Ambit Northeast energy Raised electric supply rate from 7.79 kwh to over 24 cents kwh Plano Texas

 Ambit Electric contacted me in April 2013 asking me to switch to them for my electricity supplier.  I was told I would save at least 3% per year from the local utility rate and would be started at a rate of 7.99 kwh.  They did not explain to me that this rate was variable and would very possibly skyrocket or I would never have agreed to switch.  I noticed my bill had gone up quite a bit, but since it was so cold, I figured I would just try harder to conserve.  After receiving a bill in February for over $700, we became alarmed and made every effort to conserve electricity.  Then today, I received a bill for over $1,000.  I examined the bill carefully and saw that my kwh had decreased from 5266 to 3798, yet my bill had gone up over $300.  It went from 10.77 kwh to 22.27 kwh.  When I called Ambit to complain, they told me I signed up for a variable rate and they could charge me whatever I wanted and too bad if I didn't like it.  I had no idea that rates could ever be increased that much.  We cannot afford to pay this electric bill and I don't know what to do.  They would not help me at all unless I signed a "contract for a fixed/variable rate".  When I said those two terms contradict, I was given no answer.  The rep treated me rudely and would not let me speak to anyone else.