Stream Energy My electricity rate increase more than 60% in a month ! Houston Texas

My electricity rate went up from 0.141/kwh in June 08 to 0.229/kwh in July 08, a whopping 62% increase in a month. I called the customer representative today (Aug 11th) and they told me that my one year contract ended in June and I did not renew my contract until Aug 4th, so they charged me a monthly rate in July billing for the use of natural gas option. They cited that the electricity rate has been spiking recently.

However, I found that that it is hard to believe. First of all, the 62% rate increase in a month is simply outrageous. Secondly, they sent me an email without any urgency or warning of such outrageous increase. Thirdly, my original plan was the "clean energy" option and I don't understand why they charged me for the rate of the natural gas option. Fourthly, I renewed my contract in August 4th with the new rate of $0.144/kwh, not much difference from the rate of my previous contract. It is contradictory to the energy spike that they mentioned. Finally, they cited that I did not read the previous contract well enough, but it was more than one year ago with numerous jargons and fine prints. It will not be easy for a person to remember all the details.

I found the rate hike is unacceptable but the customer representative refused to grant any relief. They also warned me that if I want to cancel the contract, the company will charge me a steep cancellation fee since I just renewed my contract.

Stay away from this company! I also happen to know that this company also conducts a pyramid selling scam because I was dragged to one of its presentations. If a company is in good business, why it needs to use such scam to get customers? Now I know that the company wants to get you signed up with them in whatever way and then rip you off as much as possible later on.

Wing
Houston, Texas
U.S.A.