Respond Power Respond Power - Thieves Pennsylvania

I was solicited by a representative of Respond Power to change my energy provider from PECO to Respond.

He showed me documentation of lower rates.  You can guess what happened next: 

After a few months of receiving competitive rates, my electric bill suddenly nearly doubled what it normally was.  I tried calling Respond, but was left on hold forever.  I left a callback number on their automated system but received no callback.  I immediately called PECO, and switched my service back to PECO.  I decided to pay the bill and be done with Respond.

So I was surprised when I opened the most recent bill and found that it had doubled yet again.  Now it was over 4x what I was paying before.  Respond was still listed on the bill as the provider. The charge per kw at nearly 40 cents, vs the PECO rate of .0877.

I called PECO to ask why the service hadn't been switched over, and was told that because I made the change request after the new billing period had started, Respond Power had 1 more opportunity to overcharge me - the change wouldn't be in effect until the next billing period started. 

I called the PA Utility Commission to file a complaint.  I was told that they are compiling complaints against companies like Respond, but did not yet know what action would be taken.  1-800-692-7380

http://www.puc.state.pa.us/filing_resources/filing_complaints.aspx

I also called the PA Attorney General's office. They are also building a file of complaints, but could not tell me what action would be taken. I was asked to file a complaint via their website:

http://www.attorneygeneral.gov/complaints

Both agencies said that they have received numerous complaints about Respond. I don't know how this will turn out, but maybe filing a complaint with the state agancies is the only chance for a resolution.  Hopefully they'll investigate and ban Respond Power.