Wednesday, July 4, 2007

Thank You Kim Richter - Township of Langley Councillor

Thank You Kim Richter - Township of Langley Councillor

I would like to thank Kim for e-mailing me on June 16, 2007 and suggesting the issue of door-to-door marketers should be brought to council.

Monday, July 2, 2007

Automatic roller over

Automatic roller over

When my contract ends with a gas marketer, it will automaically switch back to Terasan Gas?

No way!

Have a read:

“Customers receive a renewal package a few months before contracts expire, said company spokesperson Joshua Orzech. If people don't respond, their contracts are renewed automatically for another year.” (Direct Energy chided for 'sloppiness' - Jun 09, 2007 - Toronto Star – by Ellen Roseman - http://www.thestar.com/article/223409)

“Direct Energy, like other gas marketers, will roll over an existing contract for a year if the company doesn't hear from you.” (Direct Energy chided for 'sloppiness' - Jun 09, 2007 - Toronto Star – by Ellen Roseman - http://www.thestar.com/article/223409)

Ellen Roseman

Ellen Roseman

Ellen is a columnist with the Toronto Star. She has written numerous articles on gas marketing issues that Ontario residences have faced. I would visit her website if you are looking for more information on gas marketers, personal finance and consumer issues.

http://www.ellenroseman.com/

Cancelling gas fixed rate probably means exit fee

Cancelling gas fixed rate probably means exit fee

Toronto Star - June 16, 2007 - by Ellen Roseman
A retired couple signed a five-year contract to buy natural gas at a fixed rate. They moved to a condo apartment two years later and didn't need gas heating any more.

Their gas marketer, Direct Energy, asked for a cancellation fee of $524.34 as compensation for breaking the contract.

To Read More - http://www.thestar.com/columnists/article/226033

What will happen if rates go higher than the rate I am paying?

What will happen if rates go higher than the rate I am paying?

You Will be Charged Retroactive Payment – The gas marketers have the right to apply to the BCUC and request retroactive rate increases because of higher than expected commodity prices. (Gas Marketer's Customer Wins His Release - April 28, 2000 - Toronto Star - by Ellen Roseman)

If you read your contract, your rate is only guaranteed for 12 months.

Don't be pushed into signing deal

Don't be pushed into signing deal

Feedback from the Surrey Now on natural gas peddlers.

Surrey Now – June 22, 2007 - Pushy natural gas peddlers are giving some frustrated Surrey residents serious indigestion – by Tom Zytoruk

Pushy natural gas peddlers are giving some frustrated Surrey residents serious indigestion.

Chances are, you've had a gas marketer - or several - come knocking on your door over the past few weeks after the British Columbia Utilities Commission licensed 14 companies on May 1 to sell natural gas at fixed rates over three- and five-year contracts.

Read more: http://www.thenownewspaper.com/issues07/064207/news/064207nn1.html

Letters to Editor - Don't rush into a gas contract

Here is a North Vancouver resident sharing his experience and advice to people about gas marketers.

Letters to Editor - Don't rush into a gas contract

North Shore News – Wednesday, June 20, 2007 - "Just say no." You'd think I was talking about drugs, but no, I am talking about those overly persistent natural gas marketers.

They are currently going door-to-door, trying to convince you to pay more for your natural gas now, with the expectation that you "might" save money later on during a four- or five-year contract. They use catch phases like "peace of mind," "ability to budget" and "potential for savings." Usually a polished presentation, but one thing they don't dwell on is the simple guarantee - if you sign, you will pay more in November 2007 than if you don't sign.

To Read More - http://www.nsnews.com/issues07/w061707/064207/opinion/064207le5.html