“ I feel like I have been scammed by the agents of Spark Energy. Spark Energy representative came to my home in metro Detroit, showed me they were with my local gas company, and wanted to help me save money. I agreed thinking they were with my local gas company, Consumer Energy. Little did I know that was far from the truth. My gas bill doubled and now I have to justify the 1000s I paid extra. The agent was very untruthful and did not disclose who they represented and all the hidden fees that should have been accounted for. I now know that the agent was hired by Spark Energy and represents this. This is mal business practice, deceiving customers and this practice should end! ”
“ Despite signing up online and receiving an email confirmation of the rate chosen, Spark billed me at a much higher rate the first month. When I inquired, I was told the rate I selected was for new customers, not renewing customers. Why was there a difference? No answer. When it was clear I had the documentation, they refused to rebill the month, but rather credited my account a flat dollar amount for the difference. Absent a breakdown or recalculated invoice, how do I know they got it right? Two years ago, when I originally signed up for Spark, they tried a similar swithch. They tried to stick me with a higher rate that the one I signed up for online. I had to make several phone calls and emails to Spark customer service and eventually go all the way to the TX PUC to get the rate I signed up for. Bottom line, both times, Spark did honor the rate, but it shouldn't be this difficult when I had the proof in confirmation emails. ”
“
Recently a young lady knocked on my door representing Spark Energy. She told me they were offering a $100 gift debit card each for electric and gas. I signed up for both. Well 30 days went by and I did not receive them. Now the company tells me that they don't offer it and that the lady does not work for them, but works for some 3rd party company. This company is dishonest and from what I just learned, trespasses too.
I'm very sorry I gave them my personal information, account numbers and my business. Now I am going to have to file a police report for consumer fraud against them. They have shown me nothing but confusion and total dishonesty. Buyers Beware! ”
“ Spark had a decent introductory rate - but see that the rates doubled a few months ago. I'm pretty good at record keeping, and would have remarked a doubling of rates if notified. What is the rational for a doubling of rates (to 19.99 cents / kwh- 50% over the basic eversouce rate!) other than to catch sleepy customers (like myself) unaware? If you want to and have the time to go through every bill every month and actively manage your electric bills, then Spark may be fine - if you don't like nasty surprises - avoid them! ”
“ Had spark about 2 months. I'm about a week late on one payment and they disconnected my electricity! This ridiculous s*** never happened with Reliant and I'm definitely switching back. Run far from Spark Energy cause they don't care about you or your family. ”
“ I have been a Spark customer for two years. I called to renew my plan. One of the choices is the Sure Saver 12, which claims you get a $60 monthly credit if your usage is above 999 kWh. The representative figured out what my bill would be on that program and it was quite a bit cheaper than the Price Protect Plan. Well, he put me on hold and when he got back on the line, he informed me that the $60 was INCLUDED in the price and there actually is NO CREDIT!!! In other words, it is a wash. Very deceitful practice, if you ask me. FALSE ADVERTISING!!!! ”
“ I have been with Spark for over 5 years. Our usage is usually under 100Kwts and Spark was charging us more to use LESS power. They would not offer us a lower price contract. Why should we be penalized to use less electricity...see ya Spark! ”
“
After 8 years with Spark I noticed my rate had increased (Quadrupled). I called to discuss the issue and was told someone would call me in 24-48 hours, that didn't happen. So I had to call them back and after going through the very lengthily verification process of who I am, we finally discussed my issue. Apparently my contact had lapsed and they allegedly sent me a renewal notice, though I never received one. After 8 years of service they could not do anything about the increase in the billing rate unless I signed up for another 1 year term, which is not possible because the home is for sale which I explained. This was also mentioned when I added my new home with Spark, they just don't care, so I will now switch both homes to another provider.
Hopefully I can find a company that actually rewards loyalty, though from the reviews I have read I think that might be doubtful. ”
“ Spark has completely messed up our account. First, our account was inproperly terminted by mistake (somone else gave a wrong address). Our power ended up getting cut off and Spark charged us a $250 termination charge when we never terminated. Then when the incorrect switch got switched back to them, they did not reactivate our old account and started charging us double our contracted rate. We have spent hours on the phone with these people trying got get it straight. They say everything will be OK, but it just keeps getting messed up. ”
“ These folks have very deceptive marketing. Watch your backs or you will be burned like I got burned. I signed up for a 12-month fixed rate plan. After a year it converts to a variable rate plan. No big deal, right? WRONG!! Their variable plan is now at .87 per term, about double that of the competition! What is even more interesting is that once I learned this I called them and pretended to be a new customer. When I asked about the price of the variable plan I was told .535 (still high, but not outrageous). When I told them I was an existing customer paying .87 the rep said he made a mistake on the quote. BALONEY! They got caught and now they're trying to cover their tracks. Those customers ending their 12 month guarantee should give Spark their 30 day notice and run away. This company hopes you will do nothing, and get socked. There are lots of reputable companies out there ... this is not one of them. ”
“ Billing is the worst ever, they cant get it right, send you an email stating one thing and do another, NOT just once every other month. Sent all their customers today a disconnect notice that was an ERROR I cant wait till my contact is up and I can run away from here. ”
“
After claiming at least a 5% savings compared to PG&E, charges for gas about the same for first 6 mos. Next 6 mos. Spark began charging about 50% MORE than PG&E (without notice). What a rip-off!
Very unethical company. ”
“ Careful, Spark Energys notification to renew is in small print and only once. If you miss it and do not renew your fix rate plan, they'll charge you at daily rate. No further notifications. Spark Energy used to be customer friendly: After the first year we received a renewal email and we renewed. Worked like a charm. This year no email, a small note on my invoice once, which I missed as I pay the amount listed in the email notification. Customer service was not responsive to my complaint: I am responsible to renew. True, but a questionable business practice nevertheless.Of course this is a blessing in disguise, because whereas Spark Energy used to be the most affordable for green energy. Now they list as the most expensive. I am saving 40%!! by moving on. ”
“ I was a customer for over 10 years. When they changed over to new system, all my data was typed in incorrectly. It was a pain to get back to where I started. Then, when they changed to their new PayStar system, it was all convoluted. I was on autopay for the whole time. When I changed my credit card due to it being compromised, and put it in for autopay, it never worked. Each month I would get harassing autodialer calls saying my payment was overdue. Each month, I would have to call customer service, and they said they fixed it and apologized over and over. Then, for the next 4 months, the same thing happened every month--calls from the autodialer, me having to call in and hear how they supposedly fixed it. I can not state how much I hate this company and want to be free of them. ”
“ My power was shut off. After a couple of hours on phone with Centerpoint, found out spark had requested the disconnect. Spark processed a service move for my address. I wasn't moving and didn't request it. Spark isn't available after hours so I was just out of luck. I eventually reached a less than cordial customer service supervisor that stated - 'they had made a mistake, but I should get power back in a few hours'... Unconcerned and argumentative about problems the power loss had caused me. ”
“ I will not advice anyone to use this company, they are shady. I don't even know how my energy services got changed to them. I live in a two bedroom apartment in Arlington Heights, Illinois and before my energy bill was transferred to them, my average consumption was 699kwh and when they took over it immediately went up to 2155kwh without any change in usage, season or added home equipment. Also, their rate was double from what I was paying before (0.063900) to 0.11870 and so my bill became outrageous. I called them several times but they couldn't explain how they became my supplier or why my consumption suddenly went up. I was happy with my former supplier whose rates were even less than that of ComEd itself. Like I said, I don't know how they were able to remove my former supplier and had their name on my bill. ”
“ I have been a Spark Customer for over 5 years. Due to auto draft I have never been late on a payment. The three times in my tenure with Spark that I have had to call them for assistance however, has left me just mystified at how lazy and uncaring they are for their customers. You absolutely will be just another number and they will not have any concern over how they feel you are treated by their employees. ”
“
Prior to moving to Texas, I set up a six month
account with auto draft for reduced fixed
rates. When the contract expired, I signed a
new for a similar rate plan. Given the bill was
on auto draft and I'd yet to have a problem, I
didn't check the price per kilowatt hour after
the first new bill.
Recently, when I did, I noticed I'd been billed
nearly TRIPLE what the agreed upon rate was for
four months in a row. They were unwilling to
work with me on their error, given said bills
were already paid.
Service is being switched to a different
provider tomorrow morning.
I will go off the grid before I use them again. ”
“
I give them an A minus on order/billing/service. Thought i would be forever a loyal customer.
12 months later... now they have $8.99/month fee and rates are not competitive either. Had to find another company. ”
“ This company treats returning customers terribly. After a year, they switch you to a high variable rate with a monthly charge if you do not sign on for another year. And, if you decide to sign, they will not refun the overcharge for the month you did not realize they had switched your rate. Plus, if you ask to speak to a supervisor, they fill out a request and tell you to expect a call in 24-48 hours. Not pleasant. ”
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