Columbia Utilities

In response to this rebuttal, we spoke with [redacted] on As a form of goodwill, we offered to re-review [redacted] ’s account for a new courtesy creditUpon review, we offered [redacted] a new courtesy credit of $for the billing cycles of – 122014, which will be sent in the form of a check and will void out the previous credit offer of $offered on This gives [redacted] a total combined courtesy credit of $for the billing cycles of – [redacted] understood, thanked us, and the call was ended

Revdex.com:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ***, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me and the matter has been resolved
Sincerely,
*** ***

Hello [redacted] and the Revdex.com, Regarding case # [redacted]; [redacted] RESULTSIn response to this complaint, we spoke with [redacted] on03/**/2015. As a form of goodwill, we offered to review [redacted]’s gasaccount for an additional courtesy credit. Upon review, we advised [redacted]...

[redacted]that we will be voiding the courtesy credit of $32.42 previously offered on03/**/2015 and will be replacing it with a new courtesy credit of  $108.99towards his gas account for the billing period 01/**/2015 – 02/**/2015. Weadvised [redacted] that he will receive this courtesy credit in the form of acheck. Altogether, we extended [redacted] a total courtesy credit of $208.74towards his gas account for the billing period 10/**/2014 – 02/**/2015. [redacted]
[redacted] was pleased with this resolution, thanked us and the call was ended. BACKGROUND INFORMATIONPrior to filing this complaint, [redacted]’s gas accountwas enrolled in Columbia Utilities’ service on 05/**/2014, upon completion of aTPV recording. Shortly thereafter, a welcome packet was sent to [redacted]that included all the necessary information regarding his enrollment, includingthe fact rates are variable and savings are not guaranteed. Columbia Utilitiesbegan servicing [redacted]’s gas account on 05/**/2014. On 11/**/2014, after receiving Columbia Utilities’ servicefor more than five months, we received a call from [redacted] in regards tohis current rates. We informed [redacted] of his current rate, [redacted]understood, thanked us and the call was ended. On 01/**/2015, a few months later, we received another callfrom [redacted] with concerns about his account. We reminded [redacted] thathe enrolled his account in Columbia Utilities’ service at a variable rate withno guarantee of savings. As a courtesy, we offered to review his account for apotential courtesy credit. Upon review, we extended [redacted] a totalcourtesy credit of $99.75 towards his gas account for the billing period10/**/2014 – 01/**/2015. We advised [redacted] that this credit will apply tothe supply portion of his gas account as a credit. [redacted] accepted ouroffer, thanked us and the call was ended. On 02/**/2015, almost a month later, we received an inboundcancellation request from [redacted]’s utility, [redacted]. This request wasprocessed promptly and without penalty. Per the determination of [redacted], [redacted]’s gas account stopped receiving Columbia Utilities’ service on02/**/2015. On 02/**/2015, the following day, we received a call from[redacted]. [redacted] requested his account be cancelled. We informed [redacted] that his account was already processed for cancellation withoutpenalty, however, it’s up to his utility, [redacted] to determine his service enddate. [redacted] understood and then requested a copy of his bill. We advised[redacted] that he has to contact his utility, [redacted], in regards to copy ofhis bills. [redacted] understood, thanked us and the call was ended. On 03/**/2015, we received another call from [redacted] inregards to his final bill. As an extended courtesy, we reviewed [redacted]’sfinal bill for a potential courtesy credit. Upon review, we extended [redacted] a courtesy credit of $32.42 for the billing cycle 02/**/2015 –02/**/2015. We advised [redacted] that he will receive this courtesy credit inthe form of a check. [redacted] seemed pleased, thanked us and the call wasended. Contrary to this complaint, [redacted] was never enrolledon a fixed rate plan, as [redacted] agreed to a variable rate with noguarantee of savings when he enrolled in Columbia Utilities’ service.Additionally, [redacted] was sent all of the necessary information regardingColumbia Utilities’ supply following enrollment in our service. ColumbiaUtilities informs customers that they have enrolled in a variable rate planwith no guarantee of savings. All of this information is included in thewelcome packet sent to customers shortly after enrollment.  Please let us know if the Revdex.com would like any furtherinformation.  Thank you.

In response to this rebuttal, we spoke with [redacted] on 2/*/2015. We reminded [redacted] that he agreed to a variable rate with no guarantee of savings when he enrolled in Columbia Utilities’ service. We also reminded [redacted] of the previous credit of $71.48 already given on 12/**/2014. As a form of goodwill, we offered to re-review [redacted]’s account for a new courtesy credit. Upon review, we offered [redacted] a new courtesy credit of $487.03 for the billing cycles of 5/**/2014 – 12/**/2014, which will be sent in the form of a check and will void out the previous credit offer of $436.86 offered on 1/**/2015. This gives [redacted] a total combined courtesy credit of $558.51 for the billing cycles of 5/**/2014 – 12/**/2014. [redacted] understood, thanked us, and the call was ended.

Revdex.com:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# [redacted], and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:
 I am not agreeing with Columbia utility’s response.  When they offered me their service, they said, their rate will be variable, competitive and that I will be saving being their customer.  That turned out to be all incorrect.  They increased the rate to 1.59c per therm on June bill and that remained as is until end of December when I switched back to [redacted].  During this entire duration, as per [redacted] its rates were (61, 57, 51, 44, 43, 45, 50 that is from June thru December respectively).  So not only Columbia utility was changing me fix 1.59c per therm for that entire duration but also the rate applied was three to 4 times higher than their competitors.  Obviously the Taxes and Surcharges were higher because the base amount was higher.Please let me know if there is a question on it.Regards,
Sincerely,
[redacted]

Terrible Company to use for electricity and gas. Very expensive rip off artist. I would not recommend this company to anyone. Over priced and takes a long time to end the service, 24 to 48 hours cause Columbia Utilities wants to drain our wallets. I grade this company an "F".....

Review: I signed up with Columbia Utilities under the strong impression from its salesmen that the service would save me money, and lead to no difference in service. However, during this very cold winter, they hiked their rate astronomically. During a month National Grid was charging $0.11 per kWh, they are charging $0.26 per kWh. A bill that would have been $250 for the last two months (according to National Grid's customer service) is currently $700. Discussion around my apartment complex reveals that they have preyed on many of my neighbors, as well.

Further exploration of this issue online shows me that they settled in court for this exact same issue in 2011. Surely there must be some deterrent to their predatory practices. At the very least, I want them to bring my rate in line with National Grid's current rates and adjust my bill.Desired Settlement: Reduce my bill to the rate I would have paid with National Grid during that same period and switch me back to National Grid. Adjust the rates of everyone they have gouged in the last two months. That they never pull this stunt again.

Business

Response:

Hello [redacted] and the Revdex.com,

Regarding case [redacted] – [redacted]

RESULTS

We attempted to contact [redacted] on 3/**/2014 and 3/**/2014, but were only able to leave messages. We will continue to reach out to [redacted] until an amicable resolution is reached.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Prior to filing this complaint, Alice Keezer enrolled in Columbia Utilities’ electric service on 5/*/2013. Shortly thereafter, a welcome packet was sent to [redacted] that included all the necessary information regarding her enrollment, including the fact rates are variable and savings are not guaranteed. Columbia Utilities began servicing [redacted]’s electric account on 6/*/2013.

As part of a promotion for new enrollments, [redacted] received a credit of $25 on her electric account.

For the nine months Columbia Utilities serviced her electric account, we never had any contact with [redacted].

Contrary to [redacted]’s complaint, Columbia Utilities does not take advantage of its customers, price gouge or prey upon anyone. Columbia Utilities values all of our customers and do our best to provide quality service.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

When attempting to reply to this complaint using the Revdex.com website, an error occurred and our response was not sent. Please accept this email as our response to case [redacted].

Please let us know if the Revdex.com would like any further information.

Thank you.

Review: This company came to my door with promises of competitive rates and promises of savings - I have since reevaluated the numbers assisted by a chart from [redacted] showing how much we over paid for each month for a one year period from 12/2014 to 12/2015 . The bill was consistently around one hundred dollars higher than it would have been had we stayed with the original provider, [redacted]. This is an outrageous rip off.

I contacted the company telling them of this discrepancy and they gave me an $80.00 refund.Desired Settlement: This company should be held accountable for false advertising and absolutely should refund all of the money that they ripped off.

Business

Response:

Hello Mamadou and the Revdex.com, Regarding NY Revdex.com Case # [redacted]; [redacted] RESULTS In response to this complaint, we attempted to contact [redacted] on 1/*/2016 and 1/*/2016 but were only able to leave a message. We will continue to reach out to [redacted] in hopes of reaching an amicable resolution to this matter. BACKGROUND INFORMATION Prior to filing this complaint, [redacted] gas and electric accounts were enrolled in Columbia Utilities’ service on 10/*/2007, upon completion of a TPV recording. Shortly thereafter, a welcome packet was sent to [redacted] that included all the necessary information regarding his enrollment, including the fact that rates are variable. Columbia Utilities began servicing [redacted] gas and electric accounts on 12/**/2007 and 1/**/2008, respectively. While receiving Columbia’s service, [redacted] contacted our customer service line in regards to his account on 6/**/2008, 4/**/2009, 2/**/2010, 9/**/2010, 2/**/2012, 4/**/2014, 4/**/2014, and 1/*/2015. During our conversations with [redacted], we reviewed his account and issued him courtesy credits that amounted to a total of $313.12, which was applied to his account. On 1/*/2016, [redacted] contacted our customer service line in regards to his bill. We advised [redacted] that since he has been a valued customer since 2007, we would review his account for a potential courtesy credit, and would call him back after our review. [redacted] acknowledged this and the call was ended. On 1/*/2016, prior to receiving this complaint, we spoke with [redacted] again in regards to his account. We advised [redacted] that since he has been a valued customer for many years, a resolution supervisor would further review his account and follow up with him. [redacted] acknowledged this and the call was ended. Shortly thereafter, before we were able to follow up with [redacted] to further address his concerns, we received this complaint. Contrary to this complaint, Columbia Utilities does not falsely advertise. [redacted] agreed to a variable rate when he enrolled in Columbia Utilities’ service on 10/9/2007, upon completion of a TPV recording. In his complaint, [redacted] states that a rep came to his door to sign him up. However, [redacted] enrolled his account in Columbia’s service when he was contacted by telephone. Additionally, [redacted] was sent all of the necessary information regarding Columbia’s supply following enrollment in our service, including the fact that rates are variable. Finally, [redacted] was sent the updated terms and conditions in May 2011, which stated that savings were not guaranteed. We apologize to [redacted] for any displeasure he may have experienced. Columbia Utilities values all of our customers and we do our best to provide quality service. Please let us know if the Revdex.com would like any further information. Thank you.

Review: Company representative told in January 2014 that if I switch my supplier for gas to Columbia Utilities from [redacted] my bill be reduced. The company rates will be compatible or lower to [redacted]. I realized at end of the December, the company was charging me much higher rate, in most of the months about 3 times more than the [redacted] was charging to similar customers.Desired Settlement: I like to have all the bills reviewed and all the excessive charges refunded to me.

Business

Response:

Hello [redacted] and the Revdex.com, Regarding case # [redacted]; [redacted]RESULTSIn response to this complaint, we spoke with [redacted]on 1/**/2015. We advised [redacted] that per the determination of NationalGrid, his account stopped receiving Columbia Utilities’ service on 1/*/2015. Asa form of goodwill, we offered to re-review [redacted]’s account for anadditional courtesy credit. Upon review, we offered [redacted] an additionalcourtesy credit of $436.86 for the billing cycles of 5/**/2014 – 12/**/2015. Inaddition to the previous credit of $71.48 already given to [redacted] on12/**/2014, the total combined credit would be $508.34 for the billing cyclesof 5/**/2014 – 12/**/2015. However, [redacted] did not accept our offer. Itappears that [redacted] is not willing to work with us towards reaching anamicable resolution to this matter.BACKGROUND INFORMATIONPrior to filing this complaint, [redacted]’s gas accountwas enrolled in Columbia Utilities’ service on 1/*/2014, upon completion of aTPV recording. Shortly thereafter, a welcome packet was sent to [redacted]that included all the necessary information regarding his enrollment, includingthe fact that rates are variable and savings are not guaranteed. ColumbiaUtilities began servicing [redacted]’s gas account on 1/**/2014.After receiving Columbia Utilities’ service for almosteleven months, on 12/**/2014, we spoke with [redacted] for the first time inregards to his account. We reminded [redacted] that he agreed to a variablerate with no guarantee of savings when he enrolled in Columbia Utilities’service. As a courtesy, we offered to review [redacted]’s account for apotential courtesy credit. Upon review, we offered [redacted] a courtesycredit of $71.48 for the billing cycle of 11/**/2014 – 12/**/2014, which wasapplied to his account. [redacted] accepted our offer, and the call wasended. On 12/**/2014, we received an inbound cancellation requestfrom [redacted]’s utility, [redacted]. This request was processedpromptly and without penalty. Per the determination of [redacted]

[redacted]’s gas account stopped receiving Columbia Utilities’ service 1/*/2015. Contrary to this complaint, [redacted] agreed to avariable rate with no guarantee of savings when he enrolled in ColumbiaUtilities’ service. [redacted] was sent all of the necessary informationregarding Columbia Utilities’ supply following enrollment in our service.Columbia Utilities informs customers that they have enrolled in a variable rateplan with no guarantee of savings. All of this information is included in thewelcome packet sent to customers shortly after enrollment. Please let us know if the Revdex.com would like any furtherinformation. Thank you.

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# [redacted], and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

I am not agreeing with Columbia utility’s response. When they offered me their service, they said, their rate will be variable, competitive and that I will be saving being their customer. That turned out to be all incorrect. They increased the rate to 1.59c per therm on June bill and that remained as is until end of December when I switched back to [redacted]. During this entire duration, as per [redacted] its rates were (61, 57, 51, 44, 43, 45, 50 that is from June thru December respectively). So not only Columbia utility was changing me fix 1.59c per therm for that entire duration but also the rate applied was three to 4 times higher than their competitors. Obviously the Taxes and Surcharges were higher because the base amount was higher.Please let me know if there is a question on it.Regards,

Sincerely,

Business

Response:

In response to this rebuttal, we spoke with [redacted] on 2/*/2015. We reminded [redacted] that he agreed to a variable rate with no guarantee of savings when he enrolled in Columbia Utilities’ service. We also reminded [redacted] of the previous credit of $71.48 already given on 12/**/2014. As a form of goodwill, we offered to re-review [redacted]’s account for a new courtesy credit. Upon review, we offered [redacted] a new courtesy credit of $487.03 for the billing cycles of 5/**/2014 – 12/**/2014, which will be sent in the form of a check and will void out the previous credit offer of $436.86 offered on 1/**/2015. This gives [redacted] a total combined courtesy credit of $558.51 for the billing cycles of 5/**/2014 – 12/**/2014. [redacted] understood, thanked us, and the call was ended.

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me and the matter has been resolved.

Sincerely,

Review: 2/** I CALLED COLUMBIA UTILITIES TO ENQUIRE ABOUT WHY MY BILL WAS SO EXPENSIVE. I THEN ASKED AT THAT TIME IF THEY WOULD DISCONTINUE MY SERVICES WITH THEM. I HAVE BEEN WITH THIS COMPANY SINCE AND HAD NO CLUE THE REASON FOR MY HIGH [redacted] BILLS WERE BECAUSE OF THE ASTRONIMICALLY HIGH BILLS I WAS RECEIVING EVERY MONTH. AS I WAS HOSPILIZED FOR A FEW MONTHS, MY MOTHER WAS TAKING CARE OF MY BILLS AND JUST MAKING THE PAYMENTS. I THEN PICKED BACK UP MY BILLS IN JULY, WHERE I WAS VARY CAREFUL HOW I USED MY UTILITIES. THE BILL WAS STILL $ 200 OR BETTTER. THIS MOTH I COULD NOT TAKE IT, I RECEIVED ANOTHER BILL FOR $ 270. AND KNEW SOMETHING HAD TO BE WRONG. WHEN I CALLED [redacted] TO GET ASSISTANCE TO SEE IF THERE WAS A PROGRAM TO HELP WITH SAVING ENERGY, THEY LOOKED AT MY BILL AND SAW THAT COLUMBIA UTILITES WAS CHARGING ME A CRAZY AMOUNT FOR SERVICES. I CALLED THE COLUMBIA UTILITIES TO SEE WHY THEY HAD NOT TAKEN ME OFF OF THEIR SERVICES AND THEY GAVE ME A STORY THAT I HAD NOT CALLED TO CXL BUT THEN CREDITED MY ACCOUNT FOR INCOVENIENCE. TO SAY THE LEAST I HAVE NO MONEY AS IT IS, I HAVE TO HAVE MY SERVICES AS I HAVE MEDICAL ISSUES...Desired Settlement: I WOULD LIKE FOR MY ACCOUNT TO BE LOOKED OVER, SEE IF THERE WAS ANYTHING SENT TO ME STATING THE RATES AND IF NOT I WOULD LIKE ALLLL MY MONEY BACK.

Business

Response:

Hello [redacted] and the Revdex.com,Regarding case # [redacted]; [redacted]RESULTSIn response to this complaint, we spoke with [redacted] on9/**/2015. We advised [redacted] that per the determination of [redacted],Columbia Utilities is scheduled to stop servicing her gas and electric accountson 11/*/2015 and 10/*/2015, respectively. As a courtesy, we offered tore-review [redacted]’s account for a new credit. Upon review, we offered [redacted]

[redacted] a new courtesy credit of $100.52 for the billing cycles of 6/*/2015 –9/*/2015, which will void out the previous credit of $55.85 offered on9/**/2015. We advised [redacted] that the credit of $100.52 will be sent in theform of a check. As an extended courtesy, we offered to review [redacted]’sfinal bill, should she be unhappy with it. [redacted] was satisfied, thankedus, and the call was ended. BACKGROUND INFORMATIONPrior to filing this complaint, [redacted]’s gas andelectric accounts were enrolled in Columbia Utilities’ service on 9/**/2011,upon completion of a signed agreement. Shortly thereafter, a welcome packet wassent to [redacted] that included all the necessary information regarding herenrollment, including the fact that rates are variable and savings are notguaranteed. Columbia Utilities began servicing [redacted]’s gas and electricaccounts on 11/*/2011.On 9/**/2015, after receiving Columbia Utilities’ servicefor almost 4 years, [redacted] contacted our office for the first time inregards to her account. [redacted]

[redacted] requested the cancellation of her account, which was processed promptlyand without penalty. We advised [redacted] on the cancellation processand that it’s up to her utility, [redacted], to determine an end date. As acourtesy, we offered to review [redacted]’s account for a potential courtesycredit. Upon review, we offered [redacted] a courtesy credit of $55.85 for thebilling cycles of 6/*/2015 – 9/*/2015, which would be applied to her account.[redacted] thanked us and the call was ended. Per the determination of NationalGrid, Columbia Utilities is scheduled to stop servicing [redacted]’s gas andelectric accounts on 11/*/2015 and 10/*/2015, respectively. [redacted] agreed to a variable rate with no guarantee ofsavings when she enrolled in Columbia Utilities’ service upon completionof a signed agreement. Additionally, [redacted] was sent all of the necessaryinformation regarding Columbia Utilities’ supply following enrollment in ourservice. Columbia Utilities informs customers that they have enrolled in avariable rate plan with no guarantee of savings. All of this information isincluded in the welcome packet sent to customers shortly after enrollment. Contrary to this complaint, we have no record of receivingany calls from [redacted] prior to 9/**/2015. We apologize to [redacted] forany inconvenience she may have experienced. Columbia Utilities values all ofour customers and we do our best to provide quality service. Please let us know if the Revdex.com would like any furtherinformation. Thank you.

Review: This company charges 300-350% over COned delivery pricing or most other companies that provide energy. The internet is filled with same complaints. Issue is when I signed up I told them I do not want to hear about intro rate , I want to know how much you paid historically so I can compare what I will be paying on average with other companies. I was given rates that were in line. I was assured this was not a low intro rate and then unreasonable increases later. I found out that I am being charged about 40% over the average supplier charges for gas and now 350% over what others charge for electricity. To give you an idea 28.9cents / kwh while the norm for the same month is 8.6 cents per kwh for variable rates driven by current market conditions and this is documented and not intro rates. A rep from their company called when I complaint the first time , and they told me that they would give me a credit for previous bills and would credit me for future bills while I am being transferred back to coned since I cancelled my service with Columbia utilities because of their unfair business practices. Now I juts got my last bill, I did not receive the credits that were promised. On top of that they raised my per kwh from 17cents per kwh when I did my first complaint to 28.9kwh. I guess I cancelled the service and they figured lets squeeze as much as possible our of that last bill. Even the attorney general and consumer protection service companies are very concerned that these kind of practices are hitting people when they use the most power in the winter and when it hurts them most. There several articles published online on this as well. I guess these are the times where a raise of per kwh price makes the most profit. Its like when you have a variable rate with a bank, respectable banks need to explain rate changes , there are rules and they vary within reason and in line with others in the industry. Unfortunately they forgot to implement caps and regulations to manage the utilities industry. The state of New York supported the power to choose to create a competitive environment to safe consumers money. One never expects what is happening now considering the foundation on why this competitive energy environment was created.The issue is that these energy companies start to look like loan sharks , but in the lending industry there are regulations to ensure fair lending practices and to protect against loan sharks.. My questions , where are the fair utility practices , where is the regulation like in the banking industry to keep variable rates within reason. Fortunately there are many fair companies out there and that is why they do not use excuses like supply and demand to jack rates, they all have about the same rate as coned , some a little higher , some a little lower. The way things are , Columbia Utilities could charge me 100000$ per kwh and I would only find out on my next bill and I could be charged millions of dollars for one month of utilities since based on what I have researched so far there is no cap, there is nothing that will keep this in check. I guess I should be lucky they only over charged me one to a few thousand dollars compared to the norm of energy suppliers.Desired Settlement: For each of my bills with this company , they should be able to make a fair profit. I signed up with them because they claimed on average I would safe money over coned. I am not even asking for that anymore. I am just asking if they want they can even keep coned level supply costs for each of the months Columbia supplied electric and gas to me and even tag on 20% over that. And refund me the rest, I am being very generous here to a company that promised me savings over coned. I am willing to pay them whatever coned would have charged me if they were the supplier and even 20% over that. This is more than 80% of the supplier charge in this area. But still that would prevent them to keep the crazy over charges they billed me and I paid. Because those are in the range of 40%-400% over the norm. For several months now. And they again made false promises to me when they told me that my last bill would have a credit, it would not be those huge charges , and then to find out they jacked it up even more from 17cents to 28.9 cents for a service that costs on average 8.5-9.0 cents per kwh. The person I spoke from the company could not explain why they charge so much besides the generic supply and demand which is not true, just look at most other providers. She said she is not in the right department to be able to discuss anything more than just offer me a very small credit compared to the over charges and even that credit never came. So it would be good I can speak with someone who can speak in detail in what drives these prices , why are they charging me 350% more than most other suppliers. And this time around pay me the difference between fair prices documented as the norm and what they charged me for months. They said they would safe me money over coned, and I end up paying thousands of dollars more. Its like spending diamonds kind of money to buy water while there is plenty of supply of water. Others still charge water kind of money for water. And when I cancelled it could not be completed right away , I was stuck with them at least one more month and they made the most of it based on the last bill.

Business

Response:

Hello [redacted]and the [redacted],

Regarding Case # **

RESULT

In response to this complaint, we attempted to contact [redacted]

[redacted] on 2/**/2014 and 2/**/2014, but were only able to leave messages.

When last speaking with [redacted]on 2/17/2014, prior to receipt of the

complaint, [redacted] seemed satisfied. We consider this matter resolved.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Prior to this complaint, Werner [redacted] enrolled his

office’s electric account in Columbia Utilities’ service on 11/**/2012 and his

personal gas account on 3/**/2013. On each occasion, a welcome packet was sent

to [redacted] which included all of the necessary information regarding his

enrollment, including the fact rates are variable and savings are not

guaranteed. Columbia Utilities began servicing [redacted]’ electric account

on 12/**/2012 and his gas account on 3/**/2013.

After more than a year of service, we received a call from

[redacted] on 1/[redacted]/2014. We discussed [redacted]’ account and reminded

him that he signed up for a variable rate with no guarantee of savings. We

advised [redacted] that we have no contracts and no cancellation fees. Per

[redacted]’ request, the accounts were canceled promptly and without

penalty. [redacted] seemed pleased and ended the call.

On 1/**/2014, we spoke to [redacted]’ concerning his account.

In response to his concern, we spoke to [redacted] and offered to review his

accounts for a potential courtesy credit. Upon review, for [redacted]’

electric account, we offered a total credit of $129.67 for the billing cycles

of 11/**/2013-1/**/2014. For [redacted]’ gas account, we offered a total

credit of $149.95 for the billing cycles of 11/**/2013-1/**/2014. We advised [redacted]

[redacted] that we will also review his final bill if he is dissatisfied. [redacted]

[redacted] was satisfied with our resolution and we considered his concern to be

resolved.

On 2/**/2014 we received an email from [redacted]

regarding his account and his request for his final credit. Shortly

thereafter, we contacted [redacted] and reminded him of the credit offered

on 1/**/2014 for a total of $279.62 for the billing cycles of

11/**/2013-1/**/2014 for his electric and gas account. We advised [redacted],

per the determination of ConEd, his electric account ended on 2/**/2014 and his

gas on 1/**/2014. As discussed in the conversation we had with [redacted] on

1/**/2014, we offered to review [redacted] final bill for a potential

courtesy credit. Upon review, we offered him a courtesy credit of $181.09 for

the billing cycle of 1/**/2014-2/**/2014 for his electric account and $69.16 for

billing cycle of 1/**/2014 – 1/**/2014 for his gas account, which will be sent

in the form of a check. [redacted] accepted the offer, thanked us and the

call was ended.

Please let us know if the Revdex.com would like any further

information.

Thank you.

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# [redacted], and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

[Your Answer Here]

None of my points are addressed in the business reply, if you review my complaint and what I am asking for none are addressed by the business reply.

I have spoken to the business several times. Unfortunately every single time they say the same thing. They can not show me any info that supports their statement that market conditions demand charging for many months now 3 to 4 times what coned and most other suppliers charge. These companies deal with the exact same market conditions. I also explained that when I signed up I told the sales person I am not interested in understanding the intro rate , I asked what their normal rates have been and they were in line with what others charges. They also said that they are confident they would save me money over coned.

Also they can't tell me how exactly their credit gets calculated and why its only a very small percentage of the extra charges over what coned or most other suppliers charged over the same time period.

I told the business many times, I accept variable rates driven by the market. That means sometimes they may be slight higher than average and sometimes slightly lower than average. My complaint is , they charged me 350% over what the norm charges for the same commodity under the same market conditions as all the other suppliers are working under.

My compliant is that I am being charged a enormous amount for electric and gas not in line with market conditions when you look at what the market is charging for the same time periods. So can an electrical supplier just charge whatever they want without notice , and no requirement to show any logic or solid data behind the 350% of charge of what coned and most others charge for the same commodity. That leaves the consumer unprotected against a supplier charging whatever they like and causing huge electric and gas bills without any data supporting fair charging practices. All I asked help me understand these are fair charges. They could not.

Bottom line coned and others charged for electric 8.5 cents per kWh , Columbia utilities charged me 28.9cents per kWh to supply the same service for the same time period under the same market conditions and only a very small credit not coming close to cover the difference was offered. I told them I will take your credit since you repeatedly tell me that you can not offer me what I have repeatedly asked for. But I also told them is does not satisfy me. For now this is better than nothing, but I will continue to look for answers to my outstanding questions and raise the concern on what happened. I am looking to be charged for my historical bills more in line with what the market charged for those same months. And I have not been offered that or been offered any supporting information that explains why Columbia utilities charges 28.9cents per kWh while other charge 8.5cents to 9cents per kWh under the same market conditions.

So as you can see from the business reply, it does not make any sense to spend more time on the phone, that is why I reached out to objective organizations to provide me their objective opinion in this matter.

In order for the Revdex.com to appropriately process your response, you MUST answer the question above.

Sincerely,

Business

Response:

Hello Alex and the Revdex.com,

Regarding

Case # 9929906

In response to Mr. Bruinings’ concerns, unfortunately we

have nothing more to we are able to add. We provided Mr. Bruinings all the information

we could. Also, as a form of goodwill,

we extended to Mr. Bruinings altogether, a total credit of $529.87,

$219.11 for his gas account and $310.76 for his electric account, for the

billing period 11/4/2013 – 02/06/2014.

We kindly request that this case be closed.

Thank you.

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# [redacted], and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

[Your Answer Here]

You may close it as unresolved if you like if you can not help resolve this. The credits as mentioned before do not cover anything close to what was overbilled. I even noticed now this started way before November , because of the not so high usage of electric and gas I did not notice until the winter months. They claim market conditions is the reason. So I asked can you elaborate on this , they say I am sorry I can't , I am not with the right department. I ask can I speak with the right department, they say you can not. The reason I asked , I feel you can't charge 3-4 times as much as others who deal with the same market conditions and call the reason market conditions. And not for one month , for many months consistently. There is more going on. And again the credit is a drop in the bucket compared to what was overpaid, its better than getting nothing , but it is not satisfactory considering the amount overpaid and on top of that the reason why does not seem to be correct based on all the facts available.

In order for the Revdex.com to appropriately process your response, you MUST answer the question above.

Sincerely,

Review: For the billing period July **, 2013 to August **, 2013, Columbia Utilities electricity supply charges exceeded the market rate by about $0.10 per kwh. During this period, my home used 1371 kWh and was charged at a supply cost of 19.2684 cents per kWh. When questioned, Columbia Utilities agreed to credit my account for the overcharge but to this date has failed to do so.Desired Settlement: I would like a check to be issued to [redacted] at my home address for the amount of $137.10. I would also like a formal audit to be conducted of this business to insure that they are properly billing their customers in accordance with State laws.

Business

Response:

Hello Revdex.com,

Review: I responded to a phone solicitation to reduce our energy costs, now that energy is deregulated. I was told that although prices would vary, on average, I would have better rates than with [redacted], and would avoid various fees and charges. I recently compared the [redacted] rate with the rate offered by Columbia Utilities. Over the past year, the [redacted] rate for our neighbor ranged fromn 5.9 to 11.2 cents per kilowatt hour. The Columbia rate varied from 13.9 to 22.4 cents per kilowatt hour. This is more than TWICE what [redacted] charges. This month, my charge from Columbia was $417 for 1868 kWh, which would have been HALF with [redacted], a savings of over $200. I called the company and they said they may be able to give me a small rebate, but I feel it is important for the Revdex.com and the consumer to know how this company rips people off. Over the past 12 months, I have paid almost $2200 in excess charges.

Advice for [redacted]. It would be very helpful if you listed the current price per kWh on the bill, so that we can see explicitly how much we are being ripped off.Desired Settlement: I would like to get a refund for $2200, and I would like to discontinue my service with Columbia and return to [redacted].

(Although I have lodged this complaint, this account is in my husband's name. Please contact me for this information.

Business

Response:

Hello [redacted] and the Revdex.com,

Regarding Case [redacted]:

RESULT

In response to this complaint, we spoke to [redacted]’s

spouse, [redacted], on 8/**/13. We offered [redacted] a courtesy

credit of $352.39 which will be sent via check by mail. [redacted] requested

the account be canceled, which was processed promptly and without penalty. [redacted]’s account will end at a date determined by [redacted]. As an extended

courtesy, we offered to review [redacted]’s final bills should she be unhappy

with them for any reason. [redacted] was pleased with the results and stated

she’d report back to the Revdex.com that Columbia Utilities has shown good faith in

reaching a resolution.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Prior to filing this complaint, [redacted] was enrolled in

Columbia Utilities’ service on 9/**/2010. Shortly thereafter, a welcome packet

was sent to [redacted] which included all the necessary information regarding

enrollment with Columbia Utilities, including the fact that rates are variable

and savings are never guaranteed. Columbia Utilities began servicing [redacted]’s account on 11/*/2010.

After nearly three years of service, [redacted]’s spouse,

[redacted], called on 8/**/2013 to discuss concerns with the account. We

informed [redacted] we would go over the account for a possible courtesy

credit and get back to her. We attempted to contact [redacted] in regards to

the credit on 8/**/2013 but were only able to leave a message.

Please let us know if the Revdex.com would like any further

information.

Thank you.

________________

Compliance

Columbia Utilities

Review: I became a customer of Columbia on or about May *, 2014. I spoke to a sales person on the phone and he stated that I would be on a fixed rate plan for six months and then a variable rate plan. He stated that both fixed and variable rate plans would be "competitive' with my present supply carrier for gas which is [redacted]. However, every single bill I have received after I switched to Columbia from [redacted] has been higher. In fact after the fixed rate plan expired and I was put on the variable rate beginning in November 2014 my bill for supply services with Columbia skyrocketed. The differences in the bill as compared to the service I would have been charged and paid by [redacted] was $161.57 (Nov.) $175.37 (Dec.)$176.20 (Jan.) and $160.69 (Feb.) I did call Columbia in mid January 2015 and they did provide me a credit for $99.75 for January's bill and approximately $34.00 for Feb.'s bill. However, the total amount of the difference between what I would have paid [redacted] as a supply carrier of gas and Columbia is $674.53 between the months of Nov. 2014 to Feb. **, 2015.Desired Settlement: A refund in the amount of $540.78 which represents the amount I would have been charged in supply charges with my supplies being [redacted] for the months of Nov. 2014 to 2/**/15 subtracting the amounts already credited to be ($99.75 + 34.00).

Business

Response:

Hello [redacted] and the Revdex.com, Regarding case # [redacted]; [redacted] RESULTSIn response to this complaint, we spoke with [redacted] on03/**/2015. As a form of goodwill, we offered to review [redacted]’s gasaccount for an additional courtesy credit. Upon review, we advised [redacted]that we will be voiding the courtesy credit of $32.42 previously offered on03/**/2015 and will be replacing it with a new courtesy credit of $108.99towards his gas account for the billing period 01/**/2015 – 02/**/2015. Weadvised [redacted] that he will receive this courtesy credit in the form of acheck. Altogether, we extended [redacted] a total courtesy credit of $208.74towards his gas account for the billing period 10/**/2014 – 02/**/2015. [redacted]

[redacted] was pleased with this resolution, thanked us and the call was ended. BACKGROUND INFORMATIONPrior to filing this complaint, [redacted]’s gas accountwas enrolled in Columbia Utilities’ service on 05/**/2014, upon completion of aTPV recording. Shortly thereafter, a welcome packet was sent to [redacted]that included all the necessary information regarding his enrollment, includingthe fact rates are variable and savings are not guaranteed. Columbia Utilitiesbegan servicing [redacted]’s gas account on 05/**/2014. On 11/**/2014, after receiving Columbia Utilities’ servicefor more than five months, we received a call from [redacted] in regards tohis current rates. We informed [redacted] of his current rate, [redacted]understood, thanked us and the call was ended. On 01/**/2015, a few months later, we received another callfrom [redacted] with concerns about his account. We reminded [redacted] thathe enrolled his account in Columbia Utilities’ service at a variable rate withno guarantee of savings. As a courtesy, we offered to review his account for apotential courtesy credit. Upon review, we extended [redacted] a totalcourtesy credit of $99.75 towards his gas account for the billing period10/**/2014 – 01/**/2015. We advised [redacted] that this credit will apply tothe supply portion of his gas account as a credit. [redacted] accepted ouroffer, thanked us and the call was ended. On 02/**/2015, almost a month later, we received an inboundcancellation request from [redacted]’s utility, [redacted]. This request wasprocessed promptly and without penalty. Per the determination of [redacted], [redacted]’s gas account stopped receiving Columbia Utilities’ service on02/**/2015. On 02/**/2015, the following day, we received a call from[redacted]. [redacted] requested his account be cancelled. We informed [redacted] that his account was already processed for cancellation withoutpenalty, however, it’s up to his utility, [redacted] to determine his service enddate. [redacted] understood and then requested a copy of his bill. We advised[redacted] that he has to contact his utility, [redacted], in regards to copy ofhis bills. [redacted] understood, thanked us and the call was ended. On 03/**/2015, we received another call from [redacted] inregards to his final bill. As an extended courtesy, we reviewed [redacted]’sfinal bill for a potential courtesy credit. Upon review, we extended [redacted] a courtesy credit of $32.42 for the billing cycle 02/**/2015 –02/**/2015. We advised [redacted] that he will receive this courtesy credit inthe form of a check. [redacted] seemed pleased, thanked us and the call wasended. Contrary to this complaint, [redacted] was never enrolledon a fixed rate plan, as [redacted] agreed to a variable rate with noguarantee of savings when he enrolled in Columbia Utilities’ service.Additionally, [redacted] was sent all of the necessary information regardingColumbia Utilities’ supply following enrollment in our service. ColumbiaUtilities informs customers that they have enrolled in a variable rate planwith no guarantee of savings. All of this information is included in thewelcome packet sent to customers shortly after enrollment. Please let us know if the Revdex.com would like any furtherinformation. Thank you.

After wondering for the past few months why our home electric bills were so incredibly high, we had an electrician check out our home. He asked to take a look at our most recent electric bill, and said "Here's the problem." Columbia Utilities has been charging us over 24 cents a kilowatt, while many of our neighbors are paying NYSEG 7 cents a kilowatt. Why did we go with Columbia in the first place? Because they promised us savings on our electric bills. Shame on us for believing them, and shame on Columbia for cheating thousands of hard working New Yorkers. I wish I had seen this sooner:
"A.G. Schneiderman Secures $2.95 Million From Deceptive Gas & Electric Companies That Misled Thousands Of New Yorkers
Columbia Utilities Customers Were Promised Savings, But Bills Were Often Higher Than Former Providers’ Rates, Some Unable to Cancel Enrollment or Receive Reimbursement
SSettlement Includes Restitution for Consumer Victims, As Well As Company Restrictions to End Fraudulent Sales Practices
Schneiderman: “Settlement Puts Energy Providers on Notice – Consumer Abuses Will Not Be Tolerated”
A.G. Schneiderman Secures $2.95 Million From Deceptive Gas & Electric Companies That Misled Thousands Of New Yorkers
Columbia Utilities Customers Were Promised Savings, But Bills Were Often Higher Than Former Providers’ Rates, Some Unable to Cancel Enrollment or Receive Reimbursement
Settlement Includes Restitution for Consumer Victims, As Well As Company Restrictions to End Fraudulent Sales Practices
Schneiderman: “Settlement Puts Energy Providers on Notice – Consumer Abuses Will Not Be Tolerated”

Review: I told them countless times not to call me and they continue to call about there service its borderline harassmentDesired Settlement: not to call me anymore

Business

Response:

Hello [redacted] and the Revdex.com, Regarding case # [redacted]; [redacted]RESULTSIn response to his complaint, we attempted to contact [redacted]

[redacted] on 10/*/2015 and 10/*/2015 but were only able to leave messages. Wewill not be reaching out to [redacted] any further, so as not to furtheraggravate the matter. We would like to apologize to [redacted] for anyinconvenience he may have experienced, and we have placed him on our internalDo Not Call list so that Columbia Utilities’ telemarketers will not attempt tocontact him in the future.Since we were unable to speak with [redacted] and obtainany additional information, it is difficult for us to fully investigate hisconcerns. We encourage [redacted] to reach out to us directly if he would liketo discuss the matter further. BACKGROUND INFORMATIONPrior to receiving this complaint,we have no record of any contact with [redacted]. To date, [redacted] isnot currently a customer of Columbia Utilities and has not been a customer in the past. Upon receipt of thiscomplaint, [redacted] was placed on our internal Do Not Call list so thatColumbia Utilities’ telemarketers will not attempt to contact him in thefuture. Please let us know if the Revdex.comwould like any further information. Thank you.

We lived in Brooklyn in the 1990's and used Columbia fir home heating oil and maintenance of the boiler. We were renters, like many New Yorkers and unfortunately for us, Columbia told us we could not continue the business arrangement that they had with the landlord. This may be perfectly legal but we were not expecting to go to C .O. D. without warning. Cash on Delivery in the 1990's was quite a hardship and I feel as if we were deprived of the courtesy that would have been afforded to a homeowner. Certainly I would not willingly deal with Columbia
again.

Columbia's phone response team is very well trained, almost too well trained: Columbia responds to my inquires (and neighbor's inquiry) about price gouging by putting you on hold for a few minutes to see what they can do for you....come back in a few minutes and offer you some monetary compensation that is some fraction of the over charge for that month. Columbia is typically 2X-3X price-per-therm more expensive. At the same time the Columbia phone response team will tell you that they are competitive with the industry.

Reality is that we have found them 2x to 3X more expensive any given month, contrary to what their sales pitch is as being industry competitive. Don't be persuaded by their sales pitch that next month will be better. There was not a single month in 2014 where they were price competitive.