Margaretha Opl
map-marker Gorham, Maine

North American Power Bait and Switch, Rip-Off, and Scam

North American Power Bait and Switch, Rip-Off, and Scam
Don't sign up with this energy company! They get people to sign up with a low teaser rate for electricity. But when that contract ends, they jack up the rates by 2 or 3 times what you were paying. If you want to cancel, they tell you it will take 2 months to change. During that time, your rates will skyrocket and all your savings plus a lot more will be gone. In my case, going from fixed to variable rate, the price nearly tripled from $7 / KWH to $18 / KWH. Again, don't be fooled into doing business with this company!
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Loss:
$200
Cons:
  • Bait and switch
  • Rate hike
Reason of review:
Bait and switch

Preferred solution: Price reduction

3 comments
Guest

When you enroll online or over the phone, you are told/shown the length of your contract at that time. If you enrolled over the phone, you're not only told during the enrollment process, but you are then told the contract length a second when you're doing an automated verification, and you agree to the contract length during the verification.

You are then sent a welcome package, again stating the contract length. And, a month or two before your contract ends, you are sent a letter, reminding you that your contract is coming to an end and how to contact them to discuss your options. You are told in both the welcome package, and the reminder letter, that if you do nothing before your contract comes to an end, you will then automatically be put into a market based variable rate when the contract is over. So, you are told 2-3 times that you must contact the company to discuss your options before your contract ends, and what will happen if you don't.

Once your contract ends, you no longer get contract pricing. It seems like a simple concept, but people still ignore all those notifications until suddenly it hits them in the wallet...and then it's somehow the company's fault that the customer neglected to pay attention to that contract they agreed to.

And that two months it takes to switch is a time frame that it takes for account changes is something that comes from the utility company.

North American literally has no control over that, since all of the billing and account management still goes through the utility company. It's the same reason that it takes that time frame for them to become your supplier after you enroll with them.

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-940755

This response is obviously from the NA Power False Advertising Team. In addition to the detail posted previously, NA power changed the rate on my service 2 months early "by mistake".

So apparently they don't understand the contract terms either. They refunded me one month of the overcharge but have still not responded to my request to refund the second month overcharge.

Beyond all this, anyone who believes that the "competitive market price" for electricity is 2.5 times the contract price is an ***, especially with declining fuel prices.

As the original post states, NA Power is a bait and switch predator company. Keep away!!!

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-940911

Thank you , I have been trying to get ahold of them to sign back up, but I cant get ahold of them, I guess this is what they do , sign you up at the low rate then let you fall into the higher rate by not letting you get ahold of them to re sign so they can charge you the higher rates , REAL NICE .

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North American Power's reply to: They will rape you in PA

Hello,

The following correspondence is made in response to the dispute filed against North American Power and Gas (“NAPG”) by Customer, Robert Howells. In the complaint, Mr. Howells expresses dissatisfaction with the variable rate charged following the expiration of his fixed contract and during transfer.

To start, it is NAPG’s standard practice to notify its customers of their renewal options (by mail) prior to the expiration of their fixed contract. However, if the customer takes no action following the notice and/or opts out of renewal; the Terms of Service indicates that their account will automatically default to a variable rate plan. This was the case with Mr. Howells.

When Mr. Howell made contact with the company in September 2014 and was provided with his renewal rate options, he told the customer care agent that he preferred to go online himself, to renew his rate. However, it appears he decided to instead, cancel. Therefore, at this time the customer's supply service has returned to the utility’s standard offer, on 12/11/2014.

NAPG is currently making attempts to contact the Mr. Howells to further discuss his concerns. He should expect a call from an NAPG customer service agent at any time prior to Friday, 1/9/2015. We look forward to resolving this matter amicably.

Sincerely,
Compliance Department
North American Power and Gas
Anonymous
map-marker Sellersville, Pennsylvania

They will rape you in PA

Went to variable rate while waiting switch to another supplier since they would not give me the online advertised rate even though I was a customer for over a year. My rate doubled in 2 months.

Not an ethical company. I knew I would pay more but not this much. You are better off not shopping for electricity in PA and stick with your local supplier. Their rate now is more than double my local company.

I hope my new supplier kicks in soon as I am sure my next rate will double or triple.

Talk about being taken advantage of!! It doesn't pay to shop as I lost a lot of money rather than trying to save a little.

Loss:
$250
Cons:
  • Rate
Reason of review:
Rate increase excessive

Preferred solution: Full refund

Anonymous
map-marker Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

North American Power - Billing Department Review from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Please be informed there was no contact between North American Power and myself. I was left two messages to please call them and my return calls received NO response. I was left on hold for a lengthy amount of time and was told the gentleman that left me a message would call me right back. He did not call. There was never a refund of any sort and 185.00 they claim to have refunded me would not even dent the amount they owe me. The fact that someone from the company North American Power came on to this website and stated we had three successful conversations and that I agreed to a 185.00 refund only further proves their unethical way of doing business. I have checked my utility account just to make sure there was no refund I was aware of and there is no refund from North American Power. As I stated earlier, 185.00 would not even dent the amount they unethically charged me. I am a single parent who works two jobs and goes to nursing school to try and make a future for our family. This has caused me to have to work more and study less which has resulted in my grades only being average instead of the A's and B's I have always gotten. This has caused me to spend much less time with my family and stress beyond measure. I want a complete refund from the company North American Power that states they have better rates.
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Reason of review:
Problems with payment
Anonymous
map-marker Concord, New Hampshire

They save you money AT FIRST

They save you money AT FIRST and wait as your expiration happens. They will tell you and swear up and down that they sent a renewal notice but they don't. They have your email, phone, and mailing but they choose to send a letter in the mail? All the need is one bill outside of the contract and all your 6-8-12 months savings are out the windows. At least with PSNH they are screwing you up front. These guys are sneaky about it. Not worth the effort until the business practices get a little better. Not fair business at all buyer beware
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Loss:
$70
Pros:
  • Advertised price
  • Rate
Cons:
  • Contract
  • Lies
  • Scam
Reason of review:
Not as described/ advertised

Preferred solution: Let the company propose a solution

1 comment
Guest

Hi ffffef0 -- I am the energy writer for the Union Leader looking to talk to consumers about their experiences with competitive energy. Contact me if you like. @DaveSolomon72 on Twitter or dsolomon@***.com

Anonymous
map-marker Allenstown, New Hampshire

They do not notify you of expiration

You will save money during the term of the contract but the company does not warn you of expiration dates so any money you save over the term of the agreement is lost the first month out of contract when the rate you pay more than doubles. My rate went from .0789 to .1549 so any savings is lost that first month and then it takes another complete cycle to change again so they hit you for another month. Unethical practice and have also received warning from BBB and Maine users. Once you call them they will not give you a good rate and if they do it is only for 6 months, don't be fooled by them they just want you contract to expire again.
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Loss:
$52
Pros:
  • Rate
Cons:
  • Expiration date call the puc
Reason of review:
Problems with payment

Preferred solution: Let the company propose a solution

4 comments
Guest

When my contract went up they didn't notify me! They raised it to 12.9 cents a KWH.

I switched suppliers and they charged me another month of supplier charges.

Guest

I had the same issue, except I explicitly requested when I signed up that I get switched to my original supplier when the contract expires unless I choose to sign up for another contract. The representative said okay.

North American Power just offered excuses and never corrected the breach of agreement.

Beware.

The variable rate plan is highway robbery at more than twice the competitive rate! You do not want to go there.

Guest

I had a similar issue with the expiration of the lower rates for natural gas that had motivated me to sign up with North American Power. I was also not advised when the rate expired, resulting in a surprise bill of >$1000. Don't be fooled into doing business with this company.

Guest

I just noticed the same thing. Went from 7.59 cents/kwh contract to 11.49 cents the first month after contract expired, then to 15.48 cents the next.

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North American Power's reply to: How can I get my money back from this company who does not care about ruining lives of hard working American Citizens?

NAP takes customer satisfaction very seriously and examines each claim with diligence. Many customers of both suppliers and utilities across the region, have experienced higher-than-usual variable rates this year, unfortunately, wholesale prices for both electricity and natural gas have increased substantially as a result of a severe energy shortage

After further review of this account, the customer enrolled into a variable rate plan. Variable rates are subject to price fluctuations based on market conditions and other price related factors. That being said, rates can go higher or lower than the local utility in any given month.

In an effort to provide customer satisfaction, a courtesy accommodation in the amount of $185.58 will be offered to the customer. $121.23 of this concession, is the difference between what the customer paid with us for their supply and what they would have paid at the utility's rate-to-compare for the customer's 3/1/2014 – 3/31/2014 – for their electric account.

The remaining $64.35, is the difference between what the customer paid with us for their supply and what they would have paid at the utility's rate-to-compare for the customer's 4/1/2014 – 4/30/2014 – for their gas account.

Several attempts have been made to contact this customer, to explain the reasons for the increase in the rates – all attempts have been unsuccessful.

Should you have any further questions or concerns regarding this matter or offered accommodation, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly.
Tyrianna Tbg
map-marker Brooklawn, New Jersey

How can I get my money back from this company who does not care about ruining lives of hard working American Citizens?

This has caused me a hardship beyond words. The rippling effect from my bills of my less than 1500 square foot house with a brand new heater has been devastating to us.

I may lose my utilities due to North American Power because I had a heater financed with PSEG and due to the bills from North American Power being so high - they took the money I was paying toward my heater without notifying me.

Once I figured out what they were doing and cancelled the agreement, my bills tripled. Some months were closed to 900.00 after I cancelled the agreement - which they stated would take 90 - 120 days to remove.

Loss:
$2500
Reason of review:
FRAUD!

Preferred solution: Full refund

Anonymous
map-marker Morris, Connecticut

Never signing up with North American Power again!!! Give me CL&P.

I called North American Power to lock my rate in again. I am a returning customer. Kelly told me my lock in rate was 12.49 cents per kilowatt hr. But I told him it's listed on line for 11.49 cents. I could not get the lower rate because it was for new customers only. I asked why they don't take care of their current customers and again told the lower rate was for new customers. I then asked to speak with his supervisor but was told that person was not available for at least a few days and don't plan on getting the lower rate from them. In fact, he was reading my record at that moment and saw that I had pulled this two previous times and got away with it and it wasn't going to happen again. Are you serious!!! He spoke to me like I was a criminal with a record!!! I'm a customer of the company he works for and told him to change my server to CL&P. Their rate is 9.99 cents. Don't treat me like I'm ***. You'll never have my business again. I don't care what your rate is!!!!!
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Reason of review:
Poor customer service

Preferred solution: Price reduction

Anonymous
map-marker Dayton, Ohio

Never recieved my $50 card and nearly tripled my bill without warning

After receiving my first bill I filled out the appropriate request form as directed to receive my $50 card for signing up. I never received this card and made several phone calls in this regard. I also resubmitted this request as directed and still no card. Two months ago, I opened my bill to find it had almost tripled. I contacted North American Power and Gas, LLC who stated they sent a minimum of 3 notices by mail warning me they was going to raise my rates if I did not commit to another contract. I have received mail from every other lender and company in which I do business but never from North American Power and Gas, LLC. The last customer service rep I spoke with stated there was nothing that she could do and it would take at least two billing cycles an the increased rate before any changes could be made. She also stated she could see I never received my $50 card but would only look into it if I remained a customer.
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Loss:
$500
Reason of review:
Problems with payment
Anonymous
map-marker Georgia, United States

Disconnect my bill

called on the 13th to see when the last date to pay my bill, she told me I had until the 14th of august that will be the last day, when I made my payment at 5:59 I tried to call them at 6:00 got a message stateing that they are closed and on my bill it says they close at 7:00, so I email them letting them know I paid my bill. when I called back onto day I was told that they will not be able to reinstate me that it was counted out something to that matter and one of the reps. told me that if I had proof showing that I email or left a voice mail that my service would be turned back on and guess what they saw the email but still not turn it back on if your rep stated that and was recorded my service should be turned back on and if the first rep to me that I had until the 14th than I think my service should be turned back on. if the company close at 6 than it should be added to your bill that you would know I was going by the hours posted on my bill. all I got was the run around by this company when you can see clear as day that the bill was paid if it was out the ten days then that rep should have been held accountable for the information that was told to me. but instead I'm the one left without gas. before going to this company do your research and read the reviews, wish I would have.
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Reason of review:
Problems with payment
2 comments
Guest

I have read your review but am somewhat confused. North American Power would not have the ability to disconnect service that would be the local utility company that would have to disconnect service. As I understand it NAP is contracted to supply the local company with the energy to be routed to you; thus, a conversation with your local company would be requiree to fully resolve your issue.

Guest

to NAPOWER,

I told you that I want to disconnect member of Napower on Sept. 15th.

And I sent you email, too. I never get your email that confirmation about disconnect member.

my member ID is 706100

My email address is kiwistarz@***.com

Please response me

Starr Stanley Phone# 904-201-****

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Anonymous

Gas Cutoff with no notice

Cut off gas with no notice. They say I was $41.00 over 30 day late. No email, No phone call, no letter. They close at 5Pm so unable to call until Monday. Gas off for 5 days. I have had GAS service in the Atlanta for over 26 years and have never had this happen. Account shows 0 balance. They still owe me $50.00 in rebate for signing up. They should not be allowed to sell gas in Atlanta with these kind of Business Practices. No shower for 5 days, 1 Day off work to wait for re-hookup and $75.00 for re-hookup. If you are a Senior Citizen do not use these people.
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Loss:
$645
Anonymous

North American Power - Gas Service Review

They dropped my services - gas and electric - with no notification of any sort - my bills are always fully paid.... they did not attempt to contact me. The only way I know is that PSEG contacted me. This is unacceptable behavior!!!!!
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Anonymous
map-marker Chicago, Illinois

North american power ...........crooks

north American power told me that my rate would be at 5% at the start . During my usage my rate increased and north am. power raised my rate to 13% without telling me and leaving me with a $1200.00 balance at com.ed. I am at this point too angry to try to understand why, when the representative that I spoke with, explained that the company had plenty of options with which to contact me ,e-mail. phone or written mail , they never did until I contacted them to disconnect my service with them. north American power has cheated me out of at least $800.00 .I want my monies back !
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Loss:
$800
Anonymous

North American Power - Utility Rate Review

They doubled my rate with no notice. They were not receptive to my complaints. The rep gave me untrue information. The rate was .09 higher than ui when the rep told me I'd be saving money. I'm out over $600.
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Anonymous
map-marker Bronxville, New York

SCAM

Upfront they charge you low rates and then your subsequent bills go through the roof, claiming they were buying power at what they were charging me. My bills literally doubled in the last 6 months. I had coned check my meter because I thought someone was stealing my electricity- it was actually North American stealing my money. Stay away from this company. Almost 2 full billing cycles to cancel service and when I called to cancel they offer a 'locked in' lower rate with restaurant coupons???? Wtf kind of business does that? Awful experience. Never again. They should be reported.
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Loss:
$386
1 comment
Guest

I experienced exact the same price hike after a low fixed rate for 6 months, then the rate almost doubled. The variable rate is now (November 2014) $0.1899 per kWh, which is much higher than PSEG ($0.113 per kWh). Never want to use this supplier again.

Ned Yik

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Verified Reviewer
| map-marker Tucker, Georgia

Did not received my fifty dollars gift card

I would like to know why I did not received my gift caed account number685225 Gas I sign up as a rep.and I never did get my gift card I would like to know the reason for that misunderstanding because all the rest of people that sign up with me last year get their fifty dollars rebate so what is the reason for me not getting my rebate my gas account number is#685225 my addres is 2569 Treadway Dr.Decatur,GA.30034 please responced toward this statement that I send to you Ernest Burke can you get back to me as soon as possible.
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Loss:
$50
Reason of review:
Problem with delivery