Saturday, June 23, 2007

No One Hears Silence - Voice Your Opion!

No One Hears Silence - Voice Your Opion!

Here is a great example how a customer voiced their opinion on YouTube and how this action of voicing their opinion lead to a company taking action.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wz7uRmMUSZM

Gas Marketing Tips from the BBB

Gas Marketing Tips from the BBB

"The letter will also provide a date by which the consumer must respond to the gas marketer, about 10 days from the time the consumer signed the contract, if the consumer plans to opt out of the agreement without penalty. This is called a cooling-off period. "

There is a great list of questions that consumers should ask gas marketers before signing.

Buyers Tips - Gas Marketers

http://www.bbbvan.org/commontips.html?id=1004

Business Bureau of Mainland BC Estimates that One in Ten Consumer Inquiries Concern Gas Marketers

Business Bureau of Mainland BC Estimates that One in Ten Consumer Inquiries Concern Gas Marketers

“Currently rates from different natural gas marketers vary depending on the length of contract, but it's important for people to know that getting a fixed rate will not guarantee you savings,” says Ms. Pasacreta. “Gas is a commodity whose price fluctuates daily – a fixed rate may or may not save consumers money long-term. It's like predicting the stock market.” - says BBB President Lynda Pasacreta

Source:

June 7, 2007

Consumers confused by natural gas choices

Vancouver, BC - Since the deregulation of British Columbia’s natural gas market in May, the Better Business Bureau of Mainland BC estimates that one in ten consumer inquiries concern gas marketers.

http://www.bbbvan.org/page.php?id=455

Vancouver Citzens are Angry About Gas Marketers

Vancouver Citizens are Angry About Gas Marketers

Here is a sample of angry Vancouver citizens that have been accosted by gas marketers.

http://www.discovervancouver.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=164036

Contact John Horgan of the NDP

I contacted John Horgan of the NDP to let him know that I am also a British Columbia that was presured into signing a contract.

The e-mail I sent him is below and I encourage you to e-mail him.

John Horgan
Malahat-Juan de Fuca MLA

800 Goldstream Ave
Victoria
Phone: 250-391-2801

17-1400 Cowichan Bay Rd, Valley View Centre
Cobble Hill
Phone: 250-733-2521

john.horgan.mla@leg.bc.ca


John,

It is great to see the NDP taking a stand for consumers on the issue of gas marketers.

I am one of the many British Columbians that was pressure into signing a contract.

I have attached letters that I have sent to the gas marketing company, BCUC and I have also e-mailed my MLA.

I have also started a blog on the topic of BC Gas Marketers in order to inform British Columbians on the topic.

http://bcgasmarketer.blogspot.com/

The New Democrats warm BC Residence about Unscrupulous Gas Marketers

The New Democrats warm BC Residence about Unscrupulous Gas Marketers

The New Democrats warm BC residence about unscrupulous gas marketers. MLA John Horgan reports that he has had senior citizens and recent immigrants that have felt pressure to sign contracts.

MLA John Horgan agrees that consumers have not been protected in this process of choice:

“Based on the stories we have been hearing so far, it certainly seems like the Campbell government has not done due diligence to ensure that consumers were protected once the government decided to deregulate natural gas,” said Horgan. “Consumers aren’t being told what their options are.”

MLA John Horgan recommends consumers don't sign anything and educate yourself on the topic:

“I am encouraging all natural gas consumers to avoid signing anything until they know all their options,” said Horgan. “Consumers should know that they do not need to sign a contract with anyone and that if they don’t take any action they will still continue to receive natural gas from Terasen as they always have.”


Source:

June 04, 2007

Horgan Raises Alarm Over Unscrupulous Natural Gas Marketing Ploys

VICTORIA – New Democrat Energy Critic John Horgan is raising the alarm over complaints of unscrupulous marketing techniques being used by natural gas marketers.

Thursday, June 21, 2007

Few More Questions Answered About Your Gas Marketer Contract

Few More Questions Answered About Your Gas Marketer Contract

What if I move, am I bound to the contact?

Yes!

What happens when the contact ends?

The gas marketer is allowed to re-new your contract for another year unless you contact them. All the best in contact them.

What is the gas marketer goes bankrupt?

You will be transferred back to Terasan.