ (5,860 ) $ — $ — $ (5,860 ) Total Assets at March 31, 2017 $ 666,742 $ 272,045 $ 163,806 $ (736,776 ) $ 365,817 Goodwill at March 31, 2017 $ 76,877 $ 2,530 $ — $ — $ 79,407 Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 Retail Retail Corporate Eliminations Spark Retail Total revenues $ — $ — $ — $ — Retail cost of revenues — — — Less: Net asset optimization revenues — — — — (Losses) gains on non-trading derivatives (5,876 ) — — (5,876 ) Current period settlements on non-trading derivatives 12,643 — — 12,643 Retail Gross Margin $ — $ (6,767 ) $ — $ — $ (6,767 ) Total Assets at December 31, 2016 $ 376,168 $ 376,168 Goodwill at December 31, 2016 $ 79,147 $ — $ — $ 79,147

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	15. Subsequent Events Pacific Summit Energy LLC On September 27, 2016, we notified Pacific Summit of our election to trigger the expiration of these arrangements as of March 31, 2017. On March 31, 2017, the Pacific Summit arrangements were terminated and the credit requirements of the Major Energy Companies are now being funded from our working capital. Acquisition of Perigee On April 1, 2017, the Company and Spark HoldCo entered into an agreement with NG&E for the acquisition of approximately 19,000 RCEs and the membership interests of Perigee Energy, LLC ("Perigee"), a Texas limited liability company, and simultaneously exercised an option to acquire an additional 41,000 RCEs from a third party in connection with the acquisition. The acquisition was approved by a special committee of the Board of Directors. The Company paid approximately $2.2 million in cash, subject to working capital adjustments as consideration for the Perigee Acquisition. Declaration of Dividends On April 19, 2017 , the Company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.3625 to holders of record of our Class A common stock on May 30, 2017 and payable on June 14, 2017 . On April 19, 2017 , the Company declared an initial cash dividend for the period from the date of issuance of the Series A Preferred Stock through June 30, 2017 in the amount of $0.72917 per share of Series A Preferred Stock. The dividend will be paid on July 15, 2017 to holders of record on July 1, 2017 of Spark's Class A Preferred Stock. The Company anticipates Series A Preferred Stock dividends paid and declared of $1.85 per share or $3.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 based on the Series A Preferred Stock outstanding as of March 31, 2017. Verde Membership Interest and Stock Purchase Agreement On May 5, 2017, the Company and CenStar Energy Corp. entered into a Membership Interest and Stock Purchase Agreement (the “Verde Purchase Agreement”) with Verde Energy USA Holdings, LLC (the “Seller”), as a seller of all interests in and to the Seller's operating companies (the “Verde Companies”). Pursuant to the terms of the Verde Purchase Agreement, CenStar Energy Corp. has agreed to purchase, and the Seller has agreed to sell, all of the outstanding membership interests and stock in the Verde Companies. The Company acts as a guarantor of the obligations of CenStar Energy Corp. under the Verde Purchase Agreement.

Preferred Stock (Notes)

Preferred Stock (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Preferred Stock	5. Preferred Stock On March 15, 2017, the Company issued 1,610,000 shares of 8.75% Series A Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock ("Series A Preferred Stock"), par value $0.01 per share and liquidation preference $25.00 per share, plus accumulated and unpaid dividends, at a price to the public of $25.00 per share ( $24.21 per share to the Company, net of underwriting discounts and commissions). The Company received approximately $39.0 million in net proceeds from the offering, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and a structuring fee. Preferred offering expenses of $0.6 million were recorded as a reduction to the carrying value of the stock. The net proceeds from the offering were contributed to Spark HoldCo to use for general corporate purposes. Holders of the Series A Preferred Stock have no voting rights, except in specific circumstances of delisting or in the case the dividends are in arrears for as specified in the Series A Preferred Stock Certificate of Designations. From March 15, 2017, the Series A Preferred Stock issuance date, to, but not including, April 15, 2022, the Series A Preferred Stock will accrue dividends at a percentage of three-month LIBOR plus 6.578% . The liquidation preference provisions of the Series A Preferred Stock were considered contingent redemption provisions because there were certain elements that were not solely within the control of the Company, such as a change in control of the Company. Accordingly, the Series A Preferred Stock is presented within the mezzanine portion of the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. The Company had a total of 1,610,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock issued and outstanding at March 31, 2017 and no shares of Series A Preferred Stock issued and outstanding at December 31, 2016 . In connection with the issuance of the Series A Preferred Stock, the Company and Spark HoldCo entered into the Third Amended and Restated Spark HoldCo Limited Liability Company Agreement to amend the prior agreement to provide for, among other things, the designation and issuance of Spark HoldCo Series A preferred units, as another equity security of Spark HoldCo to be issued concurrently with the issuance of Series A Preferred Stock by the Company, including specific terms relating to distributions by Spark HoldCo in connection with the payment by the Company of dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock, the priority of liquidating distributions by Spark HoldCo, the allocation of income and loss to the Company in connection with distributions by Spark HoldCo on Series A preferred units, and other terms relating to the redemption and conversion by the Company of the Series A Preferred Stock.

Basis of Presentation and Sum23

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	The accompanying interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements (“interim statements”) of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC"). This information should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and notes contained in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 . The Company's unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are presented on a consolidated basis and include all wholly-owned and controlled subsidiaries. We account for investments over which we have significant influence but not a controlling financial interest using the equity method of accounting. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
Use of Estimates	The preparation of the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements requires estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the interim financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates. Effects on the business, financial condition and results of operations resulting from revisions to estimates are recognized when the facts that give rise to the revision become known. The information furnished herein reflects all normal recurring adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the condensed consolidated financial statements. Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year or for any interim period.
Transactions with Affiliates	Transactions with Affiliates The Company enters into transactions with and pays certain costs on behalf of affiliates that are commonly controlled by W. Keith Maxwell III, and these affiliates enter into transactions with and pay certain costs on our behalf, in order to reduce risk, reduce administrative expense, create economies of scale, create strategic alliances and supply goods and services among these related parties.
Fair Value Measurements	Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Fair values are based on assumptions that market participants would use when pricing an asset or liability, including assumptions about risk and the risks inherent in valuation techniques and the inputs to valuations. This includes not only the credit standing of counterparties involved and the impact of credit enhancements but also the impact of the Company’s own nonperformance risk on its liabilities. The Company applies fair value measurements to its commodity derivative instruments and a contingent payment arrangement based on the following fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels: • Level 1—Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities. Instruments categorized in Level 1 primarily consist of financial instruments such as exchange-traded derivative instruments. • Level 2—Inputs other than quoted prices recorded in Level 1 that are either directly or indirectly observable for the asset or liability, including quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, and inputs that are derived from observable market data by correlation or other means. Instruments categorized in Level 2 primarily include non-exchange traded derivatives such as over-the-counter commodity forwards and swaps and options. • Level 3—Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, including situations where there is little, if any, observable market activity for the asset or liability. The Level 3 category includes estimated earnout obligations related to the Company's acquisitions. As the fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable data (Level 3), the Company maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. In some cases, the inputs used to measure fair value might fall in different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In these cases, the lowest level input that is significant to a fair value measurement in its entirety determines the applicable level in the fair value hierarchy.
Accounting for Derivatives Instruments	The Company is exposed to the impact of market fluctuations in the price of electricity and natural gas and basis costs, storage and ancillary capacity charges from independent system operators. The Company uses derivative instruments to manage exposure to these risks, and historically designated certain derivative instruments as cash flow hedges for accounting purposes. The Company holds certain derivative instruments that are not held for trading purposes and are not designated as hedges for accounting purposes. These derivative instruments represent economic hedges that mitigate the Company’s exposure to fluctuations in commodity prices. For these derivative instruments, changes in the fair value are recognized currently in earnings in retail revenues or retail cost of revenues. As part of the Company’s strategy to optimize its assets and manage related risks, it also manages a portfolio of commodity derivative instruments held for trading purposes. The Company’s commodity trading activities are subject to limits within the Company’s Risk Management Policy. For these derivative instruments, changes in the fair value are recognized currently in earnings in net asset optimization revenues.
Presentation of the Acquisition of Major Energy Companies	Presentation of the Acquisition of Major Energy Companies On April 15, 2016, National Gas & Electric, LLC (“NG&E”), an affiliate of the Company , completed the acquisition of 100% of the membership interests of Major Energy Companies. On May 3, 2016, Spark HoldCo and Retailco entered into a Membership Interest Purchase Agreement (the "Major Purchase Agreement") with NG&E for the purchase of all of the membership interests of the Major Energy Companies. Spark HoldCo and Retailco completed the acquisition of the Major Energy Companies from NG&E on August 23, 2016.
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events Subsequent events have been evaluated through the date these financial statements are issued. Any material subsequent events that occurred prior to such date have been properly recognized or disclosed in the condensed consolidated financial statements.
Reclassification	.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements Adopted Standards In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718) ("ASU 2016-09"). ASU 2016-09 includes provisions intended to simplify various aspects of accounting for shared-based payments, including income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liability and classification on the statement of cash flows. This guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods of public entities beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted ASU 2016-09 in the first quarter of 2017. The new standard requires prospective recognition of excess tax benefits resulting from stock-based compensation vesting and exercises to be recognized as a reduction of income taxes and reflected in operating cash flows. Previously, these amounts were recognized in additional paid-in capital and presented as a financing activity on the statement of cash flows. No net excess tax benefits were recognized as a reduction of income taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2017. Prior periods have not been adjusted. The Company has elected to continue to estimate the number of stock-based awards expected to vest, as permitted by ASU 2016-09, rather than electing to account for forfeitures as they occur. ASU 2016-09 requires that employee taxes paid when an employer withholds shares for tax-withholding purposes to be reported as financing activities in the statement of cash flows. Previously, these cash flows were included in operating activities. The Company has elected to adopt this prospectively, as permitted by ASU 2016-09. This change resulted in no impact on the statement of cash flow for the three months ended March 31, 2017. In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-17, Consolidation (Topic 810): Interests Held through Related Parties that Are under Common Control ("ASU 2016-17"). ASU 2016-17 amends the consolidation guidance on how a reporting entity that is the single decision maker of a variable interest entity ("VIE") should treat indirect interests in the entity held through related parties that are under common control with the reporting entity when determining whether it is the primary beneficiary of that VIE. Under ASU 2016-17, a single decision maker of a VIE is required to consider indirect economic interests in the entity held through related parties on a proportionate basis when determining whether it is the primary beneficiary of that VIE. If a single decision maker and its related party are under common control, the single decision maker is required to consider indirect interests in the entity held through those related parties to be the equivalent of direct interests in their entirety. The amendments are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 (the Company's first quarter of fiscal 2017), including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The standard may be applied retrospectively or through a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The Company adopted ASU 2016-17 effective January 1, 2017, and the adoption had no impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. Standards Being Evaluated/Standards Not Yet Adopted In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers , which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date , which deferred the effective date to periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted only as of annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. In December 2016, the FASB further issued ASU No. 2016-20, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, to increase stakeholders' awareness of the proposals and to expedite improvements to ASU 2014-09. After assessing the new standard, the Company expects that there will be no material impacts to our revenue recognition procedures. The FASB issued additional amendments to ASU No. 2014-09, as amended by ASU No. 2015-14: • March 2016 - ASU No. 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net) ("ASU 2016-08"). ASU 2016-08 clarifies the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations. The guidance includes indicators to assist an entity in determining whether it controls a specified good or service before it is transferred to customers. • April 2016 - ASU No. 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing ("ASU 2016-10"). ASU 2016-10 covers two specific topics: performance obligations and licensing. This amendment includes guidance on immaterial promised goods or services, shipping or handling activities, separately identifiable performance obligations, functional or symbolic intellectual property licenses, sales-based and usage-based royalties, license restrictions (time, use, geographical) and licensing renewals. • May 2016 - ASU No. 2016-12, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients ("ASU 2016-12"). ASU 2016-12 clarifies certain core recognition principles including collectability, sales tax presentation, noncash consideration, contract modifications and completed contracts at transition and disclosures no longer required if the full retrospective transition method is adopted. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) ("ASU 2016-02") . ASU 2016-02 amends the existing accounting standards for lease accounting by requiring entities to include substantially all leases on the balance sheet by requiring the recognition of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for all leases. Entities may elect to not recognize leases with a maximum possible term of less than 12 months. For lessees, a lease is classified as finance or operating and the asset and liability are initially measured at the present value of the lease payments. For lessors, accounting for leases is largely unchanged from previous guidance. ASU 2016-02 also requires qualitative disclosures along with certain specific quantitative disclosures for both lessees and lessors. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted, and are effective for interim periods in the year of adoption. The ASU should be applied using a modified retrospective approach, which requires lessees and lessors to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance on its consolidated financial statements. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments ("ASU 2016-13"). ASU 2016-13 requires entities to use a current expected credit loss ("CECL") model, which is a new impairment model based on expected losses rather than incurred losses. The model requires financial assets measured at amortized cost be presented at the net amount expected to be collected. The allowance for credit losses is a valuation account that is deducted from the amortized cost basis. The income statement reflects the measurement of credit losses for newly recognized financial assets, as well as the expected credit losses during the period. The measurement of expected losses is based upon historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the reported amount. This guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance on its consolidated financial statements. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230), Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments ("ASU 2016-15") . ASU 2016-15 provides guidance on the presentation and classification of eight specific cash flow issues in the statement of cash flows. Those issues are cash payment for debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs; settlement of zero-coupon debt instrument or other debt instrument with coupon interest rates that are insignificant in relation to the effective interest rate of the borrowing; contingent consideration payments made after a business combination; cash proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims, cash received from settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies; distribution received from equity method investees; beneficial interest in securitization transactions; and classification of cash receipts and payments that have aspects of more than one class of cash flows. The guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. This ASU should be applied using a retrospective transition method for each period presented. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance on its consolidated financial statements. In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory (“ASU 2016-16”). ASU 2016-16 requires immediate recognition of the current and deferred income tax consequences of intercompany asset transfers other than inventory. Current U.S. GAAP prohibits the recognition of current and deferred income taxes for an intra-entity asset transfer until the asset has been sold to an outside party. This guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods of public entities beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted as of the beginning of an annual reporting period for which financial statements (interim or annual) have not been issued or made available for issuance. This ASU should be applied using a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment directly to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance on its consolidated financial statements. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash ("ASU 2016-18"). ASU 2016-18 is intended to add and clarify guidance on the classification and presentation of restricted cash on the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-18 requires that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Therefore, amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The amendments are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance on its consolidated financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business ("ASU 2017-01"). ASU 2017-01 clarifies the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The definition of a business affects many areas of accounting, including acquisitions, disposals, goodwill, and consolidation. ASU 2017-01 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those periods, and the amendments should be applied prospectively on or after the effective date. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance on its consolidated financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-03, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections (Topic 250) and Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323) ("ASU 2017-03"). ASU 2017-03 offers amendments to SEC paragraphs pursuant to staff announcements at the September 22, 2016 and November 17, 2016 EITF meetings for clarification purposes. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance on its consolidated financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment ("ASU 2017-04"). ASU 2017-04 simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill by eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Under the amendments in this update, an entity should perform its annual or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An entity should recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit's fair value. However, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. ASU 2017-04 should be applied on a prospective basis and is effective for annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance on its consolidated financial statements. In February 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-05, Other Income - Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets (Subtopic 610-20) : Clarifying the Scope of Asset Derecognition Guidance and Accounting for Partial Sales of Nonfinancial Assets ("ASU 2017-05"). ASU 2017-05 clarifies the scope of Subtopic 610-20 and adds guidance for partial sales of nonfinancial assets. Subtopic 610-20 was issued in May 2014 as part of ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) and provides guidance for recognizing gains and losses from the transfer of nonfinancial assets in contracts with noncustomers. The amendments in ASU 2017-05 clarify that a financial asset is within the scope of Subtopic 610-20 if it meets the definition of an in substance nonfinancial asset. The amendments also clarify that nonfinancial assets within the scope of Subtopic 610-20 may include nonfinancial assets transferred within a legal entity to a counterparty. The amendments in ASU 2017-05 are effective at the same time as the amendments in ASU 2014-09, which are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. An entity may elect to apply the amendments in ASU 2017-05 either retrospectively to each period presented in the financial statements in accordance with the guidance on accounting changes (retrospective approach) or retrospectively with a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption (modified retrospective approach). The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance on its consolidated financial statements.

Acquisitions (Tables)

Acquisitions (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	Accordingly, the assets acquired and liabilities assumed were based on their historical values as of August 23, 2016. NG&E acquired the Major Energy Companies on April 15, 2016 and the fair value of the net assets acquired was as follows (in thousands): Reported as of December 31, 2016 Q1 2017 Adjustments (1) March 31, 2017 Cash $ 17,368 $ — $ 17,368 Property and equipment 14 — 14 Intangible assets - customer relationships & non-compete agreements 24,271 — 24,271 Other assets - trademarks 4,973 — 4,973 Non-current deferred tax assets 1,042 — 1,042 Goodwill 34,728 260 34,988 Net working capital, net of cash acquired (6,746 ) — (6,746 ) Fair value of derivative liabilities (7,260 ) — (7,260 ) Total $ 68,390 $ 260 $ 68,650 (1) Changes to the purchase price allocation in the first quarter of 2017 related to NG&E's working capital settlement with the Major Energy Companies' sellers.

Equity (Tables)

Equity (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Ownership Interests Percentage	The Company and NuDevco Retail and Retailco owned the following economic interests in Spark HoldCo at December 31, 2016 and March 31, 2017 , respectively. Non-controlling Interest Economic Interest The Company NuDevco Retail and Retailco (1) (2) December 31, 2016 38.85 % 61.15 % March 31, 2017 37.70 % 62.30 % . (1) In January 2016, Retailco succeeded to the interest of NuDevco Retail Holdings of its Class B common stock and an equal number of Spark HoldCo units it held pursuant to a series of transfers. (2) In January 2017, Retailco converted the CenStar Note and Oasis Note into 134,731 and 383,090 shares, respectively, of Class B common stock.
Schedule of Noncontrolling Interest	The following table summarizes the portion of net income and income tax expense (benefit) attributable to non-controlling interest (in thousands): Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 Net income allocated to non-controlling interest $ 8,660 $ 12,008 Income tax expense (benefit) allocated to non-controlling interest (457 ) 440 Net income attributable to non-controlling interest $ 9,117 $ 11,568
Earnings Per Share	The following table presents the computation of earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands, except per share data): Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 Net income attributable to Spark Energy, Inc. stockholders $ 2,269 $ 4,173 Less: Accumulated dividend on Series A preferred stock $ 183 $ — Net income attributable to stockholders of Class A common stock (2) $ 2,086 $ 4,173 Basic weighted average Class A common shares outstanding 6,498 3,756 Basic EPS attributable to stockholders $ 0.32 $ 1.11 Net income attributable to stockholders of Class A common stock (2) $ 2,086 $ 4,173 Effect of conversion of Class B common stock to shares of Class A common stock — 6,094 Effect of conversion of convertible subordinated notes into shares of Class B common stock and shares of Class B common stock into shares of Class A common stock (1) — (413 ) Diluted net income attributable to stockholders of Class A common stock 2,086 9,854 Basic weighted average Class A common shares outstanding 6,498 3,756 Effect of dilutive Class B common stock — 10,113 Effect of dilutive convertible subordinated notes into shares of Class B common stock and shares of Class B common stock into shares of Class A common stock (1) — 493 Effect of dilutive restricted stock units 136 158 Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 6,634 14,520 Diluted EPS attributable to stockholders $ 0.31 $ 0.68 (1) The CenStar Note and Oasis Note converted into 134,731 and 383,090 shares of Class B common stock on January 8, 2017, and January 31, 2017, respectively.
Carrying Amounts and Classification of Assets and Liabilities of Variable Interest Entity	The following table includes the carrying amounts and classification of the assets and liabilities of Spark HoldCo that are included in the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2017 (in thousands): March 31, 2017 Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 24,784 Accounts receivable 108,754 Other current assets 57,997 Total current assets 191,535 Non-current assets: Goodwill 79,407 Other assets 40,392 Total non-current assets 119,799 Total Assets $ 311,334 Liabilities Current liabilities: Accounts payable and Accrued Liabilities $ 77,633 Intercompany payable with Spark Energy, Inc. 37,636 Current portion of Senior Credit Facility 22,236 Contingent consideration 12,103 Other current liabilities 7,170 Total current liabilities 156,778 Long-term liabilities: Contingent consideration 4,083 Other long-term liabilities 4,964 Total long-term liabilities 9,047 Total Liabilities $ 165,825

Property and Equipment (Tables)

Property and Equipment (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule of Property and Equipment	Property and equipment consist of the following amounts as of (in thousands): Estimated useful March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Information technology 2 – 5 $ 29,863 $ 29,675 Leasehold improvements 2 – 5 4,568 4,568 Furniture and fixtures 2 – 5 1,024 1,024 Total 35,455 35,267 Accumulated depreciation (31,066 ) (30,561 ) Property and equipment—net $ 4,389 $ 4,706

Goodwill, Customer Relationsh27

Goodwill, Customer Relationships and Trademarks (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Goodwill, customer relationships and trademarks consist of the following amounts as of (in thousands): March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Goodwill $ 79,407 $ 79,147 Customer relationships - Acquired (1) Cost $ 63,571 $ 63,571 Accumulated amortization (33,812 ) (31,660 ) Customer relationships - Acquired, net $ 29,759 $ 31,911 Customer relationships - Other (2) Cost $ 4,320 $ 4,320 Accumulated amortization (3,068 ) (2,708 ) Customer relationships - Other, net $ 1,252 $ 1,612 Trademarks (3) Cost $ 6,770 $ 6,770 Accumulated amortization (551 ) (431 ) Trademarks, net $ 6,219 $ 6,339 (1) Customer relationships - Acquired represent those customer acquisitions accounted for under the acquisition method in accordance with ASC 805. See Note 3 "Acquisitions" for further discussion. (2) Customer relationships - Other represent portfolios of customer contracts not accounted for in accordance with ASC 805 as these acquisitions were not in conjunction with the acquisition of businesses. (3) Trademarks reflect values associated with the recognition and positive reputation of acquired businesses accounted for as part of the acquisition method in accordance with ASC 805 through the acquisitions of CenStar, Oasis, the Provider Companies and the Major Energy Companies. These trademarks are recorded as other assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. See Note 3 "Acquisitions" for further discussion. Changes in goodwill, customer relationships and trademarks consisted of the following (in thousands): Goodwill (1) Customer Relationships - Acquired Customer Relationships - Others Trademarks Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 79,147 $ 31,911 $ 1,612 $ 6,339 Additions (Major Working Capital Adjustment) 260 — — — Amortization expense — (2,152 ) (360 ) (120 ) Balance at March 31, 2017 $ 79,407 $ 29,759 $ 1,252 $ 6,219 (1) Changes in goodwill in the three months ended March 31, 2017 related to NG&E's working capital settlement with the Major Energy Companies' sellers.
Estimated Future Amortization Expense of Intangible Assets	Estimated future amortization expense for customer relationships and trademarks at March 31, 2017 is as follows (in thousands): Year ending December 31, 2017 $ 10,281 2018 10,337 2019 5,892 2020 2,894 2021 2,592 > 5 years 5,234 Total $ 37,230

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Debt	Debt consists of the following amounts (in thousands): March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Current portion of Senior Credit Facility—Working Capital Line (1) (2) $ — $ 29,000 Current portion of Senior Credit Facility—Acquisition Line (2) 22,236 22,287 Current portion of Note Payable—Pacific Summit Energy 8,185 15,501 Convertible subordinated notes to affiliate — 6,582 Total current debt 30,421 73,370 Subordinated Debt — 5,000 Total long-term debt — 5,000 Total debt $ 30,421 $ 78,370 (1) As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the Company had $39.3 million and $29.6 million in letters of credit issued, respectively. (2) As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the weighted average interest rate on the current portion of our Senior Credit Facility was 4.75% and 4.93% , respectively.
Components of Interest Expense	Interest expense consists of the following components for the periods indicated (in thousands): Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 Interest incurred on Senior Credit Facility $ 694 $ 318 Accretion related to Earnouts (1) 1,225 — Letters of credit fees and commitment fees 226 192 Amortization of deferred financing costs 248 117 Interest incurred on convertible subordinated notes to affiliate (2) 1,052 126 Interest Expense $ 3,445 $ 753 (1) Includes accretion related to the Provider Earnout of $0.1 million and the Major Earnout of $1.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 . (2) Includes amortization of the discount on the convertible subordinated notes to affiliates of $1.0 million

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis	The following table presents assets and liabilities measured and recorded at fair value in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets on a recurring basis by and their level within the fair value hierarchy as of (in thousands): Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total March 31, 2017 Non-trading commodity derivative assets $ 865 $ 1,515 $ — $ 2,380 Trading commodity derivative assets — 8 — 8 Total commodity derivative assets $ 865 $ 1,523 $ — $ 2,388 Non-trading commodity derivative liabilities $ (238 ) $ (6,305 ) $ — $ (6,543 ) Trading commodity derivative liabilities (124 ) (20 ) — (144 ) Total commodity derivative liabilities $ (362 ) $ (6,325 ) $ — $ (6,687 ) Contingent payment arrangement $ — $ — $ (16,186 ) $ (16,186 ) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total December 31, 2016 Non-trading commodity derivative assets $ 1,511 $ 9,385 $ — $ 10,896 Trading commodity derivative assets 101 430 — 531 Total commodity derivative assets $ 1,612 $ 9,815 $ — $ 11,427 Non-trading commodity derivative liabilities $ — $ (661 ) $ — $ (661 ) Trading commodity derivative liabilities — (87 ) — (87 ) Total commodity derivative liabilities $ — $ (748 ) $ — $ (748 ) Contingent payment arrangement $ — $ — $ (22,653 ) $ (22,653 )
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis	The following tables present reconciliations of liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the years ended March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 . Major Earnout and Stock Earnout Provider Earnout Total Fair value at December 31, 2016 $ 17,760 $ 4,893 $ 22,653 Purchase price contingent consideration $ — $ — $ — Change in fair value of contingent consideration, net 711 — 711 Accretion of contingent earnout consideration (included within interest expense) 1,167 58 1,225 Settlements (1) (7,403 ) (1,000 ) (8,403 ) Fair Value at March 31, 2017 $ 12,235 $ 3,951 $ 16,186 (1) Settlements include pay downs at maturity

Accounting for Derivative Ins30

Accounting for Derivative Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions	The following table summarizes the net notional volume buy/(sell) of the Company’s open derivative financial instruments accounted for at fair value, broken out by commodity, as of (in thousands): Non-trading Commodity Notional March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Natural Gas MMBtu 9,136 8,016 Natural Gas Basis MMBtu — — Electricity MWh 4,276 3,958 Trading Commodity Notional March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Natural Gas MMBtu 108 (953 ) Natural Gas Basis MMBtu — (380 )
Gains (Losses) on Derivative Instruments	Gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net and current period settlements on derivative instruments were as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands): Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 Gain (loss) on non-trading derivatives, net $ 2,519 $ (5,876 ) Gain (loss) on trading derivatives, net 368 (242 ) Loss on derivatives, net 2,887 (6,118 ) Current period settlements on non-trading derivatives (1) (2) 3,341 12,643 Current period settlements on trading derivatives 86 244 Total current period settlements on derivatives $ 3,427 $ 12,887 (1) Excludes settlements of $0.6 million and $2.2 million , respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 related to non-trading derivative liabilities assumed in the acquisitions of CenStar and Oasis. (2) Excludes settlements of $14.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 related to non-trading derivative liabilities assumed in the acquisitions of the Provider Companies and Major Energy Companies. Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 Loss on non-trading derivatives, net (21,037 ) $ (9,620 ) Loss on trading derivatives, net (419 ) (129 ) Loss on derivatives, net (21,456 ) (9,749 ) Current period settlements on non-trading derivatives (1) (2) 7,574 11,277 Current period settlements on trading derivatives (160 ) (5 ) Total current period settlements on derivatives $ 7,414 $ 11,272 (1) Excludes settlements of less than $0.1 million and $(0.8) million , respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 related to non-trading derivative liabilities assumed in the acquisitions of CenStar and Oasis. (2) Excludes settlements of $(1.3) million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 related to non-trading derivative liabilities assumed in the acquisitions of the Provider Companies and Major Energy Companies.
Offsetting Assets	The following tables summarize the fair value and offsetting amounts of the Company’s derivative instruments by counterparty and collateral received or paid as of (in thousands): March 31, 2017 Description Gross Assets Gross Net Assets Cash Net Amount Non-trading commodity derivatives $ 4,436 $ (2,056 ) $ 2,380 $ — $ 2,380 Trading commodity derivatives (23 ) 31 8 — 8 Total Current Derivative Assets 4,413 (2,025 ) 2,388 — 2,388 Non-trading commodity derivatives 60 (60 ) — — — Total Non-current Derivative Assets 60 (60 ) — — — Total Derivative Assets $ 4,473 $ (2,085 ) $ 2,388 $ — $ 2,388 December 31, 2016 Description Gross Assets Gross Net Assets Cash Net Amount Non-trading commodity derivatives $ 19,657 $ (11,844 ) $ 7,813 $ — $ 7,813 Trading commodity derivatives 614 (83 ) 531 — 531 Total Current Derivative Assets 20,271 (11,927 ) 8,344 — 8,344 Non-trading commodity derivatives 7,874 (4,791 ) 3,083 — 3,083 Total Non-current Derivative Assets 7,874 (4,791 ) 3,083 — 3,083 Total Derivative Assets $ 28,145 $ (16,718 ) $ 11,427 $ — $ 11,427 December 31, 2016 Description Gross Assets Gross Net Assets Cash Net Amount Non-trading commodity derivatives $ 19,657 $ (11,844 ) $ 7,813 $ — $ 7,813 Trading commodity derivatives 614 (83 ) 531 — 531 Total Current Derivative Assets 20,271 (11,927 ) 8,344 — 8,344 Non-trading commodity derivatives 7,874 (4,791 ) 3,083 — 3,083 Total Non-current Derivative Assets 7,874 (4,791 ) 3,083 — 3,083 Total Derivative Assets $ 28,145 $ (16,718 ) $ 11,427 $ — $ 11,427 The following tables summarize the fair value and offsetting amounts of the Company’s derivative instruments by counterparty and collateral received or paid as of (in thousands): March 31, 2017 Description Gross Assets Gross Net Assets Cash Net Amount Non-trading commodity derivatives $ 4,436 $ (2,056 ) $ 2,380 $ — $ 2,380 Trading commodity derivatives (23 ) 31 8 — 8 Total Current Derivative Assets $ 4,413 $ (2,025 ) $ 2,388 $ — $ 2,388 Non-trading commodity derivatives $ 60 $ (60 ) $ — $ — $ — Total Non-current Derivative Assets $ 60 $ (60 ) $ — $ — $ — Total Derivative Assets $ 4,473 $ (2,085 ) $ 2,388 $ — $ 2,388
Offsetting Liabilities	March 31, 2017 Description Gross Gross Net Cash Net Amount Non-trading commodity derivatives $ (11,015 ) $ 9,012 $ (2,003 ) $ 300 $ (1,703 ) Trading commodity derivatives (20 ) — (20 ) — (20 ) Total Current Derivative Liabilities (11,035 ) 9,012 (2,023 ) 300 (1,723 ) Non-trading commodity derivatives (7,605 ) 2,765 (4,840 ) — (4,840 ) Total Non-current Derivative Liabilities (7,845 ) 2,881 (4,964 ) — (4,964 ) Total Derivative Liabilities $ (18,880 ) $ 11,893 $ (6,987 ) $ 300 $ (6,687 ) December 31, 2016 Description Gross Gross Net Cash Net Amount Non-trading commodity derivatives $ (662 ) $ 69 $ (593 ) $ — $ (593 ) Trading commodity derivatives (92 ) 5 (87 ) — (87 ) Total Current Derivative Liabilities (754 ) 74 (680 ) — (680 ) Non-trading commodity derivatives (305 ) 237 (68 ) — (68 ) Total Non-current Derivative Liabilities (305 ) 237 (68 ) — (68 ) Total Derivative Liabilities $ (1,059 ) $ 311 $ (748 ) $ — $ (748 ) December 31, 2016 Description Gross Gross Net Cash Net Amount Non-trading commodity derivatives $ (662 ) $ 69 $ (593 ) $ — $ (593 ) Trading commodity derivatives (92 ) 5 (87 ) — (87 ) Total Current Derivative Liabilities (754 ) 74 (680 ) — (680 ) Non-trading commodity derivatives (305 ) 237 (68 ) — (68 ) Total Non-current Derivative Liabilities (305 ) 237 (68 ) — (68 ) Total Derivative Liabilities $ (1,059 ) $ 311 $ (748 ) $ — $ (748 ) March 31, 2017 Description Gross Gross Net Cash Net Amount Non-trading commodity derivatives $ (11,015 ) $ 9,012 $ (2,003 ) $ 300 $ (1,703 ) Trading commodity derivatives (20 ) — (20 ) — (20 ) Total Current Derivative Liabilities $ (11,035 ) $ 9,012 $ (2,023 ) $ 300 $ (1,723 ) Non-trading commodity derivatives $ (7,605 ) $ 2,765 $ (4,840 ) $ — $ (4,840 ) Trading commodity derivatives $ (240 ) $ 116 $ (124 ) $ — $ (124 ) Total Non-current Derivative Liabilities $ (7,845 ) $ 2,881 $ (4,964 ) $ — $ (4,964 ) Total Derivative Liabilities $ (18,880 ) $ 11,893 $ (6,987 ) $ 300 $ (6,687 )

Segment Reporting (Tables)

Segment Reporting (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated	Below is a reconciliation of retail gross margin to income before income tax expense (in thousands): Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 Reconciliation of Retail Gross Margin to Income before taxes Income before income tax expense $ 13,792 $ 16,729 Interest and other income (199 ) 95 Interest expense 3,445 753 Operating Income 17,038 17,577 Depreciation and amortization 9,232 6,789 General and administrative 24,377 17,380 Less: Net asset optimization (expenses) revenues (194 ) 527 Net, Losses on non-trading derivative instruments (21,037 ) (9,620 ) Net, Cash settlements on non-trading derivative instruments 7,574 11,277 Retail Gross Margin $ 64,304 $ 39,562
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	Financial data for business segments are as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 Retail Retail Corporate Eliminations Spark Retail Total Revenues $ 131,733 $ 62,612 $ — $ — $ 194,345 Retail cost of revenues 106,780 36,918 — — 143,698 Less: Net asset optimization expenses — (194 ) — — (194 ) Losses on non-trading derivatives (19,287 ) (1,750 ) — — (21,037 ) Current period settlements on non-trading derivatives 7,764 (190 ) — — 7,574 Retail Gross Margin $ 36,476 $ 27,828 $ — $ — $ 64,304 Total Assets at March 31, 2017 $ 666,742 $ 272,045 $ 163,806 $ (736,776 ) $ 365,817 Goodwill at March 31, 2017 $ 76,877 $ 2,530 $ — $ — $ 79,407 Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 Retail Retail Corporate Eliminations Spark Retail Total revenues $ 61,933 $ 48,613 $ — $ — $ 110,546 Retail cost of revenues 46,300 22,500 — — 68,800 Less: Net asset optimization revenues — 527 — — 527 Losses on non-trading derivatives (9,390 ) (230 ) — — (9,620 ) Current period settlements on non-trading derivatives 9,617 1,660 — — 11,277 Retail Gross Margin $ 15,406 $ 24,156 $ — $ — $ 39,562 Total Assets at December 31, 2016 $ 577,695 $ 242,739 $ 169,404 $ (613,670 ) $ 376,168 Goodwill at December 31, 2016 $ 76,617 $ 2,530 $ — $ — $ 79,147 Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 Retail Retail Corporate Eliminations Spark Retail Total revenues $ — $ — $ — $ — Retail cost of revenues — — — Less: Net asset optimization expenses — — — — (Losses) gains on non-trading derivatives 2,519 — — 2,519 Current period settlements on non-trading derivatives 3,341 — — 3,341 Retail Gross Margin $ — $ (5,860 ) $ — $ — $ (5,860 ) Total Assets at March 31, 2017 $ 666,742 $ 272,045 $ 163,806 $ (736,776 ) $ 365,817 Goodwill at March 31, 2017 $ 76,877 $ 2,530 $ — $ — $ 79,407 Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 Retail Retail Corporate Eliminations Spark Retail Total revenues $ — $ — $ — $ — Retail cost of revenues — — — Less: Net asset optimization revenues — — — — (Losses) gains on non-trading derivatives (5,876 ) — — (5,876 ) Current period settlements on non-trading derivatives 12,643 — — 12,643 Retail Gross Margin $ — $ (6,767 ) $ — $ — $ (6,767 ) Total Assets at December 31, 2016 $ 376,168 $ 376,168 Goodwill at December 31, 2016 $ 79,147 $ — $ — $ 79,147

Formation and Organization (Det

Formation and Organization (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	Jun. 08, 2016	Apr. 01, 2016	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2016$ / shares	Jul. 31, 2015$ / shares	Jul. 08, 2015$ / shares	May 29, 2014$ / shares	Apr. 22, 2014$ / shares
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Conversion of stock exchange ratio			1
Common Class A
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares			$ 0.01	$ 0.01				$ 0.01
Common stock voting rights			1
Conversion of stock exchange ratio	1,000	1,000
Common Class B
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares			$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock voting rights			1
Censtar Convertible Debt | Convertible Debt | CenStar
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Contingent consideration - earnout obligations incurred in connection with acquisitions | $			$ 2.1
Oasis Note | Convertible Debt | Oasis
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Contingent consideration - earnout obligations incurred in connection with acquisitions | $			$ 5

Basis of Presentation and Sum33

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details)	Apr. 15, 2016
Major Energy Companies
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of membership interests acquired	100.00%

Acquisitions - Acquisitions of

Acquisitions - Acquisitions of Provider Companies - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	Aug. 01, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2017	Aug. 23, 2016
Common Class B
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Share price (in dollars per share)	$ 20			$ 20
Provider Companies
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price	$ 34.1
Initial working capital estimate	1.3
Earnout maximum	9		$ 9
Installment consideration payment	3.8
Installment payment	$ 0.4
Provider Companies | Common Class B
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of shares issued for acquisition (shares)	699,742
Issuance of Class B common stock to affiliates	$ 14
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Provider Companies
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Contingent consideration - earnout obligations incurred in connection with acquisitions		$ 4.8
Revolving Credit Facility | Acquisition Line | Provider Companies
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Borrowing from credit facility	$ 10.6

Acquisitions - Acquisition of P

Acquisitions - Acquisition of Provider Companies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 79,407	$ 79,147

Acquisitions - Acquisition of M

Acquisitions - Acquisition of Major Energy Companies - Narrative (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Aug. 23, 2016USD ($)utility$ / sharesshares	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Aug. 01, 2016$ / shares
Combination of Entities under Common Control, by Combination [Line Items]
Amount recorded as equity transaction		$ (260)
National Gas & Electric, LLC
Combination of Entities under Common Control, by Combination [Line Items]
Amount recorded as equity transaction		(1,400)
Common Class B
Combination of Entities under Common Control, by Combination [Line Items]
Share price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 20			$ 20
Major Energy Companies
Combination of Entities under Common Control, by Combination [Line Items]
Employment contract termination costs		1,500	$ 4,100
Employee contract termination liability		2,600
Major Energy Companies | National Gas & Electric, LLC
Combination of Entities under Common Control, by Combination [Line Items]
Initial working capital estimate	$ 10,300
Major Energy Companies
Combination of Entities under Common Control, by Combination [Line Items]
Number of utilities | utility	43
Consideration amount	$ 63,400
Working capital	4,300
Litigation reserve	5,000
Installment and earnout payments (up to)	35,000
Installment and earnout payments purchase date value	13,100
Amount recorded as equity transaction	$ (6,000)	(4,900)	$ (4,700)
Major Energy Companies | Common Class B
Combination of Entities under Common Control, by Combination [Line Items]
Share earnout maximum (in shares) | shares	40,718
Value of shares for earnout	$ 800	$ 800
Number of shares issued for acquisition (shares) | shares	2,000,000
Value of shares issued for acquisition	$ 40,000
Major Energy Companies | Common Class B | Maximum
Combination of Entities under Common Control, by Combination [Line Items]
Share earnout maximum (in shares) | shares	200,000	200,000
Major Energy Companies | Major Energy Companies
Combination of Entities under Common Control, by Combination [Line Items]
Working capital	$ 4,300

Acquisitions - Acquisition of37

Acquisitions - Acquisition of Major Energy Companies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 79,407	$ 79,147
National Gas & Electric, LLC | Major Energy Companies
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash	17,368	17,368
Property and equipment	14	14
Intangible assets - customer relationships & non-compete agreements	24,271	24,271
Other assets - trademarks	4,973	4,973
Non-current deferred tax assets	1,042	1,042
Goodwill	34,988	34,728
Net working capital, net of cash acquired	(6,746)	(6,746)
Fair value of derivative liabilities	(7,260)	(7,260)
Total	68,650	$ 68,390
Q1 2017 Adjustments
Goodwill	260
Total	$ 260

Equity - Non-controlling Intere

Equity - Non-controlling Interest (Details) - shares	Jan. 31, 2017	Jan. 08, 2017	Jan. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
The Company
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Economic interests percentage				37.70%	38.85%
The Company | NuDevco Retail and Retailco
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Economic interests percentage				62.30%	61.15%
Retailco | Common Class B
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of shares from conversion (shares)			134,731
Censtar Convertible Debt | Common Class B
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of shares from conversion (shares)	383,090	134,731	383,090

Equity - Net Income and Income

Equity - Net Income and Income Tax on Non-controlling Interest (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Net income allocated to non-controlling interest	$ 8,660	$ 12,008
Income tax expense (benefit) allocated to non-controlling interest	(457)	440
Net income attributable to non-controlling interest	$ 9,117	$ 11,568

Equity - Narrative (Details)

Equity - Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands	Mar. 15, 2017USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2017shares	Jan. 08, 2017shares	Aug. 01, 2016shares	Jun. 08, 2016	Apr. 01, 2016	Jan. 31, 2017shares	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)shares	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016shares
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Proceeds from issuance of Series A Preferred Stock, net of issuance costs | $	$ 39,000							$ 38,607	$ 0
Preferred stock shares outstanding (shares)								1,610,000		0
Preferred stock shares issued (shares)								1,610,000		0
Conversion of stock exchange ratio								1
Common Class A
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock shares outstanding (shares)								6,499,504		6,496,559
Common stock voting rights								1
Conversion of stock exchange ratio					1,000	1,000
Common Class B
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock shares outstanding (shares)								10,742,563		10,224,742
Common stock voting rights								1
Provider Companies | Common Class B
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of shares issued for acquisition (shares)				699,742
CenStar Note | Common Class B
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of shares from conversion (shares)			134,731
Censtar Convertible Debt | Common Class B
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of shares from conversion (shares)		383,090	134,731				383,090

Equity - Earnings per Share (De

Equity - Earnings per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands		Jan. 08, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Net income attributable to Spark Energy, Inc. stockholders			$ 2,269	$ 2,269	$ 4,173
Less: Accumulated dividend on Series A preferred stock			183		0
Net income attributable to stockholders of Class A common stock			$ 2,086		$ 4,173
Basic weighted average Class A common shares outstanding			6,498,000		3,756,000
Basic EPS attributable to shareholders (in dollars per share)	[1]		$ 0.32		$ 1.11
Effect of conversion of Class B common stock to shares of Class A common stock			$ 0		$ 6,094
Effect of conversion of convertible subordinated notes into shares of Class B common stock and shares of Class B common stock into shares of Class A common stock (1)			0		(413)
Diluted net income attributable to stockholders of Class A common stock			$ 2,086		$ 9,854
Basic weighted average Class A common shares outstanding			6,498,000		3,756,000
Effect of dilutive Class B common stock (in shares)			0		10,113,000
Effect of dilutive convertible subordinated notes into shares of Class B common stock and shares of Class B common stock into shares of Class A common stock			0		493,000
Effect of dilutive restricted stock units (in shares)			136,000		158,000
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding			6,634,000		14,520,000
Diluted EPS attributable to shareholders (in dollars per share)	[1]		$ 0.31		$ 0.68
CenStar Note | Common Class B
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of shares from conversion (shares)		134,731
Oasis | Common Class B
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of shares from conversion (shares)		383,090
[1]	In accordance with GAAP, net income attributable to stockholders of Class A common stock is presented net of cumulative Series A Preferred Stock dividends of $183 as of March 31, 2017.

Equity - Classification of Asse

Equity - Classification of Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 79,407	$ 79,147
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Total Assets	311,334
Total Liabilities	165,825
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Total current assets
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Total Assets	191,535
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Cash and cash equivalents
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Total Assets	24,784
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Accounts receivable
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Total Assets	108,754
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Other current assets
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Total Assets	57,997
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Total non-current assets
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Total Assets	119,799
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Goodwill
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Goodwill	79,407
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Other assets
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Total Assets	40,392
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Total current liabilities
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Total Liabilities	156,778
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Accounts payable and Accrued Liabilities
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Total Liabilities	77,633
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Intercompany payable with Spark Energy, Inc.
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Total Liabilities	37,636
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Current portion of Senior Credit Facility
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Total Liabilities	22,236
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability, Current [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Total Liabilities	12,103
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Other current liabilities
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Total Liabilities	7,170
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Total long-term liabilities
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Total Liabilities	9,047
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Contingent consideration
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Total Liabilities	4,083
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Other long-term liabilities
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Total Liabilities	$ 4,964

Property and Equipment - Schedu

Property and Equipment - Schedule of Property and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 35,455	$ 35,267
Accumulated depreciation	(31,066)	(30,561)
Property and equipment—net	4,389	4,706
Information technology
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 29,863	29,675
Information technology | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	2 years
Information technology | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	5 years
Leasehold improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 4,568	4,568
Leasehold improvements | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	2 years
Leasehold improvements | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	5 years
Furniture and fixtures
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 1,024	$ 1,024
Furniture and fixtures | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	2 years
Furniture and fixtures | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	5 years

Property and Equipment - Narrat

Property and Equipment - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation	$ 0.5	$ 0.4
Information technology
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Assets not yet placed into service	$ 1.2		$ 1.1

Goodwill, Customer Relationsh45

Goodwill, Customer Relationships and Trademarks - Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill	$ 79,407	$ 79,147
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total	37,230
Customer Relationships - Acquired
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Cost	63,571	63,571
Accumulated amortization	(33,812)	(31,660)
Total	29,759	31,911
Customer Relationships - Others
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Cost	4,320	4,320
Accumulated amortization	(3,068)	(2,708)
Total	1,252	1,612
Trademarks
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Cost	6,770	6,770
Accumulated amortization	(551)	(431)
Total	$ 6,219	$ 6,339

Goodwill, Customer Relationsh46

Goodwill, Customer Relationships and Trademarks - Roll Forward (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 79,147
Additions (Major Working Capital Adjustment)	260
Balance at end of period	79,407
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance at end of period	37,230
Customer Relationships - Acquired
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	31,911
Additions (Major Working Capital Adjustment)	0
Amortization expense	(2,152)
Balance at end of period	29,759
Customer Relationships - Others
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	1,612
Additions (Major Working Capital Adjustment)	0
Amortization expense	(360)
Balance at end of period	1,252
Trademarks
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	6,339
Additions (Major Working Capital Adjustment)	0
Amortization expense	(120)
Balance at end of period	6,219
Cost of Revenue | Customer Contracts
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Amortization expense	$ (1,100)

Goodwill, Customer Relationsh47

Goodwill, Customer Relationships and Trademarks - Future Amortization Expense (Details) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)
Year ending December 31,
2,017	$ 10,281
2,018	10,337
2,019	5,892
2,020	2,894
2,021	2,592
More than 5 years	5,234
Total	$ 37,230

Debt - Components of Debt (Deta

Debt - Components of Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total current debt	$ 30,421		$ 73,370
Convertible subordinated notes to affiliates	0		6,582
Subordinated debt—affiliate	0		5,000
Total long-term debt	0		5,000
Total debt	30,421		78,370
Trade Credit Arrangements With Pacific Summit Energy LLC
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total current debt	8,185		15,501
Senior Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Letters of credit issued	$ 39,300		29,600
Weighted average interest rate on current portion of debt	4.75%	4.93%
Senior Credit Facility | Working Capital Line
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total current debt	$ 0		29,000
Senior Credit Facility | Acquisition Line
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total current debt	$ 22,236		$ 22,287

Debt - Debt Components Narrativ

Debt - Debt Components Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Deferred financing costs	$ 0.2	$ 0.4

Debt - Interest Expense (Detail

Debt - Interest Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Accretion Related To Earnouts		$ 0
Amortization of deferred financing costs	$ 248	117
Interest Expense	3,445	753
Provider Earnout
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Accretion Related To Earnouts	100
Major Earnout
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Accretion Related To Earnouts	1,100
Convertible Subordinated Notes
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Interest incurred on convertible subordinated notes to affiliate	1,052	126
Amortization of discount	1,000	100
Working Capital Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Letters of credit fees and commitment fees	226	192
Working Capital Facility | Senior Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Interest incurred on Senior Credit Facility	$ 694	$ 318

Debt - Senior Credit Facility (

Debt - Senior Credit Facility (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 22, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Oct. 01, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 29, 2016	Aug. 01, 2016	Jun. 01, 2016	May 31, 2016
Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Adjusted tangible net worth threshold (greater than)	$ 18,000,000
Maximum leverage ratio	250.00%
Debt default, change in control, ownership percentage (less than)	40.00%
Debt default, material judgment (in excess of)	$ 5,000,000
Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility | Minimum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Fixed charge coverage ratio	125.00%
Revolving Credit Facility | Working Capital Line
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity		$ 82,500,000	$ 70,000,000	$ 60,000,000	$ 82,500,000	$ 82,500,000		$ 82,500,000	$ 60,000,000
Required minimum availability							$ 40,000,000
Reduction to interest rate if facility utilization is less than fifty percent	0.25%
Commitment fee percentage	0.375%
Nonutilization fee	0.50%
Adjusted tangible net worth, aggregate commitments percentage	20.00%
Revolving Credit Facility | Working Capital Line | Maximum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit, availability	$ 82,500,000
Borrowing base calculated on value of eligible accounts receivable, unbilled product sales, inventory and other working capital assets, percentage	90.00%
Revolving Credit Facility | Working Capital Line | Minimum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit, availability	$ 40,000,000
Borrowing base calculated on value of eligible accounts receivable, unbilled product sales, inventory and other working capital assets, percentage	80.00%
Consolidated net working capital through December 30, 2016	$ 5,000,000
Consolidated net working capital through December 30, 2016, percentage	15.00%
Revolving Credit Facility | Working Capital Line | Eurodollar
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	3.00%
Revolving Credit Facility | Working Capital Line | Base Rate
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	2.00%
Revolving Credit Facility | Working Capital Line | Federal Funds Rate
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	0.50%
Revolving Credit Facility | Working Capital Line | Reference Eurodollar Rate
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	1.00%
Revolving Credit Facility | Working Capital Line | Cost of Funds Rate
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	2.50%
Revolving Credit Facility | Acquisition Line
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	$ 25,000,000
Financing of cost of acquisitions, maximum percentage	75.00%
Nonutilization fee	0.50%
Adjusted tangible net worth, borrowings percentage	33.00%
Revolving Credit Facility | Acquisition Line | Eurodollar | Maximum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	3.75%
Revolving Credit Facility | Acquisition Line | Base Rate | Maximum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	2.75%
Revolving Credit Facility | Acquisition Line | Federal Funds Rate
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	0.50%
Revolving Credit Facility | Acquisition Line | Reference Eurodollar Rate
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	1.00%

Debt - Convertible Subordinated

Debt - Convertible Subordinated Notes to Affiliate (Details) - USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2017	Jan. 08, 2017	Jul. 31, 2015	Jul. 08, 2015	Jan. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	May 12, 2015	May 29, 2014	Apr. 22, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Convertible subordinated notes to affiliates						$ 0		$ 6,582,000
Conversion price (in dollars per share)									$ 14
Interest expense						$ 3,445,000	$ 753,000
Common Class B
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Common stock par value per share (in dollars per share)			$ 0.01	$ 0.01		$ 0.01		$ 0.01		$ 0.01
Common Class A
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Common stock par value per share (in dollars per share)						$ 0.01		$ 0.01			$ 0.01
Market price (in dollars per share)			$ 16.21
Censtar Convertible Debt | Common Class B
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of shares from conversion (shares)	383,090	134,731			383,090
Oasis Note | Common Class B
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of shares from conversion (shares)	383,090
Convertible Debt | Censtar Convertible Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate				5.00%
Period in which conversion rights may not be exercised (in months)				18 months
Convertible Debt | Censtar Convertible Debt | Common Class B
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Conversion price (in dollars per share)				$ 16.57
Convertible Debt | Censtar Convertible Debt | CenStar
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Convertible subordinated notes to affiliates				$ 2,100,000
Convertible Debt | Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Required minimum availability			$ 5,000,000	$ 5,000,000
Convertible Debt | Oasis Note
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate			5.00%
Conversion price (in dollars per share)									$ 14
Period in which conversion rights may not be exercised (in months)			18 months
Intrinsic value			$ 800,000
Interest expense	$ 1,000,000
Convertible Debt | Oasis Note | Common Class B
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Conversion price (in dollars per share)			$ 14
Convertible Debt | Oasis Note | Oasis
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Convertible subordinated notes to affiliates			$ 5,000,000

Debt - Subordinated Debt Facili

Debt - Subordinated Debt Facility (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2016	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Current portion of note payable		$ 8,185	$ 15,501
Subordinated debt—affiliate		0	$ 5,000
Subordinated Debt | Retailco
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Subordinated borrowing, interest rate	5.00%
Subordinated debt—affiliate	$ 25,000	$ 0
Subordinated debt, advances	$ 1,000
Subordinated debt, interest rate on advances	5.00%
Minimum availability under the borrowing base	$ 5,000

Debt - Pacific Summit Energy LL

Debt - Pacific Summit Energy LLC (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)trade_credit_arrangement	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Current portion of note payable	$ 8,185	$ 15,501
Trade Credit Arrangements With Pacific Summit Energy LLC
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Current portion of note payable	$ 8,185
Trade Credit Arrangements With Pacific Summit Energy LLC | Major Energy Companies
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of trade credit arrangements | trade_credit_arrangement	3
Interest rate	4.20%
Trade Credit Arrangements With Pacific Summit Energy LLC | Major Energy Companies | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	300.00%

Fair Value Measurements (Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) - USD ($)	Aug. 23, 2016	Apr. 15, 2016	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Aug. 01, 2016
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Current contingent consideration for acquisitions			$ 12,103,000	$ 12,103,000		$ 11,827,000
Contingent consideration for acquisitions - noncurrent			4,083,000	4,083,000		10,826,000
Increase in estimate of CenStar Earnout				$ 1,936,000	$ 1,000,000
Accretion on fair value of Major Earnout and Provider Earnout liabilities					$ 0
Major Energy Companies | Common Class B
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Share earnout maximum (in shares)	40,718
Major Energy Companies | Common Class B | Maximum
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Share earnout maximum (in shares)	200,000			200,000
Provider Earnout
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Accretion on fair value of Major Earnout and Provider Earnout liabilities				$ 100,000
Major Earnout
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Accretion on fair value of Major Earnout and Provider Earnout liabilities				$ 1,100,000
Provider Earnout
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Performance period (in years)				9 months
Earnout maximum			9,000,000	$ 9,000,000			$ 9,000,000
Earnout minimum			5,000,000	5,000,000
Payment to sellers related to earnouts				1,000,000
CenStar Earnout
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Contingent payment arrangement						(4,900,000)
Contingent consideration for acquisitions - noncurrent						10,800,000
Major Energy Companies
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Earnout payments			7,400,000
Major Energy Companies | National Gas & Electric, LLC
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Performance period (in years)		33 months
Earnout maximum		$ 20,000,000	12,200,000	12,200,000
Decrease in fair value recorded in general and administrative expense				700,000
Major Energy Companies | Major Earnout
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Accretion on fair value of Major Earnout and Provider Earnout liabilities				1,200,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets			2,388,000	2,388,000		11,427,000
Derivative liabilities			(6,687,000)	(6,687,000)		(748,000)
Contingent payment arrangement			(16,186,000)	(16,186,000)		(22,653,000)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Provider Earnout
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Contingent payment arrangement			(3,951,000)	(3,951,000)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Major Earnout
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Contingent payment arrangement			(11,400,000)	(11,400,000)		(17,100,000)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | CenStar Earnout
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Contingent payment arrangement			(800,000)	(800,000)		(700,000)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Non-trading Commodity Contract
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets			2,380,000	2,380,000		10,896,000
Derivative liabilities			(6,543,000)	(6,543,000)		(661,000)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Trading Commodity Contract
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets			8,000	8,000		531,000
Derivative liabilities			(144,000)	(144,000)		(87,000)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets			865,000	865,000		1,612,000
Derivative liabilities			(362,000)	(362,000)		0
Contingent payment arrangement			0	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Non-trading Commodity Contract
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets			865,000	865,000		1,511,000
Derivative liabilities			(238,000)	(238,000)		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Trading Commodity Contract
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets			0	0		101,000
Derivative liabilities			(124,000)	(124,000)		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets			1,523,000	1,523,000		9,815,000
Derivative liabilities			(6,325,000)	(6,325,000)		(748,000)
Contingent payment arrangement			0	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Non-trading Commodity Contract
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets			1,515,000	1,515,000		9,385,000
Derivative liabilities			(6,305,000)	(6,305,000)		(661,000)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Trading Commodity Contract
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets			8,000	8,000		430,000
Derivative liabilities			(20,000)	(20,000)		(87,000)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets			0	0		0
Derivative liabilities			0	0		0
Contingent payment arrangement			(16,186,000)	(16,186,000)		(22,653,000)
Increase in estimate of CenStar Earnout				711,000
Payment to sellers related to earnouts				8,403,000
Accretion on fair value of Major Earnout and Provider Earnout liabilities				1,225,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Provider Earnout
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Contingent payment arrangement						(4,893,000)
Increase in estimate of CenStar Earnout				0
Payment to sellers related to earnouts				1,000,000
Accretion on fair value of Major Earnout and Provider Earnout liabilities				58,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Non-trading Commodity Contract
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets			0	0		0
Derivative liabilities			0	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Trading Commodity Contract
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets			0	0		0
Derivative liabilities			0	0		$ 0
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability, Current [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Current contingent consideration for acquisitions			12,103,000	12,103,000
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Contingent consideration
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Contingent consideration for acquisitions - noncurrent			$ 4,083,000	$ 4,083,000

Fair Value Measurements - Fair

Fair Value Measurements - Fair Value Measurements Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Change in Fair Value of Earnout Liabilities	$ 1,936	$ 1,000
Accretion Related To Earnouts		$ 0
Provider Earnout
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Accretion Related To Earnouts	100
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Contingent payment arrangement, beginning	22,653
Contingent payment arrangement, ending	16,186
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Contingent payment arrangement, beginning	22,653
Purchase price contingent consideration	0
Change in Fair Value of Earnout Liabilities	711
Accretion Related To Earnouts	1,225
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Settlement	(8,403)
Contingent payment arrangement, ending	16,186
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Major Earnout And Stock Earnout [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Contingent payment arrangement, beginning	17,760
Purchase price contingent consideration	0
Change in Fair Value of Earnout Liabilities	711
Accretion Related To Earnouts	1,167
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Settlement	(7,403)
Contingent payment arrangement, ending	12,235
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Provider Earnout
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Contingent payment arrangement, beginning	4,893
Purchase price contingent consideration	0
Change in Fair Value of Earnout Liabilities	0
Accretion Related To Earnouts	58
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Settlement	$ (1,000)

Accounting for Derivative Ins57

Accounting for Derivative Instruments - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Collateral fee	$ 300,000	$ 0

Accounting for Derivative Ins58

Accounting for Derivative Instruments - Volumetric Underlying Derivative Transactions (Details) MWh in Thousands, MMBTU in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017MWhMMBTU	Dec. 31, 2016MWhMMBTU
Non-trading | Natural Gas | Buy
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Net notional volume	9,136	8,016
Non-trading | Natural Gas Basis | Buy
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Net notional volume	0	0
Non-trading | Electricity | Buy
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Net notional volume | MWh	4,276	3,958
Trading | Natural Gas | Buy
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Net notional volume	108
Trading | Natural Gas | Sell
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Net notional volume		953
Trading | Natural Gas Basis | Buy
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Net notional volume	0
Trading | Natural Gas Basis | Sell
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Net notional volume		380

Accounting for Derivative Ins59

Accounting for Derivative Instruments - Gains (Losses) on Derivative Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Loss on derivatives, net	$ (21,456)	$ (9,749)
Total current period settlements on derivatives	7,414	11,272
Non-trading
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Loss on derivatives, net	(21,037)	(9,620)
Total current period settlements on derivatives	7,574	11,277
Non-trading | Censtar and Oasis Power Holdings
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Loss on derivatives, net	100	(800)
Non-trading | Provider Companies and Major Energy Companies
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Loss on derivatives, net	(1,300)
Trading
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Loss on derivatives, net	(419)	(129)
Total current period settlements on derivatives	$ (160)	$ (5)

Accounting for Derivative Ins60

Accounting for Derivative Instruments - Offsetting Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Commodity Contract
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Gross Assets	$ 4,473	$ 28,145
Gross Amounts Offset	(2,085)	(16,718)
Net Assets	2,388	11,427
Cash Collateral Offset	0	0
Net Amount Presented	2,388	11,427
Commodity Contract, Current
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Gross Assets	4,413	20,271
Gross Amounts Offset	(2,025)	(11,927)
Net Assets	2,388	8,344
Cash Collateral Offset	0	0
Net Amount Presented	2,388	8,344
Trading Commodity Contract, Current
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Gross Assets	(23)	614
Gross Amounts Offset	31	(83)
Net Assets	8	531
Cash Collateral Offset	0	0
Net Amount Presented	8	531
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Non-trading Commodity Contract, Current
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Gross Assets	4,436	19,657
Gross Amounts Offset	(2,056)	(11,844)
Net Assets	2,380	7,813
Cash Collateral Offset	0	0
Net Amount Presented	2,380	7,813
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Commodity Contract, Noncurrent
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Gross Assets	60	7,874
Gross Amounts Offset	(60)	(4,791)
Net Assets	0	3,083
Cash Collateral Offset	0	0
Net Amount Presented	0	3,083
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Non-trading Commodity Contract, Noncurrent
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Gross Assets	60	7,874
Gross Amounts Offset	(60)	(4,791)
Net Assets	0	3,083
Cash Collateral Offset	0	0
Net Amount Presented	$ 0	$ 3,083

Accounting for Derivative Ins61

Accounting for Derivative Instruments - Offsetting Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Commodity Contract
Offsetting Liabilities [Line Items]
Gross Liabilities	$ (18,880)	$ (1,059)
Gross Amounts Offset	11,893	311
Net Liabilities	(6,987)	(748)
Cash Collateral Offset	300	0
Net Amount Presented	(6,687)	(748)
Commodity Contract, Current
Offsetting Liabilities [Line Items]
Gross Liabilities	(11,035)	(754)
Gross Amounts Offset	9,012	74
Net Liabilities	(2,023)	(680)
Cash Collateral Offset	300	0
Net Amount Presented	(1,723)	(680)
Trading Commodity Contract, Current
Offsetting Liabilities [Line Items]
Gross Liabilities	(20)	(92)
Gross Amounts Offset	0	5
Net Liabilities	(20)	(87)
Cash Collateral Offset	0	0
Net Amount Presented	(20)	(87)
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Non-trading Commodity Contract, Current
Offsetting Liabilities [Line Items]
Gross Liabilities	(11,015)	(662)
Gross Amounts Offset	9,012	69
Net Liabilities	(2,003)	(593)
Cash Collateral Offset	300	0
Net Amount Presented	(1,703)	(593)
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Trading Commodity Contract, Current
Offsetting Liabilities [Line Items]
Gross Liabilities	(240)
Gross Amounts Offset	116
Net Liabilities	(124)
Cash Collateral Offset	0
Net Amount Presented	(124)
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Commodity Contract, Noncurrent
Offsetting Liabilities [Line Items]
Gross Liabilities	(7,845)	(305)
Gross Amounts Offset	2,881	237
Net Liabilities	(4,964)	(68)
Cash Collateral Offset	0	0
Net Amount Presented	(4,964)	(68)
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Non-trading Commodity Contract, Noncurrent
Offsetting Liabilities [Line Items]
Gross Liabilities	(7,605)	(305)
Gross Amounts Offset	2,765	237
Net Liabilities	(4,840)	(68)
Cash Collateral Offset	0	0
Net Amount Presented	$ (4,840)	$ (68)

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 08, 2016	Apr. 01, 2016	Feb. 03, 2016	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Income tax rate				17.40%	5.90%
Affiliated Entity | Retailco
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of shares of common stock exchanged	500,000	1,725,000	1,000,000
Net deferred tax asset	$ 5.3	$ 7.6	$ 8
Long-term deferred tax liability	6.9	10.3	10.3
Long-term deferred tax asset	$ 2.6	$ 3.9	$ 3.9
NuDevco Retail Holdings and NuDevco Retail
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Net deferred tax asset				$ 15.6
Payable pursuant to the TRA				49.9
Long-term deferred tax asset related to the TRA				$ 19.7

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jan. 19, 2016	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Provider Companies | Pending Litigation | Halifax-American Energy Company, LLC et al v. Provider Power, LLC, Electricity N.H., LLC, Electricity Maine, LLC, Emile Clavet and Kevin Dean
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Litigation settlement amount	$ (0.6)
Attorney fees	$ 0.3
Contingent liabilities		$ 1	$ 1
Indirect Tax Audits
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss during the period		$ 1.9

Transactions with Affiliates (D

Transactions with Affiliates (Details) - USD ($)		Aug. 23, 2016	Aug. 01, 2016	Jan. 01, 2016	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Jul. 31, 2015	Jul. 08, 2015
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Accounts receivable—affiliates					$ 2,013,000		$ 2,624,000
Accounts payable—affiliates					3,217,000		3,775,000
Net asset optimization revenues	[1]				(194,000)	$ 527,000
Retail cost of revenues (less than)	[2]				143,698,000	68,800,000
General and administrative expense - affiliates	[3]				24,377,000	17,380,000
Proceeds from disgorgement of stockholders short-swing profits					$ 666,000	0
Tax receivable agreement, net cash savings (as a percent)					15.00%
Prepaid assets - affiliates (less than)							$ 0
Common Class B
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Share price (in dollars per share)		$ 20	$ 20
Convertible Debt | CenStar | Censtar Convertible Debt
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Notes, issued amount									$ 2,100,000
Convertible Debt | Oasis | Oasis Power Holdings Convertible Debt
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Notes, issued amount								$ 5,000,000
Retailco
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Proceeds from disgorgement of stockholders short-swing profits					$ 700,000
NuDevco Retail Holdings and NuDevco Retail | Tax Receivable Agreement
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Initial TRA payment					1,400,000
Affiliated Entity
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
General and administrative expense - affiliates						5,000,000
Affiliated Entity | Purchased Natural Gas From Affiliate
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Cost of revenues					0	1,300,000
Affiliated Entity | Purchased Natural Gas Sold To Affiliate
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Net asset optimization revenues					0	100,000
Affiliated Entity | Marlin Transportation Agreement
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Retail cost of revenues (less than)					0	100,000
Affiliated Entity | Allocated Overhead Costs
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
General and administrative expense - affiliates					7,400,000	4,400,000
Affiliated Entity | Property and Equipment Capitalized
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Amount capitalized for application, development and implementation of various systems					600,000
Affiliated Entity | Retailco
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Service contract term				1 year
Service contract, renewal term				1 year
Affiliated Entity | Retailco | Allocated Overhead Costs
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
General and administrative expense - affiliates					7,300,000
Affiliated Entity | Retailco | Property and Equipment Capitalized
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Amount capitalized for application, development and implementation of various systems					100,000
NuDevco Retail and Retailco
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Payments of distributions to affiliates					$ 3,900,000	$ 3,500,000
Tax receivable agreement, net cash savings (as a percent)					85.00%
NuDevco Retail and Retailco | Payment of Income Taxes Incurred by the Company
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Payments of distributions to affiliates					$ 500,000
Subsidiary of Common Parent | Retailco | Common Class B
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of shares issued for acquisition (shares)			699,742
Value of shares issued for acquisition			$ 14,000,000
Subsidiary of Common Parent | National Gas & Electric, LLC | Common Class B
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of shares issued for acquisition (shares)		2,000,000
NuDevco Retail Holdings and NuDevco Retail
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Tax receivable agreement, deferral period					5 years
Tax receivable agreement, coverage percentage					130.00%
Tax receivable agreement, target dividend (in dollars per share)					$ 0.3625
[1]	Net asset optimization revenues (expenses) includes asset optimization revenues —affiliates of $0 and $113 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and asset optimization revenues—affiliates cost of revenues of $0 and $1,258 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
[2]	Retail cost of revenues includes retail cost of revenues—affiliates of $0 and less than $100 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
[3]	General and administrative includes general and administrative expense—affiliates of $7,300 and $4,400 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Segment Reporting - Narrative (

Segment Reporting - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Asset optimization revenue	$ 61.9	$ 42.3
Asset optimization cost of revenues	$ 62.1	$ 41.8

Segment Reporting - Reconciliat

Segment Reporting - Reconciliation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income before income tax expense		$ 13,792	$ 16,729
Interest and other income		199	(95)
Interest expense		3,445	753
Operating Income		17,038	17,577
Depreciation and amortization		9,232	6,789
General and administrative	[1]	24,377	17,380
Less:
Net asset optimization (expense)/revenues	[2]	(194)	527
Net, Losses on non-trading derivative instruments		(21,456)	(9,749)
Net, Cash settlements on non-trading derivative instruments		6,178	10,457
Retail Gross Margin		64,304	39,562
Non-trading
Less:
Net, Losses on non-trading derivative instruments		(21,037)	(9,620)
Net, Cash settlements on non-trading derivative instruments		$ 7,574	$ 11,277
[1]	General and administrative includes general and administrative expense—affiliates of $7,300 and $4,400 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
[2]	Net asset optimization revenues (expenses) includes asset optimization revenues —affiliates of $0 and $113 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and asset optimization revenues—affiliates cost of revenues of $0 and $1,258 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Segment Reporting - Financial D

Segment Reporting - Financial Data (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Revenues		$ 194,345	$ 110,546
Retail cost of revenues	[1]	143,698	68,800
Less:
Net asset optimization (expense)/revenues	[2]	(194)	527
(Losses) gains on non-trading derivatives		(21,456)	(9,749)
Current period settlements on non-trading derivatives		7,414	11,272
Retail Gross Margin		64,304	39,562
Total Assets		365,817		$ 376,168
Goodwill		79,407		79,147
Non-trading
Less:
(Losses) gains on non-trading derivatives		(21,037)	(9,620)
Current period settlements on non-trading derivatives		7,574	11,277
Operating Segments | Retail Electricity
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Revenues		131,733	61,933
Retail cost of revenues		106,780	46,300
Less:
Net asset optimization (expense)/revenues		0	0
Retail Gross Margin		36,476	15,406
Total Assets		666,742		577,695
Goodwill		76,877		76,617
Operating Segments | Retail Electricity | Non-trading
Less:
(Losses) gains on non-trading derivatives		(19,287)	(9,390)
Current period settlements on non-trading derivatives		7,764	9,617
Operating Segments | Retail Natural Gas
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Revenues		62,612	48,613
Retail cost of revenues		36,918	22,500
Less:
Net asset optimization (expense)/revenues		(194)	527
Retail Gross Margin		27,828	24,156
Total Assets		272,045		242,739
Goodwill		2,530		2,530
Operating Segments | Retail Natural Gas | Non-trading
Less:
(Losses) gains on non-trading derivatives		(1,750)	(230)
Current period settlements on non-trading derivatives		(190)	1,660
Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Revenues		0	0
Retail cost of revenues		0	0
Less:
Net asset optimization (expense)/revenues		0	0
Retail Gross Margin		0	0
Total Assets		163,806		169,404
Goodwill		0
Corporate and Other | Non-trading
Less:
(Losses) gains on non-trading derivatives		0	0
Current period settlements on non-trading derivatives		0	0
Eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Revenues		0	0
Retail cost of revenues		0	0
Less:
Net asset optimization (expense)/revenues		0	0
Retail Gross Margin		0	0
Total Assets		(736,776)		(613,670)
Goodwill		0		$ 0
Eliminations | Non-trading
Less:
(Losses) gains on non-trading derivatives		0	0
Current period settlements on non-trading derivatives		$ 0	$ 0
[1]	Retail cost of revenues includes retail cost of revenues—affiliates of $0 and less than $100 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
[2]	Net asset optimization revenues (expenses) includes asset optimization revenues —affiliates of $0 and $113 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and asset optimization revenues—affiliates cost of revenues of $0 and $1,258 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Subsequent Events (Details)

Subsequent Events (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	Apr. 19, 2017	Apr. 01, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Scenario, Forecast | Series A Preferred Stock
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Anticipated series A preferred stock dividends paid and declared			$ 3
Subsequent Event | Common Class A
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Class A common stock dividends declared (in dollars per share)	$ 0.3625
Subsequent Event | Series A Preferred Stock
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Series A preferred stock dividend (in dollars per share)	0.72917
Subsequent Event | Scenario, Forecast | Series A Preferred Stock
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Series A preferred stock dividend (in dollars per share)	1.85
Series A preferred stock dividends declared (in dollars per share)	$ 1.85
National Gas & Electric, LLC | Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Payments to Acquire Residential Customer Equivalents		$ 2.2

Preferred Stock (Details)

Preferred Stock (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Mar. 15, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock shares issued (shares)		1,610,000		0
Preferred stock par value per share (in dollars per share)		$ 0.01		$ 0.01
Proceeds from issuance of Series A Preferred Stock, net of issuance costs	$ 39,000	$ 38,607	$ 0
Preferred offering expenses	$ 600
Preferred stock shares outstanding (shares)		1,610,000		0
LIBOR
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock dividend accrual rate	6.578%
Series A Preferred Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock shares issued (shares)	1,610,000
Preferred stock stated rate (percent)	8.75%
Preferred stock par value per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01
Preferred stock liquidation preference (in dollar per share)	25
Preferred stock price to the public	25
Preferred stock price, net of underwriting discounts and commissions	$ 24.21