We found another review today, not that we are only looking for negative reviews but they are often more explanatory and informative. Sometimes the negative review points out misconceptions with the energy consumer and other times a problem with the Texas electric company. The retail electric provider in question goes by the name “Energy Texas”.
The customer’s name is Marsha and she had some bad things to say but I see she was disconnected. Getting disconnected can really sting and most people will get unjustifiably furious just as if a tow truck driver came and repossessed your car for not paying your payments.
L., Marsha. “Energy Texas – 10 Reviews – 5373 W Alabama, Houston, TX – Yelp.” Energy Texas, Yelp.com, 19 Sept. 2022, https://www.yelp.com/biz/energy-texas-houston.
Leave your own Review on Facebook of “Energy Texas” Retail Electric Provider
I’m sure you have seen the videos of people driving their car off a tow trucks hook-up and causing damage to their car and perhaps the tow truck as well.
When you live in Texas the electric service generally is disconnected during the hot months. We Texans use a lot of air conditioning. When your electric bill is $500 – $1500 in a single month it can be daunting. Some people can afford a large bill like that but most of us are at the very least going to feel the pain.
Marsha Believes Energy Texas Billed Her for a False Electric Usage Amount
Marsha’s complaint was that her electric bill was 1200 kWh more than what she normally uses. This could be a legitimate measurement issue at the meter however the way to deal with this is to first understand the most likely responsible party.
Centerpoint Energy reads the electric meter and measures the usage and the retail electric provider which in this case is Energy Texas bills you based on Centerpoint Energy’s reading. Yes it is possible Energy Texas transposed something wrong but most likely if the usage number was truly off it was likely the fault of a bad meter reading incorrectly. That faulty meter reading would be CenterPoint Energy’s responsibility.
So in Marsha’s case call Centerpoint Energy and express to them that you would like your meter usage examined and the electric meter checked for being faulty. They will tell you that they can come out and check but you will be charged a fee for them to check it unless they determine the meter is faulty.
After you have done this you can call your retail electric provider and express your issue but they likely are not the ones to blame for a higher electric usage month.
The PUCT Can Help Resolve Issues Like This Without Getting Electricity Disconnected
In most all cases you do not want to stop paying your electric bill. You will want to call your electric provider and express your issue. Once you have checked off that requirement the PUCT will be happy to assist you. What you can do is call the Public Utility Commission of Texas and let them know your problem with your retail electric provider. They will have your provider work with you to help resolve the problem.
The PUCT does a great job in holding the REP’s responsible for handling customer complaints. Many providers decide in favor of the customer simply to reduce the amount of customer complaint statistics against them. The provider will offer some concessions. They may not give you all the money back you are requesting but they might reduce your electric bill amount owed by a good amount. These complaints are all handled on a case by case basis but you have to come with them respectfully and without a belligerent tone just like you would interact with a police officer. My advice is simply giving you the art of negotiation that works in many situations.
Not Able to Pay Bill Online
Marsha explained that she received 3 emails the day after her electric bill was due letting her know her bill was past due. Energy Texas sent a disconnect notice the same day according to the customer. The online bill pay was not working correctly and she was not able to login to the online account even when trying to get account credentials and requesting a password reset.
Marsha also said that she was not receiving any paper mail electric bill’s at all. To be fair some electric companies have an option to lower your rate a bit if you choose online bill pay only with e-statements you receive in your email. It is possible she opted in to this but even if she did it looks like she was not getting the statements in her email and when she did get something it was only related to past due issues.
She hit this energy brand pretty hard with a 1 star review. Do you think it is a fair rating? How has your experience been with “Energy Texas”? Have they been a good retail electric provider for you. Let us know by reviewing them at the Facebook link below.
Leave a Facebook Review of Energy Texas if you have used this provider before
Donny Eisenbach
Donny has been writing about the deregulated energy markets since early 2007. His knowledge has helped consumers lower their electricity cost.
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