Discount Power, Inc.

Website Complaint Response:This customer enrolled on Discount Power's variable rate with a cap, and the cap rate expired in May 2013. The terms and conditions stated that the customer automatically rolls to a month-to-month...

variable rate at the end of the cap term. Due to the high wholesale rates this winter, Discount Power's variable rates increased. Our variable rates have been coming down since our high January prices.
Sent on: 2/26/2014 9:00:55 AM

Website Complaint Response:
While we cannot promise savings versus the utility company every single month, Discount Power’s goal is to show a savings versus the utility over a period of time. Mr. [redacted] enrolled in December of 2012 and Discount Power became his supplier effective...

that same month. As the Discount Power Terms and Conditions of Electric Service explain, when a customer has a variable rate plan, the variable rate can fluctuate based on changes in the wholesale power market. We understand the frustration with the recent increase in the variable rate. Unfortunately, due to unusually high wholesale costs this winter, our variable rate did increase, as the rates are based on current market conditions. The fluctuations of the wholesale power market can affect suppliers differently, contributing to the variance in rates from one supplier to another. Our current rates are available each month through the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority website ([redacted]) so that our customers can stay up-to-date on our rates and how they compare to other suppliers, at their own convenience. Third party suppliers, like Discount Power, do not have control over when a customer’s service begins or ends; this is determined by the customer’s utility company. Discount Power issued notification to Mr. [redacted]’s utility company, [redacted], immediately upon receiving this request from Mr. [redacted], as is policy. Mr. [redacted]’s utility company then determines what date that drop can become effective. Discount Power was notified by [redacted] that Mr. [redacted]’s service through Discount Power would end effective at the end of the billing cycle that was underway, January 17, 2014. Mr. [redacted]’s variable rate for his first two months of Discount Power was 0.0699. Following those two billing cycles, rates in the wholesale energy market began to increase, and his rate fluctuated between 0.0850 and 0.0999 for his next nine billing cycles. Mr. [redacted]’s variable rate, as a result of the drastic increase in wholesale energy market costs, did increase further for his last two billing cycles with Discount Power as his supplier. However, Mr. [redacted]’s rates for both of those billing cycles were below Discount Power’s cost for that supply. As a result, Discount Power is unfortunately not able to offer Mr. [redacted] a refund for this usage.
Sent on: 3/14/2014 9:12:15 AM

Discount Power, Inc (“DPI”) thanks you for this opportunity to respond.  Attached please find the TPV recording of Ms [redacted] enrolling with DPI for one month at $0.0799 kWh after which the rate becomes variable.  The customer was mailed the Terms and Conditions and Contract Summary...

clearly explaining the enrollment and that the rate could change anytime after the first month, that there was no fee to cancel service at anytime and all of the language mandated by Title 52 § 54 et al of the ** Code (See attachments).  4/16/15, CSR returned voicemail left by customer explaining $0.0799 kWh rate for one month only then variable; 4/22/15, customer called to terminate service, processed immediately; 4/22/15, customer called back irate about charges, sent to me for review and analysis of TPV and Sales recordings; 4/24/15, customer called about review progress and if sales recording had been located, she listened to TPV recording but insisted telemarketer told her that DPI’s rates were historically lower than PPL’s; 5/11/15, customer issued refund in the amount of $292.85, the difference between what she paid with DPI and the amount she would have paid had she remained with PPL.  I personally authorized the refund as the sales recording of the interaction between the customer and the telemarketer was corrupted or otherwise inaccessible and because Ms. [redacted] used terms that I had rejected other enrollments for with this same telemarketing agent, who DPI terminated in 1/2015; not just the agent but the entire company, as DPI hires outside telemarketing companies, 99% of which do not have the issues we experienced with this particular firm. DPI apologizes for any inconvenience caused to the customer.  If there are any questions or comments, please contact me anytime.  Please see attachments Ken F[redacted] Licensing and Regulatory Administrator Discount Power, Inc. [redacted] ###-###-#### Ex [redacted]

Revdex.com:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
Sincerely,
[redacted]
 P.S. Is a rebuttal letter still necessary since I have accepted the business's response to resolve this complaint?Sincerly[redacted]

Review: changed me to a variable rate with no notification and then changed my generation charge to .0219 from .09 resulting in 98.00 per month increase in my energy bill.Desired Settlement: would like to be charged my fixed rate price.

Business

Response:

Website Complaint Response:

This customer enrolled on Discount Power's variable rate in the summer of 2013, not a fixed rate. This customer went through a third party verification and was also send the terms and conditions stating that the product was variable. Due to the high wholesale rates this winter, Discount Power's variable rates increased. Our variable rates have been coming down since our high January prices.

Sent on: 2/26/2014 9:04:07 AM

Review: [redacted] unfortunately chose this company as our "discount" energy supplier. We were never informed, as customers, of such discount and were never informed of the discount disappearing at the end of the year contract. Our rates have now DOUBLED without our consent and without informing us of this. There is NO ANSWER at any of the number extensions through the company's [redacted] number. Option 2 and 3 ring a few times then disconnect. When you choose to stay on the line it rings eternally. THIS IS AN ISSUE. I AM NOT PAYING THIS BILL UNTIL SOMEONE CONTACTS ME. I will take court action against this company if this is not resolved.

Business

Response:

Discount Power, Inc (“DPI”) thanks for this opportunity to respond. Customer [redacted] was a [redacted] referral, enrolling to be guaranteed $0.090 kWh for 12 months, then changing to a variable rate (guaranteed to be below [redacted], which it was…). Customer actually received that rate for 14 months until DPI’s costs increased and as permitted by PA PUC regulations, the rate increased to $0.1476 kWh from 1/2/15 to 2/3/15, then decreased to $0.13403 kWh for 8 days until 2/11/15. The customer called to drop and drop was processed immediately. Because this was a [redacted] referral, our notification system did not send the required letter to notify Mr. [redacted] of the price increase (which has since been corrected in DPI’s system), so a refund back to the utility rate for the 1 month, 8 days was issued in the amount of $47.47 and sent to the customer on 3/6/15. The customer’s rate did not double and DPI’s phone system or its CSR’s log every call that comes in. The only call we have record of is on 2/5/15 when Mr. [redacted] called to drop DPI as his supplier. The refund was justified as DPI did not notify the customer of the pending increase; this however was a system flaw with the [redacted] referral system and our back office, which has since been corrected. We apologize for any inconvenience caused to the customer. If you require anything further, please feel free to contact me anytime. Ken F[redacted] Licensing and Regulatory Administrator Discount Power, Inc. [redacted] ###-###-#### Ex [redacted]

Review: I received my statement from [redacted] and found that Discount Power (my chosen Electric Supplier) has charged me at a rate of $ 0.2190 per KWH.. There was no warning that the rate was going up to a level 200-300% higher over the past two months. In Novemeber I paid $0.008+/- and $ 0.014+/- in December.When I called them to inquire they claim that their costs of supply have goine up due to natural gas prices due to the cold. They said they are not a "large" company so they cant buy futures to protect themselves. Maybe good information for those who want to use their services in the future.. However I dont believe natural gas prices have increased 300% the past 2 months. So I'm shocked at their explaination.Desired Settlement: Refund the fees to a level consistant with other providers..

Business

Response:

Website Complaint Response:

While we cannot promise savings versus the utility company every single month, Discount Power’s goal is to show a savings versus the utility over a period of time. Mr. [redacted] enrolled in January 1010, and Discount Power became his supplier effective February 2010. As the Discount Power Terms and Conditions of Electric Service explain, when a customer has a variable rate plan, the variable rate can fluctuate based on changes in the wholesale power market. We understand the frustration with the recent increase in the variable rate. Unfortunately, due to unusually high wholesale costs this winter, our variable rate did increase, as the rates are based on current market conditions. The fluctuations of the wholesale power market can affect suppliers differently, contributing to the variance in rates from one supplier to another. Our current rates are available each month through the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority website ([redacted]) so that our customers can stay up-to-date on our rates and how they compare to other suppliers, at their own convenience. Discount Power received a drop request from Mr. He’s utility company, [redacted], which advised that his service through Discount Power would end effective February 20, 2014. Mr. [redacted] was contacted on March 7, 2014 and spoke with a Customer Care Representative who offered to re-rate Mr. [redacted]’s supply charge for his December 19, 2013 – January 22, 2014 billing cycle. This resulted in a refund offer of $39.85 to be issued via mailed check. As of March 7, 2014 this refund is being processed and a check will be mailed to Mr. [redacted] as soon as possible.

Sent on: 3/7/2014 3:24:43 PM

Discount Power Inc is a horrible company. They call and tell you they can lower your rate and then gives a discount rate for days, not even a whole month and then the next month they advise that your rate was a promotional rate and the new higher rate is what is now available. This is FALSE advertisement. No one should change to Discount Power.

Review: [redacted]First of all I have no recollection of changing power supply companies, nor do I have a contract or any information regarding this change in supplier. Recently, I open my bill and it TRIPLED! For the next two months the bill was doubled! I called to rectify the situation, I was hung up on and passed around. No one knew what was going on and all I managed to do was cancel the service. I am a single teacher, barely making ends meet and this company has taken advantage during the holidays and cold winter. It is really upsetting that unknowingly I was changed to this service and the rates almost tripled without any notice. I can't find any rates on the website, and [redacted] told me I paid around 7 cents and it went up to 19 cents.Desired Settlement: I would like a refund of the difference of what I should and had been paying. [redacted] is at 9 cents and this company at 19!

Business

Response:

Discount Power, Inc (“DPI”) thanks you for the opportunity to respond. Attached please find the electronic enrollment for the above-referenced customer. The customer enrolled online on 9/24/2012 through a relationship with the [redacted] Credit Union or its agent Robyn S[redacted] to receive electricity from DPI on a Variable with a Cap Plan which was regularly offered to credit union members at the time. The rate was guaranteed to never exceed $0.085 kWh until 5/2013, with no termination fees, when the rate would become straight variable and could be priced at any rate. In fact, the customer actually stayed below $0.085 until 11/2013 as DPI was able to keep its rates low until the Polar Vortex months where the customer’s rates increased as DPI’s costs increased. 12/2013-1/2014, the customer’s rate went to $0.1799 kWh and from 1/2014 -3/2014 the rate went down to $0.1599, finally going down to $0.0799 kWh from 3/2014 until 4/2014, when the customer dropped and returned to standard service. As you read the electronic signature from left to right please pay special attention to the following columns: 1. J- the customers email address can only be supplied by the customer or someone who knows her address; DPI, has no knowledge of this unless the customer provides so to say she doesn’t know how she signed up with DPI is possible as someone could have done it for her but DPI did not initiate the enrollment. 2. X-Enrollment type=request; this means customer(or her agent) requested enrollment. 3. AA-RoSw7644=Robyn S[redacted] who worked with the [redacted] Credit Union 4. AC-esignature=Lauren P[redacted]=indicates customer enrolled and signed, at which time she would have the option of printing her contract documents. 5. AI-Product Type-Var/Cap.085=describes the rate she enrolled to receive, and 6. AJ-Date of the enrollment. While DPI sympathizes with the rate increases of that time period, DPI sold energy at a loss. This customer received below the cap rate of $0.085 even after the 5/2013 end date and could have cancelled anytime without penalty, but for whatever reason did not do so. DPI respectfully denies the customer’s request for a refund as the enrollment and rates charged were squarely within the Statutes and Regulations in force at the time. Any questions, let me know. Ken F[redacted] Licensing and Regulatory Administrator Discount Power, Inc. [redacted] ###-###-#### Ex [redacted]

Review: Discount Power is my electricity provider through [redacted]. My rate has been below 10 cents per KWH, since I selected Discount Power as my electricity provider. My bill for the month of December was $119.66 (1210 KWH @ 9.89 cents per KWH) for the Discount Power portion of my electric bill. My bill for the month of January was $331.78 (1515 KWH @ 21.9 cents per KWH)for the Discount Power portion of my electric bill. I received no notification of the rate increase of more than 100%. When I called Discount Power today questioning the tremendous increase, I was told that "rates have increased so fast, that we didn't have time to notify anyone." It is unacceptable that Discount Power can increase their rates by more than 100% without notifying their customers. Had I been notified of a rate increase of this magnitude, I would certainly have selected another service provider prior to the rate change. I have no choice but to pay this bill, or become delinquent with [redacted]. As of today I have selected another electricity service provider, and I ensured that the new company will not raise rates without notification.Desired Settlement: Discount Power should honor the previous rate of 9.89 cents per KWH. In the future they should notify their customers prior to a rate change.

Business

Response:

Website Complaint Response:

While we cannot promise savings versus the utility company every single month, Discount Power’s goal is to show a savings versus the utility over a period of time. Ms. [redacted] enrolled in March 2010, and Discount Power became her supplier effective that same month. As the Discount Power Terms and Conditions of Electric Service explain, when a customer has a variable rate plan, the variable rate can fluctuate based on changes in the wholesale power market. We understand the frustration with the recent increase in the variable rate. Unfortunately, due to unusually high wholesale costs this winter, our variable rate did increase, as the rates are based on current market conditions. The fluctuations of the wholesale power market can affect suppliers differently, contributing to the variance in rates from one supplier to another. Our current rates are available each month through the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority website ([redacted]) so that our customers can stay up-to-date on our rates and how they compare to other suppliers, at their own convenience. Ms. [redacted] was contacted by a Customer Care Representative on March 7, 2014 and was offered a re-rate for her December 12, 2013 – January 14, 2014 usage. This resulted in a refund of $51.52 which will be issued via check to Ms. [redacted]. The refund process began on March 7, 2014 and a check will be mailed to Ms. [redacted] as soon as possible.

Sent on: 3/13/2014 3:05:03 PM

Review: I received an electric bill this month (billing cycle Dec 6, 2013-Jan 9, 2014) from Discount Power/[redacted]. Discount Power OVER doubled my rate without notification of any upcoming changes (last month's bill=$359.24 and the current bill is set to charge $1, 061.26). I contacted Discount Power (DPI) because I thought there must be an error on my current bill. The representative told me there wasn't an error and that was the amount I would be charged. Per the representative, DPI bought-in at a higher rate and the customer must then pay. I asked why I wasn't notified that the price was going to more than double and I was told that the price was variable with no cap and, as thus, no one would be notified. I asked for a copy of a signed agreement with the company and was told that only verbal agreements via phone were taken, but that back in 2012 (when I first signed up) that I was sent a written letter. I never received said letter (I keep all letters/important documents in my files). I asked if my rate started out as fixed and switched to variable and, if so, why was I never notified. The representative stated that they were unsure if they could find a 2012 agreement, but if they did they could mail it. They were also unsure if my rate had been fixed or not, but said it wasn't there policy to notify their consumers of any changes.Desired Settlement: I would be willing to pay a reasonable amount for my electric bill. Possibly checking the rates of competitive companies in the area (for the same billing cycle) and basing the rate off of their charges would be a fair settlement.

Business

Response:

Website Complaint Response:

While we cannot promise savings versus the utility company every single month, Discount Power’s goal is to show a savings versus the utility over a period of time. Ms. [redacted] enrolled in November 2011, and Discount Power became her supplier effective December 2011. Ms. [redacted] originally enrolled under a fixed rate product which then rolled to a variable rate product when the term of the fixed rate contract ended, as is policy. As the Discount Power Terms and Conditions of Electric Service explain, when a customer has a variable rate plan, the variable rate can fluctuate based on changes in the wholesale power market. We understand the frustration with the recent increase in the variable rate. Unfortunately, due to unusually high wholesale costs this winter, our variable rate did increase, as the rates are based on current market conditions. The fluctuations of the wholesale power market can affect suppliers differently, contributing to the variance in rates from one supplier to another. Our current rates are available each month through the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority website ([redacted]) so that our customers can stay up-to-date on our rates and how they compare to other suppliers, at their own convenience. Discount Power received a drop request from Ms. [redacted], which was forwarded to her utility company as the utility company determines when a customer’s drop can become effective. We then received notice from her utility company, [redacted], that her service would end effective January 9, 2014. Ms. [redacted] was contacted on February 7, 2014 and February 10, 2014 at which point she spoke with a Customer Care Representative who offered Ms. [redacted] a refund of $200.00 for her billing cycle December 6, 2013 – January 9, 2014. The process for this refund began February 11, 2014 and the refund was issued in form of a mailed check to Ms. [redacted].

Sent on: 3/7/2014 9:54:31 AM

Consumer

Response:

Review: [redacted]

I am rejecting this response because:

You claim that your customers are able to check the monthly rate that your company offers and this was never provided to me. I have not, at any point-even upon request, received a copy of my agreement with DPI. I was told by a representative that they didn't know if I started at a fixed rate (which I believed I had) and when the change to a variable rate may have taken place. I asked for an agreement in writing and was refused. I was not able to speak with a representative about the $200 check that was offered to me, but was left a message. I called DPI back and was unable to reach a representative (although I tried during their business hours on multiple occasions). I left a message in response stating that, while I appreciate some form of action to make their rate "reasonable" I was still over-charged (compared to other competitors in the same area and for the same time frame) by over $500. I find DPI's way of doing business to be very poor and it is correct that I have since changed my power supplier and would not recommend their business to anyone in the future. They were unhelpful and incompetent when dealing with this issue.

Sincerely,

Review: After signing up for a fixed rate a few years back as part of a church fundraiser, I had a rate $.07 per hour. At some point our rate switched to variable without any notice that I can recall. Our rate rose to approximately $..14 per kWh by this November. Then it was .20 in December and .22 in January. This is INSANE!!! A more than 100% increase with not notice is unacceptable. Upon calling Discount Power I was informed that they believed they were under no obligation to inform the consumer of drastic rate increases. I emailed them and was told by discount power to to go back to [redacted]. I have done that but, am very upset that my fixed rate went to a variable rate with no notice and that it has just about tripled since I started. I changed to Discount from [redacted] as a nice way to raise money for church.Desired Settlement: I would like a refund of my charges over the .07 that I originally signed up for that last three months. It may have gone up sooner than that but shame on me for not watching closer. My Average consumption seems like 2.034 and at .07 that would be 142 per month. Instead at .22 cents I was charged. 447.48. That is a difference of 305 so I would be happy with a refund of 900.

Business

Response:

Website Complaint Response:

While we cannot promise savings versus the utility company every single month, Discount Power’s goal is to show a savings versus the utility over a period of time. Ms. [redacted] enrolled in May 2010, and Discount Power became her supplier effective that same month. As the Discount Power Terms and Conditions of Electric Service explain, when a customer has a variable rate plan, the variable rate can fluctuate based on changes in the wholesale power market. We understand the frustration with the recent increase in the variable rate. Unfortunately, due to unusually high wholesale costs this winter, our variable rate did increase, as the rates are based on current market conditions. The fluctuations of the wholesale power market can affect suppliers differently, contributing to the variance in rates from one supplier to another. Our current rates are available each month through the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority website ([redacted]) so that our customers can stay up-to-date on our rates and how they compare to other suppliers, at their own convenience. Ms. [redacted] was contacted by a Customer Care Representative on March 7, 2014 and returned that call on March 10, 2014. Ms. [redacted] was offered a re-rate for her December 23, 2013 – January 23, 2014 and January 23, 2014 – January 27, 2014 usage equivalent to that of Discount Power’s cost. This resulted in a refund of $73.37 which will be issued via check to Ms. [redacted]. The refund process began on March 10, 2014 and a check will be mailed to Ms. [redacted] as soon as possible.

Sent on: 3/13/2014 4:47:12 PM

Review: I get 2 couple of calls a day from this company. My phone number is on a no call list and they continue to call. They say they are not selling anything so the no call list does not apply to them they are just trying to make me aware that I could be saving on my electric.

Desired Settlement: I would like you to stop this practice they are trying to sell electricity and bound by the no call list.

Business

Response:

Business Response /* (1000, 9, 2013/05/01) */

This customer was added to our internal DNC list.With over a dozen suppliers servicing the state of CT, there are several companies that have the word "discount" within the first sentences of an opening call center script. No outbound call number was provided in the report. We apologize to the consumer.

Review: This company calls our house up to four times a day trying to get my husband and I to switch electricity providers from [redacted]. We have asked them every day for a month and a half to remove us from their call list and we tell them we are not interested. Sometimes they will call and hang up when we being talking about removal from their lists. Other times, there is no one on the other end of the line. Calling our house this many times is starting to feel like harassment. Our demand for removal from their call list is going unheard, so I am filing this complaint.Desired Settlement: Please ensure that this company stops calling when asked to.

Business

Response:

Website Complaint Response:

Discount Power strives to make our outbound telemarketing process a good experience for our customers. Based on the complaint that our telemarketer vendor kept on calling someone after they asked to be not called again, we revisited the telemarketing vendor's training and processes with their representatives. Also, we made sure that the complainant's phone number was added to the internal do not call list.

Sent on: 11/20/2013 3:43:42 PM

Review: My electric company is [redacted] my Electricity supplier since 2011 has been Discount Power Inc in Shelton Ct tel ###-###-####. I received my electric bill today and found it was $87.92 higher than last month. When I called [redacted] they told me my supplier rates had gone up substantially. They explained I would need to contact the company to canel the policy. When I called the company it took 3 calls before I got a person on the line who informed me she was a temp and really could not help and was not sure when someone would call me back and I had to understand that they had to pay more for gas so they had to pass this . She stated that because of the cold weather the prices went up because of gas prices going up. When asked why no letter of notification went out she stated they did not do that and they were not going to send any notices out they did not need to but in March they would be offering a fixed rate again. I left a message for someone from the company to call me back so I could canel my account. I received a call from the company who stated they would canel but that would not happen till next meter reading Feb 18th and could not say how much higher the prices will go. Just an aside note is they are also saying that in March they will again offer fixed rates but not now. I did not ever recieve any notice of this huge price increase . I was also told by [redacted] that I used less electricty for the month of the bill of $227.22 my most recent bill than of the bill of the previous month of $139.30 I appreciate your looking into this matter as soon as possible. I fell these companies are taking huge advantage of people. I tried to reach the CEO of the comapnay and left a message for him and infomed him that I was reporting the company to the Revdex.com and Atorney General's office as well. I asked the company if they could assist me with this huge increase and they stated they could not.Desired Settlement: I would like the extra money from this huge increase returned to me since I was not notified of any price increase and the fact I used less electricty than the previous month and my bill increased by so much. This is a buisness taking advantage of the costumer

Business

Response:

Website Complaint Response:

While we cannot promise savings versus the utility company every single month, Discount Power’s goal is to show a savings versus the utility over a period of time. Ms. [redacted] enrolled in November 2011, and Discount Power became her supplier effective December 2011. As the Discount Power Terms and Conditions of Electric Service explain, when a customer has a variable rate plan, the variable rate can fluctuate based on changes in the wholesale power market. We understand the frustration with the recent increase in the variable rate. Unfortunately, due to unusually high wholesale costs this winter, our variable rate did increase, as the rates are based on current market conditions. The fluctuations of the wholesale power market can affect suppliers differently, contributing to the variance in rates from one supplier to another. Our current rates are available each month through the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority website ([redacted]) so that our customers can stay up-to-date on our rates and how they compare to other suppliers, at their own convenience. Ms. [redacted] contact Discount Power and spoke with a Customer Care Representative on January 24, 2014. This information was forwarded to her utility company on January 24, 2014 as the utility company determines when a customer’s drop can become effective; third party suppliers like Discount Power have no control over this. We then received notice from her utility company, [redacted], that her service would end effective January 24, 2014. Ms. [redacted] was contacted by a Customer Care Representative on March 7, 2014 and was offered a re-rate for her December 18, 2013 – January 17, 2014 and January 17, 2014 – January 24, 2014 usage. This resulted in a refund of $30.84 which will be issued via check to Ms. [redacted]. The refund process began on March 7, 2014 and a check will be mailed to Ms. [redacted] as soon as possible.

Sent on: 3/7/2014 3:09:04 PM

Review: Discount Power will not remove my number from their call list; they are harassing me.

I am being harassed by Discount Power out of [redacted]. (this is the number from which they are calling; ###-###-####) This company continually calls my home; between 7-10 times per day. They not only call me during the week days but call me on Sundays and they called me on Veteran's Day! I have requested, spoke to them directly, that they are to remove me/my telephone number from their contact/call list. I have told them that I do NOT want to switch my power/electrical service provider to Discount Power; they continually call my home trying to solicit my business; I have told them/called them 3-4 times to remove me/my telephone number from their call list. They have no regard for my request to stop calling me. They are harassing me.

My daughters have also contacted this company, at the ###-###-#### number, and stated/requested/told them to take my number off their call list.Desired Settlement: to remove my telephone number from all their call lists/sub-companies and any affiliations.

to not receive any type of phone call from Discount Power and their affiliates, sub-companies etc....

Business

Response:

Discount Power (“DPI”) thanks you for the opportunity to respond. In October of 2014, DPI employed an outside telemarketing firm to solicit energy sales in the state of [redacted] (“**”). These third party telemarketers were supplied with the Federal, ** and internal “Do Not Call” (“DNC”) lists to upload into their dialing system to be compliant with the various DNC regulations. Unfortunately, the system utilized by this company allowed some restricted numbers to be dialed repeatedly over the span of a few weeks, inconveniencing some PA residents. After advising the telemarketer to fix their system ASAP, DPI had no choice but to terminate their contract. Again, DPI apologizes for the inconvenience and terminated the contract of the telemarketer. Ken F[redacted] Licensing and Regulatory Administrator Discount Power, Inc. [redacted] ###-###-#### Ex 1952 [redacted]

Review: To Whom it May Concern,I have been following the news and everything regarding the outrageous increase in supplier charges and I wanted to voice my opinion and comments. I have been fighting with my supplier (with whom I no longer have a business relationship with) for the past 3 weeks regarding the increase. I had been with Discount Power for at least 2 years and never had an issue with them. They had sent a broker to my place of employment and educated our office on being able to switch suppliers. Although hesitant I decided to give it a go and had a contract then for a fixed rate. Well, I didn't know anything more about it. My electric bill are always high because I have electric heat as well. Come to find out by rate had been switched (without my knowing) to a variable rate and in January I received a bill for over $1200 for my electricity. I noticed that my rate had went from 9.8 to 21.9!!!!! When I asked Discount Power, a company that promotes educating their consumer all over their website, about why no information was sent to me about the increase I was given the answer "I don't know". That is a huge increase and a financial hardship for my family. I am grateful that this is being made public and that rules and regulations will be placed for going forward, but what about all of the families, like mine that have this huge bill that they are "stuck" with? After calling everyday for 3 weeks and speaking with a number of people (and rarely getting returned calls)- Discount Power has authorized to refund me $211.....how is that even close to the increase in my electric bill? I have no choice to accept it and keep fighting. They also stated it would take at least 3 weeks for me to see this so called check that will be sent to me.....I told them I wanted my account to be credited and they refused to do that. I am a hardworking mother of 3....my husband and I both work very hard to make sure that my children are provided for and that our bills are paid. Having over a $1200 electric bill for 1 MONTH is a huge financial strain on our family and I am sure that there are others in this situation. I think something should be done about that. Thank you for allowing us to voice our comments and hopefully something more will be done to protect the consumer.Desired Settlement: I would like more of a refund to my account than the $211.....by rate more than doubled- without notice. Refunding $211 on by now $1200 bill that I am forced to pay is a slap in the face.

Business

Response:

Website Complaint Response:

While we cannot promise savings versus the utility company every single month, Discount Power’s goal is to show a savings versus the utility over a period of time. Ms. [redacted] enrolled in March 2011 under a variable rate plan, and Discount Power became her supplier effective April 2011. As the Discount Power Terms and Conditions of Electric Service explain, when a customer has a variable rate plan, the variable rate can fluctuate based on changes in the wholesale power market. We understand the frustration with the recent increase in the variable rate. Unfortunately, due to unusually high wholesale costs this winter, our variable rate did increase, as the rates are based on current market conditions. The fluctuations of the wholesale power market can affect suppliers differently, contributing to the variance in rates from one supplier to another. Our current rates are available each month through the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority website ([redacted]) so that our customers can stay up-to-date on our rates and how they compare to other suppliers, at their own convenience. Ms. [redacted] spoke with a Customer Service Representative and on February 24, 2014 was offered a re-rate for her December 17, 2013 – January 16, 2014 billing cycle for which the total supply charges from Discount Power were $942.36. The re-rate of this bill resulted in a refund of $211.00 for which the process began on February 24, 2014. Ms. [redacted] requested that this refund be credited to her [redacted] bill for that month, however, as a third party supplier cannot provide a credit on a consolidated utility bill, this refund was issued via mailed check to Ms. [redacted]. Ms. [redacted]’s service through Discount Power ended effective January 16, 2014.

Sent on: 3/7/2014 12:00:40 PM

Review: After they contacted me I signed up for a variable rate price in September for an initial rate of approximately $.07 per kWh our rate rose to approximately $.14 per kWh by December.Our most recent (December -January) bill included a rate of $.22 per kWh! Our rate has tripled within two months with no communication or warning. In addition the advertised rate for Discount Power on www.discountpower.com continues to be $.0799 per kWh or $.0877 per kWh. So there was no way as a consumer to anticipate the completely unreasonable change in charges ahead of time and change providers. A certain amount of variability was expected, but when a company calls encouraging you to switch to a lower rate, does one month at that rate and then almost immediately increases the rate three times the initial without warning it is at best a questionable practice. The rate continues to be advertised on the website at a price that is a third of what I am being charged.Desired Settlement: Discount Power should honor the advertised price.There was no way to foresee the unreasonable rate increase and the advertised prices actually contradict the charge.

Business

Response:

Website Complaint Response:

While we cannot promise savings versus the utility company every single month, Discount Power’s goal is to show a savings versus the utility over a period of time. Mr. [redacted] enrolled in July of 2013 and Discount Power became his supplier effective that same month. As the Discount Power Terms and Conditions of Electric Service explain, when a customer has a variable rate plan, the variable rate can fluctuate based on changes in the wholesale power market. We understand the frustration with the recent increase in the variable rate. Unfortunately, due to unusually high wholesale costs this winter, our variable rate did increase, as the rates are based on current market conditions. The fluctuations of the wholesale power market can affect suppliers differently, contributing to the variance in rates from one supplier to another. Our current rates are available each month through the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority website ([redacted]) so that our customers can stay up-to-date on our rates and how they compare to other suppliers, at their own convenience. Introductory variable rates for prospective new customers are posted on Discount Power’s website, and these rates can differ from the current variable rate being offered to existing customers. The introductory rate for new customers applies to their first month of service with Discount Power as their supplier; as it takes one to two billing cycles for a newly enrolled customer to begin service with Discount Power, these rates are based on what wholesale power market conditions will be in the future. The variable rate for existing customers applies to the current month, and as such, this rate is based on current energy market conditions. Mr. [redacted] was contacted on March 7, 2014 and returned that call on March 10, 2014. Mr. [redacted] spoke with a Customer Care Representative on March 10, 2014 who offered to re-rate Mr. [redacted]’s supply charges for his December 20, 2013 – January 22, 2014 and January 22, 2014 – February 21, 2014 usage at a rate equivalent to Discount Power’s cost for that supply. This resulted in a refund offer of $77.45. As of March 10, 2014 this refund is being processed and a check will be mailed to Mr. [redacted] as soon as possible.

Sent on: 3/14/2014 8:19:31 AM

Consumer

Response:

Thank you for your help. I am pleasantly surprised that you were able to contact Discount Power and get them to refund some of what I overpaid. I do believe that this rate variability is extreme and I have had to endure another month of a similarly high electric bill. This time, however, I knew what to expect.

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

Sincerely,

Review: After signing up for a variable rate price in August for an initial rate of approximately $.07 per kWh our rate rose to approximately $.09 per kWh by November. This variability is within a reasonable expectation for a variable rate plan. Our most recent (December) bill included a rate of $.1999 per kWh. A more than 100% rate increase within a single month with no communication or warning. In addition the advertised rate for Discount Power on [redacted].com continues to be $.0899 per kWh. So there was no way as a consumer to anticipate the unreasonable change in charges ahead of time and change providers or energy usage accordingly. Upon calling Discount Power I was informed that they believed they were under no obligation to inform the consumer of drastic rate increases. I waited a full day for a call back from customer service. I never got it. I called a second time and had to talk with at least three levels of 'management' to get anyone to even consider adjusting the charges. I was promised a call back within ten minutes. As it stands now I have not heard back from customer service and the bill has not been adjusted.Desired Settlement: I believe that with no reasonable way to foresee the increase and an advertised price that actually contradicts the charge, the ethical actions is for Discount Power to honor the advertised price.

Consumer

Response:

-----Original Message-----

From: [redacted]

Sent: Tuesday, January 14, 2014 1:30 PM

To: [redacted]

Subject: Complaint ID [redacted] resolution

My complaint #[redacted] has been resolved. I have been informed by Discount Power of an adjustment to the price and a fix in the advertised price.

Consumer

Response:

DC

Review: [redacted]

Last month Discount Power more than doubled their rates over night. After discussions with the company about my displeasure with the service, they refunded me the difference in the bill last month. The costomer service worker assured me that my account had been turned back over to [redacted] in the system. The switch I was promised was never processed and my bill this month is again through Discount Power and at an unreasonably high rate.

I would like the difference in rate 9.2 cents vs 16.9 cents to be refunded to me and I would like my account to be switched back to [redacted] as I requested thirty days ago.

Sincerely,

Business

Response:

Website Complaint Response:

While we cannot promise savings versus the utility company every single month, Discount Power’s goal is to show a savings versus the utility over a period of time. Ms. [redacted] enrolled in October 2013 under a variable rate plan, and Discount Power became her supplier effective that same month. As the Discount Power Terms and Conditions of Electric Service explain, when a customer has a variable rate plan, the variable rate can fluctuate based on changes in the wholesale power market. We understand the frustration with the recent increase in the variable rate. Unfortunately, due to unusually high wholesale costs this winter, our variable rate did increase, as the rates are based on current market conditions. The fluctuations of the wholesale power market can affect suppliers differently, contributing to the variance in rates from one supplier to another. Our current rates are available each month through the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority website ([redacted]) so that our customers can stay up-to-date on our rates and how they compare to other suppliers, at their own convenience. Ms. [redacted] spoke with a Customer Service Representative on January 13, 2014 and was offered a refund $94.94 for her December 6, 2013 – January 8, 2014 billing cycle in the form of a mailed check. The process for this refund began on January 14, 2014 and a check was issued via mail to Ms. [redacted]. On this date, Ms. [redacted] also requested to cancel her service with Discount Energy and this information was forwarded to her utility company, [redacted], as the utility company determines when a customer’s drop can become effective. Discount Power then received information from her utility company that Ms. [redacted]’s service would end effective February 6, 2014. On February 17, 2014 Ms. [redacted] spoke with a Customer Service Representative regarding her January 8, 2014 – February 6, 2014 billing cycle, at which point she was offered a refund of $44.52 to be issued via check. The process for this refund began on February 17, 2014 and a check was issued via mail to Ms. [redacted]. Ms. [redacted]’s service through Discount Power ended effective February 6, 2014.

Sent on: 3/7/2014 11:48:30 AM

Review: Discount Power did not inform customers regarding a major rate increase. The rate was almost twice the standard energy rate offered by [redacted]. Customers were victimized without warning and the bills are astronomical. The company advertises themselves as an energy supplier that will save the customer money over the standard utility company. That is not true. When selling this service company should consistently hold a discount and advertisement claim. Technically, they did nothing more than bait and switch. Trusting a utility supplier to follow ethical practice is an expectation of the consumer. Giving people advanced warning regarding changes is necessary.I could & would have immediately changed back to [redacted] if given warning. Unfortunately, the high bills had to be paid or my power would be shut off - I was held hostage. The stress caused by these huge bills has exacerbated an existing health condition.Desired Settlement: I expect to be given the rates that [redacted] had for the past five months. I demand a total adjustment to my charges through February 22, 2014. I expect a full investigation with this company. If I deserve and other customers deserve more compensation we should receive it.

Business

Response:

Website Complaint Response:

While we cannot promise savings versus the utility company every single month, Discount Power’s goal is to show a savings versus the utility over a period of time. Ms. [redacted] enrolled in February 2011, and Discount Power became her supplier effective that same month. As the Discount Power Terms and Conditions of Electric Service explain, when a customer has a variable rate plan, the variable rate can fluctuate based on changes in the wholesale power market. We understand the frustration with the recent increase in the variable rate. Unfortunately, due to unusually high wholesale costs this winter, our variable rate did increase, as the rates are based on current market conditions. The fluctuations of the wholesale power market can affect suppliers differently, contributing to the variance in rates from one supplier to another. Our current rates are available each month through the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority website [redacted] so that our customers can stay up-to-date on our rates and how they compare to other suppliers, at their own convenience. Ms. [redacted] was contacted by a Customer Care Representative on March 7, 2014 and returned that call on March 10, 2014. Ms. [redacted] was offered a re-rate for her December 20, 2013 – January 23, 2014 usage equivalent to that of Discount Power’s cost. This resulted in a refund of $49.60 which will be issued via check to Ms. [redacted]. The refund process began on March 10, 2014 and a check will be mailed to Ms. [redacted] as soon as possible.

Sent on: 3/13/2014 4:37:58 PM