What is the deal with Direct Energy ?

Question

They are really aggressive at the door and on the phone.

I've heard of them before as being aggressive (and even fraudulant), but do they really have a valid deal to offer or are they just scammers ?

Answer 1

I don't know, but in the U.S. they have been fined for their marketing practices, so the same may be true for their behaviour in Canada.

Answer 2

They have what they call a deal but it is not.  They try to scare you into believing that hydro and natural gas prices are going to skyrocket and if you sign a contract with them they will give you a set price for the length of the contract.

I know a woman who signed on with them and when she got her hydro bill it was almost double the usual price.  They put a percentage (a high percentage!) on top of your regular bill, you pay it to your hydro company and then they send it to Direct Energy.  She got out of her contract because she is on a pension but there are others that are stuck for 5 years.  If you don't cancel at the end you are automatically locked into another 5 years.  Check out their website, it is shocking what they are allowed to do!

They are very sneaky, be careful.  If you agreed to anything at the door or on the phone you have 5 days(I think) to change your mind.

My hydro company has sent out warnings about these people and tips on how to deal with them because many customers call them for help.  Call your hydro provider, they should be able to help.