Charge/Fee Reviews

“  I have been a Green Mountain Energy customer for almost 6 years (since December 2008). They had high prices from the beginning; but I originally accepted that, based upon the fact that I was buying renewable energy. However, beginning last summer (2013), the prices (month-to-month, no contract) began to skyrocket. As such, I selected a six month contract that literally cut my bill in half. When the six month contract expired, I checked the options for renewal. The Electricity Facts Label (EFL) of the month-to-month plan showed lower pricing than any of the contracts (with significant termination fees). I decided to keep the month-to-month; but wiser for wear, I would closely monitor the price (by checking the Electricity Facts Label for my current plan regularly on their website). The pricing was in accordance with the EFL for two months after the contract expired. When my bill increased by $0.02/kWh on the third month, I checked the EFL, it had not changed. What was I missing? It was a busy month, I didn't look deeper. Now, on my most recent billing cycle, the price has been raised by another $0.02/kWh ($0.04/kWh higher than the EFL states). OK, I smell something rotten. The EFL states that "this price is the price that will be applied during your first billing cycle; this price may change in subsequent months at the sole discretion of Green Mountain." Well, that is to be expected, the contract is month-to-month; but, the EFL will change when the price changes, right? Wrong! As stated in the EFL: "For information about the current price, you may call us at 1-866-785-4668." This is not a phone number dedicated to updating you with current pricing; it is simply their customer "service" phone number. There are no automated options to check your pricing. Basically you have to talk to a customer service representative (CSR). OK, I'm a long time customer; they will be able to work something out that makes me happy, right? Wrong! Speaking with the CSR, he explains there is nothing he can do. OK, can I speak to someone with more authority? After waiting on hold a few minutes, the same CSR says the only thing that can be done is to sign a new contract. I explain to him that is the last thing I will do without getting some degree of satisfaction. He inquires about what would make me happy. I suggest a rebate. He states that would be impossible. I request an adjustment to this month's bill (there is still one week before payment is due, via auto-pay). No can do. Further, it is explained to me that the only way I can know what I will be charged on a given month is to wait for the bill to arrive. Now, I already know that they will not budge on price adjustment; how can awaiting the bill to check my pricing possibly help me? No explanation is offered as to why the online EFL is not updated; it just isn't, ever, unless you sign a new contract. I explain that amounts to a deceptive trade practice; further, since I am not under contract, I will be leaving Green Mountain Energy. Coming to this website, reading the reviews, I see I am not alone when it comes to Green Mountain not caring about customers. It may not do any good, but I do intend to file a complaint with the Public Utilities Commission (PUC). ”

“  This is my experience with Ambit -- I had a 12 month contract with them, and a 12 month lease on my apartment. I called and paid what I owe on Dec 17th and was out the door. I asked them to cancel the service (as there were only 3 days left on my contract). Somehow they have no record of me canceling the service, yet gladly took the payment I made on the 17th over the phone. 5 Months later, with absolutely no communication (no e-mail, phone call etc) They sent me to collections on a 30 dollar balance that had late fees up to 80 dollars. They had automatically rolled me into a "month to month" plan, even though I had already moved and used zero energy. No one there is willing to help -- I paid the amount. But this is what I'm telling you to do if you use Ambit.1.) Lawyer up! Just in case they try to pull a fast one on you2.) If you're moving, make sure they actually close your account, and some random person in their service department doesn't just say they did, when they really didn't. 3.) Don't let them automatically roll you into a month to month4.) Just because you pay "everything" you owe, doesn't mean there isn't another pending charge they haven't told you about.Other than that -- I didn't have much issue with the actual energy provided ”

“  I had YEP energy for a couple of years and for the most part everything seemed to be OK. Their plans and pricing was competitive. The account was for a property that I was trying to sell so my usage was very low. I noticed that my bill jumped one month and when I went to investigate I found that they hit me with a disconnect/reconnect fee. When I called to discuss why that was I was told that they had every right to charge me that fee if I did not pay within 26 days of the invoice date. Keep in mind this has never been an issue before. When I paid the fee and decided to move on they re-issued another disconnect/reconnect fee for a 7 day period. These guys are crooks. Do yourself a favor and find another company. They will do everything within their power to inflate your bill with charges that are not warranted. ”

“  I can not wait till my year contract is up with this energy company. I have never been ripped off as much as I have with them. I travel A LOT. So, I never have time to look at bills. I have never seen a company that charges $20 to send a reminder notice. I don't ask for reminder notice! Then they turn the power off on Fridays which leads you to request priority connection. Who wants to go the entire weekend with no power? No one! They have lots of hidden fees and I live in a 1 bedroom apartment and barely at home but my bill is always $150 and up. This month it is $198! Let this nightmare be over! ”