I was going back through some old records and about 12 years ago when I quit messing around with the Choice program and did full redemption of all of my points, I did find two different rural Comfort Inn 100% points for the rate redemptions with Choice where I was charged a $2.95 and a $4 "energy recovery fee" so I misspoke when I said I've never seen it before.... but I've never seen it with Hilton, IHG, or Hyatt. I seem to recall some properties that tried to charge me this "energy recovery" fee in the past when I was paying for the rooms (pretty sure those were Choice or Best Western) and when I called them out on it at check out, they waived it.

Sounds like a gray area and IHG probably doesn't care. Just be happy the place was clean and comfortable, accept the junk charges, and move on I guess.

No other IHG option in the area and it is a nice newer property. There are other acceptable options in the area including a debranded but still acceptable (actually improved a little from its last couple years under Hilton) Hilton Garden Inn that runs slightly lower rate than this place.