Direct Energy deceived Toronto Ontario

Direct Energy collected premium from me month after month in the name of
"maintenance contract - heating and cooling protection plan". This monthly billing and paying continued for over two years. The contract was over the phone (four hour turn around service). Nothing in writing at all. Whose fault is it to accept such dubious contract? Of course it is mine. The government allows companies like Direct Energy to victimize thousands of conusmers in Ontario. Direct Energy has politician (like our premier) given right to victimize consumers like me over and over.

One day my central air broke down. When called for service, they could come only in about three days ! There is no recourse for consumers at all. I contacted a local electrician on my own and the problem with my central air/furnce came to light.

The Direct Energy never did any maintenace or check. The cables from the motor were so brittle that there was arching (could have caused fire). A basic maintenance would have corrected this problem but Direct Energy chose to collect only monthly money for over two year period - NO REAL SERVICE AT ALL !

When I contacted Better Business Bureau and Consumer Protection branch of the government and demanded my money back for Direct Energy's failure to act in good faith, all I got was cancellation of my contract. Better Business Bureau has no record and does not want to maintain any complaints against Direct Energy (I wonder why) for other consumers! Consumer protection branch of the government is in the same boat and sailing fast (hoping no one notices).

Three months later, I get an invoice for Nov/2007 - Heating and cooling maintenance contract from Direct Energy.
When I contacted BBB again,
I was given an explanation by
Direct Energy : "Due to technical error, billing was made .... " !!

Bottom line is Consumer Bware when it comes to DIRECT ENERGY.