Major Energy Services

Review: On December [redacted], 2013 evening hours I was approached by a Major Energy Employee walking door to door in my neighborhood. He walk down my driveway and stated he was from Major Energy. He stated " I can save you money on your [redacted] Bill" He then explained about his company and assured me that the savings would be beneficial and better then [redacted]'s current rates. Upon receiving my first bill ( $390.30) I was totally confused. My actually bill appeared to almost triple. Seeing this I immediately contacted Major Energy to cancel. It was then explained that I was on a variable rate, this is the first time I'm hearing there was a choice of variable or fixed rate. I signed up for electric and gas believing it to be a fixed rate. Upon review on my paperwork (#[redacted]) nothing is check under major energy eletric and no term of agreement is not check either. Under the Term of agreement Variable and Fixed rate there is a sentence. " The price for electric is____ Per kwk fixed rate. And on that line is a #2. This indicated to me that this was a fixed rate contract at 2 kwk . And under tha Major Eneryg gas agreement ( #[redacted]) also nothing is checked under the contract length. This is very disturbing. I just received another bill after today ( 4/**/14 canceling on 3/**/2014. the bill amount is mind boggling $615.35 of which $523.28 is from Major Energy. No on at major energy could explain by my bill is outragiously high. I pay normally $1500 a year in gas and electric.. This is just not possible..4Desired Settlement: I cancel my service on 3/**/2014. There is just no possible way in a two billing cycle period that my gas & electric bill could reach over $1000 ( $390.40+615.35= $1005.75). This is obviously a company who completely lies too obtain business.. I do expect some type of remedy.

Business

Response:

Good Evening,

According to the complaint, the

customer is unhappy with the recent rate being charged.

The customer agreed to a variable

rate contract, meaning the rate would be determined by the energy market.

As has been widely reported, there

has been a spike in the wholesale energy market which was reflected on the most

recent bill. This is merely a reflection of the current energy market where a

shrinking supply of electricity is under the strain of massive demand due to

one of the coldest winters on record. In addition, this is not just happening in Maryland (Please see this link relating to New York prices as well.

Finally, the account has been

canceled and it is now up to the utility to process the cancellation. Please contact your utility for budget

billing concerns.

We are truly sorry for your

experience and advise you to sign up on a fixed rate that will ensure price

protection.

Regards

In addition please see this informative article.

Why Have

Energy Bills Increased – Explaining Price Volatility

It has

been a record cold winter across much of the country, and many have been

expressing deep concern as to why energy bills have been so high. Regardless of

whether energy is purchased from a utility or a competitive energy supplier,

customers have seen electricity and natural gas prices spike in many parts of

the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions.

Why did

prices rise?

Simply

put, the issues at hand are the cold weather, electric grid and natural gas

pipeline capacity, and the increasing use of natural gas not just for heating

purposes, but to create electricity.

There is

ample gas supply in the United States, especially given the boom in shale gas.

What customers are feeling are the results of a strained transportation and

infrastructure system that delivers electricity and gas. When demand is high

and capacity is constrained, costs increase.

This

winter’s “polar vortex” has increased the demand for both natural gas and

electricity, resulting in significant congestion in the natural gas pipelines

and on the electric grid (the highways of the energy system). Everyone relies

on these natural gas pipelines and the electric grid to get energy from where

it is produced to where it is used by the homeowner, the tenant, and the

business owner. Just like only so many cars can efficiently travel along a

highway, only so much natural gas and electricity can move through the natural

gas pipeline system and the electric grid.

Also,

while more and more people are using natural gas directly for heating purposes,

electricity generators are also increasingly using natural gas to produce

affordable power. In the short-term, this electricity generation is putting

further strain on the natural gas capacity in certain parts of the country. At

the same time there are also bottlenecks on some parts of the electric grid,

preventing electricity from getting from the generators to the consumers in an

efficient manner.

It’s

known from economics that constraints on supply (such as not being able to get

gas from where it is plentiful to where it is needed) cause prices to rise, and

this has occurred in the wholesale energy markets. The result? Competitive

energy suppliers and utilities alike are paying higher than normal prices when

purchasing from the wholesale market in order to provide energy to homeowners,

tenants, and business owners. This is causing everyone’s bills to rise.

As the

winter weather gradually improves and temperatures rise, the demand for energy

to heat homes and businesses will decrease, placing less pressure on the

nation’s electricity grid and allowing energy prices from suppliers and

utilities to normalize. However, winter weather may very likely be around for

some weeks to come. Despite the unusual weather, the gas and electric delivery

systems have proven to be highly reliable this winter. A number of new natural

gas pipelines and electricity transmission lines are planned or under

construction which should reduce the chances of a similar price spike in the

future.

In the

meantime, there are some things that can be done to help manage energy bills.

Conserve energy as much as possible. For example, make sure

doors and windows are well insulated, seal any air leaks, and lower the

water temperature setting to 120 degrees on the water heater.

Customers using a competitive supplier and who are on a

variable rate plan or whose fixed contracts have expired, should review

their contract to confirm the accuracy of the pricing and call their

supplier if they have any questions.

Customers interested in price stability can also investigate

fixed price options that many suppliers offer.

Customers in need of financial assistance should investigate

their state’s home heating assistance programs. In many states, a customer

can stay with a competitive supplier and still receive assistance paying

utility bills.

Customers should visit their

state’s “energy shopping” websites to compare offers from different suppliers.

For a list of shopping websites, [redacted]

Review: I'm being charged excessively by this company for the energy supply portion of my bill, when in fact from Dec **, 2014 the composition of my household changed and the electricity was barely being used up until Jan **, 2015 when I took leave away from my home and returned on Feb *, 2015 to an outstanding bill due to this company excessive charges. Taking leave again Feb **, 2015 making sure that nothing was left on or plugged in that will cause my energy to rise and allow me to acquire yet another high electric bill. I returned home the start of March to attain yet another outrageous electric bill, leaving my home yet again to only return March *, 2015 in which I am now able to sit down and write this formal complaint after talking to my electric company and they pointed the issue to my supply company which in fact is Major Energy and in turn talking to Major Energy the just passed the buck onto [redacted]. This problem needs a resolution immediately...Desired Settlement: Be more clearer about fixed and adjustable variables because I was suppose to had been signing up for a fixed variable plan and when speaking to customer service they are telling me I was under an adjustable variable. They are scamming people and I for 1 who lives on a fixed income can not afford to be ripped off by shysters.

Business

Response:

We apologize for any inconvenience to the customer. Customer was enrolled in the variable rate plan, as stated on the sales agreement. A copy of the agreement was left with the customer at the time of enrollment. Customer was billed in accordance to the terms and conditions of a variable rate plan. Regarding customer's usage, the utility company reported usage in excess of 2000kWhs for all three months of service with our company. If customer is disputing his usage, customer should dispute this with the utility company. If an error was made, the utility company will adjust the charges. As customer was billed in accordance with the terms and conditions clearly stated on the application, no refund is warranted.

Review: In June of 2014 I was signed up as a customer for utility supply service with Major Energy-unbeknownst to me. Since I never signed up myself, I didn't notice them on my utility bill until December of 2014, at which time I called my utility company ([redacted]) who told me to call Major Energy to get it straightened out. I did so and was told by Major Energy that another tenant in my building had signed up but they actually signed me up by mistake and had been billing me for service instead. I requested a refund for what I had paid them from the sign up date back in June. A few days later I was emailed a settlement agreement for $679, which I signed and returned. Two days later I received a phone call from Major Energy stating that they had sent the agreement with the wrong amount and to disregard and wait for a corrected one. I got that and it was for $148.21, I signed it and returned it to them with confirmation. On 2/**/15 I received a check for $56.57 from Major Energy with a sticker across the envelope seal admonishing that if I cashed this check I was forever releasing them from further action. I have not cashed the check but I am very concerned about their practices. They ripping off consumers and attempting to intimidate them into accepting reduced amounts that don't match their own legal agreements made with said consumers.

I am currently awaiting resolution via the Public Service Commission.Desired Settlement: I want my refund immediately.

Business

Response:

As the matter is being addressed through the [redacted], any further issues must be addressed through that entity.

Review: A sales rep, [redacted], from major energy came to my house at about 1400 on 9/*. He was nice and not forecful, however he misrepresented who he was and led me to believe he worked with/for BGE. The badge he showed me in his folder had BGE branding/colors around it and I then assumed he worked for BGE. After signing the contract (which I failed to look at to see that he worked for major energy) my wife and I reviewed the paper work and realized their goal was to pull our business from BGE to major energy. We will be cancelling tomorrow but just the principal of this happening is really upsetting.Desired Settlement: ME will apologize for their deceptive sales practices, for bothering me on a Sunday or bothering me in general with their unwanted solicitation.

Business

Response:

We would like to apologize for any confusion caused by the door to door marketing. Deregulation can be confusing, and many customers falsely believe that by choosing a supplier, they are leaving their utility. In this case, should the customer choose a supplier, they will remain a customer of BGE. The goal of having a supplier is to hopefully receive a competitive rate on the commodity, whether gas or electric.

We are unsure why the customer felt the sales person was using a BGE badge. Please see attached uniform worn by our outsourced independent sales personnel. The uniform and badge clearly show the sales agents are representing Major Energy, not form BGE. The sales persons do not wear any BGE gear, and all marketing material clearly shows they are not from BGE. Perhaps the sales person had a sample bill on their binder, however that is only used to show they customer where the supply is affected on their bill.

Finally, we invite the customer to contact our offices directly should they have any further concerns at ###-###-####

Regards

Major Energy

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: My community and building have "NO SOLICITING" signs all over the place, but representatives of this company still come in. They bang loudly on doors, much like a police officer would, and then yell "GAS AND ELECTRIC", which has, several times now, upset and confused residents of the building as it seems like there is an emergency.Desired Settlement: I don't want them coming around here anymore and banging on my door or any other door and yelling things in my hallway as it is very upsetting to residents and definitely ruins the "quiet enjoyment" that our landlord promised us (and tried to give us by putting up "no soliciting" signs).

Business

Response:

We apologize for any inconvenience the customer may have experienced. The door to door representatives are not employees of Major Energy but are hired by various marketing companies. They are informed that all representatives must abide by all applicable laws and are to no solicit where there is a "no solicitation" sign. Again, we apologize for the inconvenience and have taken measures to prevent solicitation in your area.

Review: The company has raised my rates with out any noticeDesired Settlement: A refund of $500.00 in excess charges

Business

Response:

Good Afternoon,

According to the complaint, the

customer is unhappy with the recent rate being charged.

The customer agreed to a variable

rate contract, meaning the rate would be determined by the energy market. We have attached the customer's original application for confirmation.

As has been widely reported, there

has been a spike in the wholesale energy market which was reflected on the most

recent bill. This is merely a reflection of the current energy market where a

shrinking supply of electricity is under the strain of massive demand due to

one of the coldest winters on record. We are referring customers to the

February ** press release from the PUC regarding this issue. (Please see

attached) In addition, this is not just happening in Pennsylvania.

Please see this link relating to New York prices as well.

Finally, the account has been

canceled and it is now up to the utility to process the cancellation. Please contact your utility for budget

billing concerns.

We are truly sorry for your

experience and advise you to sign up on a fixed rate that will ensure price

protection.

Regards

In addition please see this informative article.

Why Have

Energy Bills Increased – Explaining Price Volatility

It has

been a record cold winter across much of the country, and many have been

expressing deep concern as to why energy bills have been so high. Regardless of

whether energy is purchased from a utility or a competitive energy supplier,

customers have seen electricity and natural gas prices spike in many parts of

the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions.

Why did

prices rise?

Simply

put, the issues at hand are the cold weather, electric grid and natural gas

pipeline capacity, and the increasing use of natural gas not just for heating

purposes, but to create electricity.

There is

ample gas supply in the United States, especially given the boom in shale gas.

What customers are feeling are the results of a strained transportation and

infrastructure system that delivers electricity and gas. When demand is high

and capacity is constrained, costs increase.

This

winter’s “polar vortex” has increased the demand for both natural gas and

electricity, resulting in significant congestion in the natural gas pipelines

and on the electric grid (the highways of the energy system). Everyone relies

on these natural gas pipelines and the electric grid to get energy from where

it is produced to where it is used by the homeowner, the tenant, and the

business owner. Just like only so many cars can efficiently travel along a

highway, only so much natural gas and electricity can move through the natural

gas pipeline system and the electric grid.

Also,

while more and more people are using natural gas directly for heating purposes,

electricity generators are also increasingly using natural gas to produce

affordable power. In the short-term, this electricity generation is putting

further strain on the natural gas capacity in certain parts of the country. At

the same time there are also bottlenecks on some parts of the electric grid,

preventing electricity from getting from the generators to the consumers in an

efficient manner.

It’s

known from economics that constraints on supply (such as not being able to get

gas from where it is plentiful to where it is needed) cause prices to rise, and

this has occurred in the wholesale energy markets. The result? Competitive

energy suppliers and utilities alike are paying higher than normal prices when

purchasing from the wholesale market in order to provide energy to homeowners,

tenants, and business owners. This is causing everyone’s bills to rise.

As the

winter weather gradually improves and temperatures rise, the demand for energy

to heat homes and businesses will decrease, placing less pressure on the

nation’s electricity grid and allowing energy prices from suppliers and

utilities to normalize. However, winter weather may very likely be around for

some weeks to come. Despite the unusual weather, the gas and electric delivery

systems have proven to be highly reliable this winter. A number of new natural

gas pipelines and electricity transmission lines are planned or under

construction which should reduce the chances of a similar price spike in the

future.

In the

meantime, there are some things that can be done to help manage energy bills.

Conserve energy as much as possible. For example, make sure

doors and windows are well insulated, seal any air leaks, and lower the

water temperature setting to 120 degrees on the water heater.

Customers using a competitive supplier and who are on a

variable rate plan or whose fixed contracts have expired, should review

their contract to confirm the accuracy of the pricing and call their

supplier if they have any questions.

Customers interested in price stability can also investigate

fixed price options that many suppliers offer.

Customers in need of financial assistance should investigate

their state’s home heating assistance programs. In many states, a customer

can stay with a competitive supplier and still receive assistance paying

utility bills.

Customers should visit their

state’s “energy shopping” websites to compare offers from different suppliers.

For a list of shopping websites, visit [redacted]

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]

My complaint is not that I did not sign a variable rate, but I feel I was very mislead by the salesman who signed me up. At the time he advised us to take the variable rate because as he said, if it varies , it will only vary downward. This ,though legal, is extremely unethical.

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

Sincerely,

Business

Response:

We are sorry the customer continues to be dissatisfied. We will not be issuing a refund in this case.

Regards,

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]

I sorry to hear that the company is more interested in a little revenue, and disregards a bad public image.

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

Sincerely,

Review: In January, Major Energy Services came to my front door here in [redacted]. They gave me a whole ordeal and told me that they were with BGE( Baltimore Gas & Electric ) but a sub-company of some sort. To make a long story short they told me my BGE bill could be lowered by switching to them. Naturally, I agreed and signed some paperwork and the representative was on his way. I thought nothing of it thinking I did the right thing. The following monthly bill was not cheaper to say the least. I live in a one bedroom apartment with my girlfriend and the BGE bill averages from $60-$90 a month on budget billing. After switching to Major Energy Services my bill jumped to $611.66. Clearly not cheaper and ridiculous. I immediately called Major Energy Services and complained. They stated they knew about the billing mix up and a new bill with the correct amount was already sent out. I requested immediate cancellation of service. I received a conformation number for cancellation and everything. The representative over the phone also stated to not pay the amount from Major Energy but just the BGE amount. Which was the normal ballpark amount between $60-$90. Once again, I figured the problem was resolved. I was sadly mistaken. I just received a new bill for $1,109.88. There is no way my small, one bedroom, apartment used that much energy. My landlord whom lives on property also had switched services and has filed a complaint with you as well having a similar outrageous bill. BGE explained that we had to pay the full amount or services would be shut off. I cannot afford this and need to find out what I can do about this.Desired Settlement: I'd rather not but if BGE is requiring me to pay the amount I shall request an extension and pay the amount. However, I want a full refund of what Major Energy Services charged me.

Business

Response:

Good Evening,

According to the complaint, the

customer is unhappy with the recent rate being charged.

The customer agreed to a variable

rate contract, meaning the rate would be determined by the energy market.

As has been widely reported, there

has been a spike in the wholesale energy market which was reflected on the most

recent bill. This is merely a reflection of the current energy market where a

shrinking supply of electricity is under the strain of massive demand due to

one of the coldest winters on record. We are referring customers to the

February ** press release from the PUC regarding this issue. (Please see

attached) In addition, this is not just happening in Pennsylvania.

Please see this link relating to New York prices as well.

Finally, the account has been

canceled and it is now up to the utility to process the cancellation. The customer was issued a $75 refund on 3/**/14. Please contact your utility for budget

billing concerns.

We are truly sorry for your

experience and advise you to sign up on a fixed rate that will ensure price

protection.

Regards

In addition please see this informative article.

Why Have

Energy Bills Increased – Explaining Price Volatility

It has

been a record cold winter across much of the country, and many have been

expressing deep concern as to why energy bills have been so high. Regardless of

whether energy is purchased from a utility or a competitive energy supplier,

customers have seen electricity and natural gas prices spike in many parts of

the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions.

Why did

prices rise?

Simply

put, the issues at hand are the cold weather, electric grid and natural gas

pipeline capacity, and the increasing use of natural gas not just for heating

purposes, but to create electricity.

There is

ample gas supply in the United States, especially given the boom in shale gas.

What customers are feeling are the results of a strained transportation and

infrastructure system that delivers electricity and gas. When demand is high

and capacity is constrained, costs increase.

This

winter’s “polar vortex” has increased the demand for both natural gas and

electricity, resulting in significant congestion in the natural gas pipelines

and on the electric grid (the highways of the energy system). Everyone relies

on these natural gas pipelines and the electric grid to get energy from where

it is produced to where it is used by the homeowner, the tenant, and the

business owner. Just like only so many cars can efficiently travel along a

highway, only so much natural gas and electricity can move through the natural

gas pipeline system and the electric grid.

Also,

while more and more people are using natural gas directly for heating purposes,

electricity generators are also increasingly using natural gas to produce

affordable power. In the short-term, this electricity generation is putting

further strain on the natural gas capacity in certain parts of the country. At

the same time there are also bottlenecks on some parts of the electric grid,

preventing electricity from getting from the generators to the consumers in an

efficient manner.

It’s

known from economics that constraints on supply (such as not being able to get

gas from where it is plentiful to where it is needed) cause prices to rise, and

this has occurred in the wholesale energy markets. The result? Competitive

energy suppliers and utilities alike are paying higher than normal prices when

purchasing from the wholesale market in order to provide energy to homeowners,

tenants, and business owners. This is causing everyone’s bills to rise.

As the

winter weather gradually improves and temperatures rise, the demand for energy

to heat homes and businesses will decrease, placing less pressure on the

nation’s electricity grid and allowing energy prices from suppliers and

utilities to normalize. However, winter weather may very likely be around for

some weeks to come. Despite the unusual weather, the gas and electric delivery

systems have proven to be highly reliable this winter. A number of new natural

gas pipelines and electricity transmission lines are planned or under

construction which should reduce the chances of a similar price spike in the

future.

In the

meantime, there are some things that can be done to help manage energy bills.

Conserve energy as much as possible. For example, make sure

doors and windows are well insulated, seal any air leaks, and lower the

water temperature setting to 120 degrees on the water heater.

Customers using a competitive supplier and who are on a

variable rate plan or whose fixed contracts have expired, should review

their contract to confirm the accuracy of the pricing and call their

supplier if they have any questions.

Customers interested in price stability can also investigate

fixed price options that many suppliers offer.

Customers in need of financial assistance should investigate

their state’s home heating assistance programs. In many states, a customer

can stay with a competitive supplier and still receive assistance paying

utility bills.

Customers should visit their

state’s “energy shopping” websites to compare offers from different suppliers.

For a list of shopping websites, visit [redacted]

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:

my landlord received a full refund because the whole house was charged different rates for the months utilizing Major Energy services. I am attaching my landlords rates for the months using Major Energy as well as mine. My landlord was refunded 100% so I am expecting the same. My landlord lives at the same address as I except in apartment A. His name is [redacted]. You will see that in the bills I've sent. I know that regardless of living in different apartments we live in the same house. The rates for energy should all be the same. You will see they are not. I would like Major Energy to contact BGE themselves and have them explain the situation and pay the amount I owe from their company. I plan on paying my balance that is owed to BGE today but I will not pay the outstanding balance owed from the overcharging of Major Energy services. Thank you.

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

Sincerely,

Business

Response:

Good Afternoon,

We are sorry that the customer is dissatisfied with his experience. The customer's complaint has already been resolved through [redacted]. We cannot discuss other customers' accounts.

Regards,

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

I have no idea what this means. I'm assuming I am not being refunded at all and have to pay the balance.

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

Sincerely,

Review: (and there is no way to cancel service)

A door-to-door salesman ([redacted].) pitched a new electric and gas supplier. He promised much lower rates that what I was currently paying. On the work order, the price per thermo was left blank (I'm assuming it was completed after the salesman left my property).

The first month that I received the bill, I realized the deceptive practices. The rate is twice the price that I was paying and more than double what was promised. I have been trying to call and cancel. I have left messages that have not been returned. The phone queue requests that the caller press #1. It loops through and asks the question until the caller is cut off. On occasion, it will offer a minimum wait time of 30 minutes. The wait continues until the caller hangs up. The phone queue sometimes offer that the caller send and email or message. These are not returned.Desired Settlement: I want to cancel my electric service through "Response" and my gas service through "Major Energy". There is no contract and I wish to switch back to my previous companies.

Business

Response:

The customer's account has been canceled and had contacted our customer service.

regards

Review: My gas bill was significantly higher than the standard rate this winter without notification of a rate increase from Major Energy. They charged much of my area 74 cents per unit, while I was charged 99 cents per unit. I was away working in Rwanda for much of the winter and so my meter wasn't checked from December through May. I just received my bill and realized the extent to which Major Energy has been overcharging.Desired Settlement: Refund difference between amount that I was charged, and the standard for my area (99 cents vs. 74 cents).

Business

Response:

We apologize for the inconvenience the customer experienced. Customer was enrolled on our variable rate plan - please see attached. Unfortunately, the

energy market performed very poorly this past winter due to decreases in energy

supply and increases in demand due to the cold weather. While suppliers like

Major Energy/Respond Power base the rate on a daily rolling average and

hedging, most utilities purchase energy in massive block and adjust quarterly

or semi-annually. Because of that, sometimes suppliers find themselves with

higher rates than utilities. Eventually trends reverse and utilities are forced

to adjust their rates to make up for losses due to underpriced supply sold to

customers during high markets.

The customer has spoken with several representatives of our company today (6/**/14), including two supervisors. Customer requested that her account be cancelled. A cancellation request was submitted. While that the cancellation is being processed, customer was placed on a lower fixed rate as a courtesy. Customer was also offered a partial refund to settle the matter and customer accepted. It is our position that no further refund is warranted.

Review: As a representative from major energy services came to my door, she told me about a discount for my gas bill. The representative did not tell me that the company would supply gas. the representative did not tell me that the rates would vary from month to month. She looked at the gas company in which I'm currently with([redacted]) and told me I would get a discount. As a result, my gas bill doubled from the previous year.Desired Settlement: Refund-Check

Business

Response:

Good Evening,

According to the complaint, the

customer is unhappy with the recent rate being charged.

The customer agreed to a variable

rate contract (please see attached), meaning the rate would be determined by the energy market.

As has been widely reported, there

has been a spike in the wholesale energy market which was reflected on the most

recent bill. This is merely a reflection of the current energy market where a

shrinking supply of electricity is under the strain of massive demand due to

one of the coldest winters on record. We are referring customers to the

February [redacted]press release from the PUC regarding this issue. (Please see

attached) In addition, this is not just happening in Pennsylvania.

Please see this link relating to New York prices as well.

Finally, the account has been

canceled and it is now up to the utility to process the cancellation. Please contact your utility for budget

billing concerns.

We are truly sorry for your

experience and advise you to sign up on a fixed rate that will ensure price

protection.

Regards

In addition please see this informative article.

Why Have

Energy Bills Increased – Explaining Price Volatility

It has

been a record cold winter across much of the country, and many have been

expressing deep concern as to why energy bills have been so high. Regardless of

whether energy is purchased from a utility or a competitive energy supplier,

customers have seen electricity and natural gas prices spike in many parts of

the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions.

Why did

prices rise?

Simply

put, the issues at hand are the cold weather, electric grid and natural gas

pipeline capacity, and the increasing use of natural gas not just for heating

purposes, but to create electricity.

There is

ample gas supply in the United States, especially given the boom in shale gas.

What customers are feeling are the results of a strained transportation and

infrastructure system that delivers electricity and gas. When demand is high

and capacity is constrained, costs increase.

This

winter’s “polar vortex” has increased the demand for both natural gas and

electricity, resulting in significant congestion in the natural gas pipelines

and on the electric grid (the highways of the energy system). Everyone relies

on these natural gas pipelines and the electric grid to get energy from where

it is produced to where it is used by the homeowner, the tenant, and the

business owner. Just like only so many cars can efficiently travel along a

highway, only so much natural gas and electricity can move through the natural

gas pipeline system and the electric grid.

Also,

while more and more people are using natural gas directly for heating purposes,

electricity generators are also increasingly using natural gas to produce

affordable power. In the short-term, this electricity generation is putting

further strain on the natural gas capacity in certain parts of the country. At

the same time there are also bottlenecks on some parts of the electric grid,

preventing electricity from getting from the generators to the consumers in an

efficient manner.

It’s

known from economics that constraints on supply (such as not being able to get

gas from where it is plentiful to where it is needed) cause prices to rise, and

this has occurred in the wholesale energy markets. The result? Competitive

energy suppliers and utilities alike are paying higher than normal prices when

purchasing from the wholesale market in order to provide energy to homeowners,

tenants, and business owners. This is causing everyone’s bills to rise.

As the

winter weather gradually improves and temperatures rise, the demand for energy

to heat homes and businesses will decrease, placing less pressure on the

nation’s electricity grid and allowing energy prices from suppliers and

utilities to normalize. However, winter weather may very likely be around for

some weeks to come. Despite the unusual weather, the gas and electric delivery

systems have proven to be highly reliable this winter. A number of new natural

gas pipelines and electricity transmission lines are planned or under

construction which should reduce the chances of a similar price spike in the

future.

In the

meantime, there are some things that can be done to help manage energy bills.

Conserve energy as much as possible. For example, make sure

doors and windows are well insulated, seal any air leaks, and lower the

water temperature setting to 120 degrees on the water heater.

Customers using a competitive supplier and who are on a

variable rate plan or whose fixed contracts have expired, should review

their contract to confirm the accuracy of the pricing and call their

supplier if they have any questions.

Customers interested in price stability can also investigate

fixed price options that many suppliers offer.

Customers in need of financial assistance should investigate

their state’s home heating assistance programs. In many states, a customer

can stay with a competitive supplier and still receive assistance paying

utility bills.

Customers should visit their

state’s “energy shopping” websites to compare offers from different suppliers.

For a list of shopping websites, visit [redacted]

Review: We have had an on going billing issue for 2 months now acc# [redacted] we received our bill From central Hudson for 585.19 I right away contacted central Hudson whom then directed me to call major energy because they said that they major energy had some billing errors so I have contacted them 4-5 times and keep getting the run around first they said that the corrected amount should be 267.00 and they were going to send us a refund no such thing has happened and. have been told this 3 times and finally a fourth time by supossedly a billing supervisor at major energy named Lisa still have not received any thing , I feel that they are neglagant and have no intention of correctingthis and giving u our refund of 319.00 because they do not care they were already paid in full so now iI owe all this money to central Hudson and am gonna be terminated on the [redacted]if I do not send central Hudson 100.00 and then payments very month thanks to these crooks who just keep lying and then every time you call they lie and say that they have no record of previous phone calls to them so bottom line is we want what is owed to us and another thing I find funny is they said that they do not issue a corrected statement I find that also fishy never heard of such a thing signed with them maybe October 2014 can't remember exact dates and same when speaking to them soon phone cause very time you call its some one else and very time I asked to speak to a supervisor they would say oh I'm sorry we do not have one available really you never have a supervisor available another thing I find funnyDesired Settlement: We expect to be given the refund they owe us and keep telling us we will get and don't in the amount of 319.00

Business

Response:

This matter has been resolved through our customer service department.

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]

I spoke with a [redacted] on 3/**she told me a check was sent out on 3/[redacted]in the amount of 319.27 and tgat if we did not receive it by 3/**to call her so I did I tried emailing her and called her and left 3 messages on her voice mail and I get no response and still no check

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

Sincerely,

Business

Response:

This matter has been settled, as the customer received the check.

Review: The company told my wife that they would cut my bill in half and since having them as a gas supplier my gas bill has doubled. I have reached out to the company two times and have not be able to reach a customer service agent. I an very unhappy with how Major Energy conducts business. The sales rep that came to my door had talked to only my wife and not to me (the bge account holder).Desired Settlement: I would just like to have my account with them closed.

Business

Response:

To whom it may concern; Thank you for reaching out to us regarding this matter. I have looked over your account and can confirm that your Gas account was cancelled on 3/**/2016 and it will return to BG&E on 4/*/2016. You will receive another utility bill for the time period cover in March in which Major Energy is still your supplier. However, once your billing period is after 4/*/2016 you will no longer see Major Energy on your bill as your Supplier. Thank you and have a great day. Sincerely, Customer Service Representative

Review: In November I moved into my own apartment, I had a sales rep. come to my door and offer me to switch to them for a discount on my energy bill. I had not noticed a change in my energy bill until when I went to pay it online in February my bill had went from being 194 to 532 dollars. Major energy had kicked in as being my supplier and my bill sky rocketed. I called on February [redacted] and complained about my bill being so high when I was told I would have a decrease in my bill. The guy barely spoke English told me that my bill would be the 219 that national grid said it would have been with them. I immediately switched back to national grid as a supplier. While on the phone with major energy the guy told me a supervisor would be calling me within 2 weeks to discuss my bill and options for next month as well. I waited and waited to never recieve a call. Finally I called them again, and after being on hold for over an hour to just speak to someone she told me there was never any documentation showing I had ever called before or that any one said that my bill would be 219 dollars. She was very rude and snotty. I am stuck with this bill and have no way of paying it on time. I was mislead into believing that my bill would be cheaper.Desired Settlement: I would like my bill to be adjusted to the amount for both the month of February and March, to the amount National Grid would have charged me.

Business

Response:

Our customer service is already looking into this complaint and will continue to be in contact with the customer.

Regards

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. I see that they have stated they are reaching out to me, however I have called three times each time have asked to speak to a supervisor and have been told I cannot. All three times I have been told a supervisor will be calling me, in which no one has called me. That is my main concern.

Sincerely,

Review: I was canvased to switch to your company and will save 20% off my gas and electric bill... Represenative [redacted] wrote down my electric and gas account numbers and asked me to sign contract which I refused before I was able to research your company .After he wrote up contract I told him I wasn't going to sign it and he said he woud rip up contract and he didn't..I wish to remain with my current provider and deliverer of gas and electric...Desired Settlement: I do not wish Major energy to be my provider of gas or electric service....Please return an email or phone call so I can assure myself that nothing will be changed

Business

Response:

A customer service representative shall be contacting the customer in order to address customer's request.

Review: This company failed to explain in detail that they had a variable billing policy. The gas and electric bill for the last 2 months have been $1000 each and they billed for electric and gas services twice for each (gas and electric delivery) on each bill.Desired Settlement: I would like this company investigated because we are not the only ones coming forward with these outrageous bills. [redacted] are also reporting the same issues from other families. There is no way that we used $1000 in gas and electric in 30 days!

Business

Response:

Good Morning,

As the customer notes, the customer enrolled in a variable rate plan. The rates on a variable plan fluctuate with the energy market. Unfortunately the energy market performed very poorly this winter and rates rose steeply. The customer was not charged twice. Our charges on the bill were for supply and the other charges were for delivery/service.

Regards,

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 I do not accept that response to the ridiculous charges that they have charged us an I think that a credit is due. I have every bill for the last two years printed. The state has also commented that the weather had not warranted that hike in delivery cost.

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

Sincerely,

Business

Response:

Good Afternoon,

We are sorry the customer remains dissatisfied. . The rates on a variable

plan fluctuate with the energy market. Unfortunately, the energy market

performed very poorly this past winter due to decreases in energy supply and

increases in demand due to the cold weather. While suppliers like Major

Energy/Respond Power base the rate on a daily rolling average and hedging, most

utilities purchase energy in massive block and adjust quarterly or

semi-annually. Because of that, sometimes suppliers find themselves with higher

rates than utilities. Eventually trends reverse and utilities are forced to

adjust their rates to make up for losses due to underpriced supply sold to

customers during high markets.

Regards,

Review: I have recently noticed my Electric bill is more than double of what I usual is. When I called the Electric company they told me my carrier raised rates. I said my carrier? aren't you guys my carrier. BGE is my carrier. They said no you signed up for a different carrier. I said no I never did? They proceeded to tell me it was a little over a year ago. I had never noticed this on my bill because I just pay my bill and nothing seemed off about my bill until the past two months when it skyrocketed in price. I was informed that there are sales people going around asking to look at your bill. I do remember this. I have had these sales people knock on my door several times but let them look at my bill once. when they tried to push me to sign a paper I asked them to leave and I didn't trust it. They knocked after this also and I just would turn them away and say I wasn't interested. From what I'm being told is they ask to look at your bill to get your account number to sign you up without your knowledge. That is must of been what happened because I never signed up for anything! My electric company is telling me I need to contact them and get them to switch back. The number they give is just a fake number that takes you to wait until it ultimately goes to a voicemail to leave a message. My husband tried calling is as soon as you get to spot 2 on the call waiting list it goes straight to voicemail and it's impossible to talk to a real person. The email on there site won't work either when you press the email to contact form. I am highly outraged because this was a clear scam and it's not right I have to resolve it through a company I cannot get a hold of. But I'm freezing in my house because I cannot afford to run my heaters because my bill jumped from $280.00 to almost $574.00 a month and I cannot pay it. I asked my carrier what was there rate and they said .09 for khw and this company is at .19. Over double. Why would I ever sign up for that??Desired Settlement: I need to have this company contact my electric company (BGE)and tell them to switch me back to them (BGE) as my carrier because it was not a service I signed up for and to pay the extra amount that should not be on my bill.

Business

Response:

We have spoken to the customer since the posting of this complaint and have canceled them per their request. They will return to BGE default supply per BGE's schedule.

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