Someone from Direct Energy came to my door last October and offered me a 5 year electricity rate at 7.98 cents per KWH. They explained that my bill would stay the same or go up only slightly. I never got a chance to read the "squint print" on their documentation and they called me a week or so later to ask if I was interested. After listening to their pitch I thought it sounded ok but I never SIGNED anything. I got my first bill in February, only to see that my electricity cost had gone up by about $65.00 a month - way more than my bill ever was with Power Stream.
I have made my complaint to the Ontario Energy Board, Direct Energy and Power Stream and now I have contacted my MPP. I have no documentation to see what it would cost me to get out of this alleged "contract" and the cost from Direct Energy is more than Power Stream would charge with Smart Meters during peak times. Power Stream told me that they don't see their rates getting anywhere near what Direct Energy is gouging people for.
On another note, my Direct Energy water heater broke down and they sent someone out to look at it (after telling me that I "qualify" for a new one after 14 years). They wanted to charge me $150.00 to replace the venting for THEIR unit - which I refused to do. So I bought a water heater from Sears and called Direct Energy to come pick up their old heater. They wanted to charge me $75.00 to send someone out to get it or I could drive an hour from my home and drop it off for them (I don't have a truck). After escalating this issue to a manager, they realized the distance was too far for me drop it off and waived the $75.00 fee.
If Direct Energy approaches you - slam the door in their face or hang up the phone. They are a rip off and a scam and all they want is your money. Note that they tape their calls and in the communist state of Ontario, if you agree with anything they say - that could be construed as a binding contract. Failure to pay the bill in protest will effect your credit rating and the individual consumer has virtually no recourse....no body to go to in order to effect their ratings and to bring your complaint to an acceptable conclusion. RIP OFF RIP OFF RIP OFF
- Approximate cost of services:
- $0.00
- Company Response
Hi Steve,
I'm sorry to read of your experience. I'm with Direct Energy's public relations team, and would like to help address the situations you've listed above. If you wish to pursue, please contact me at the email address below with your account info.
Thanks!
Crystal
crystal.jongeward@directenergy.com