babble: gas versus hydro

FAQ | Forum Home

»	babble » walking the talk » labour and consumption » gas versus hydro - help!

Email this thread to someone!

Author

Topic: gas versus hydro - help!

kahluagal
recent-rabble-rouser
Babbler # 404

posted 20 November 2001 10:09 AM

hello folks,

I'm doing this for a few people at work who have houses and are (me, I just rent :<)

With deregulation (I'm guessing), they're trying figure out how best to save money. From what I've understood, there are a whole bunch of companies - Toronto Hydro, Enbridge, etc. - that are locking in their rates but there are hidden costs - is it worth their worth their while (these friends at work, the consumers) to get these 1, 3 or 5 year deals?

are there any home owners out there? Any better places to post this query - not that I don't like rabble! I would try the Toronto newsgroups but they can be a pretty crazy place.

thanks! email me at [email protected]

From: Toronto | Registered: Apr 2001 | IP: Logged

Slick Willy
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 184

posted 20 November 2001 10:58 AM

I wouldn't lock anything to do with gas or oil into a long term fixed price plan for the moment. With the fluctuation of crude oil prices going on, lower prices are very likely. Not to mention that if the gas company is suggesting a fixed price plan then you can be sure that the price is on a downward trend. Wait till they stop any and all advertising on fixed price plans and then do some comparison shopping.

From: Hog Heaven | Registered: Apr 2001 | IP: Logged

David Kyle
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 1530

posted 20 November 2001 12:26 PM

We had a company here that allowed you to lock into a long term natural gas rate. During the gas price spike last year they were laughing. Now with prices so low, they are paying more.

Like purchasing mortgages, its best to go with the floating rate or very short term contracts (ie: 6months).

The natural gas companies in our area allow you to pay a monthly fee for people on a fixed budget (ie: estimated total gas cost divided by 12 months). Any over/under payments are settled at the end of the year since the actual rate is allowed to float.

From: canada | Registered: Oct 2001 | IP: Logged

Trisha
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 387

posted 20 November 2001 01:39 PM

Watch out for the privatized hydo companies. Many have lock-in clauses and fine-print price adjustments that just don't make any sense. Don't fall for any door-to-door offers as they are actually still illegal.

From: Thunder Bay, Ontario | Registered: Apr 2001 | IP: Logged

Tommy_Paine
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 214

posted 20 November 2001 07:56 PM

One thought on contracts for hydro and natural gas.

It's a gamble. When you lock in, you are betting that prices will rise, while your supplier is betting that they will go down.

The supplier does this for a living. They have experts that forecast, they have all the latest and inside information in thier respective industries.

Now, do you feel comfortable gambling against those people? I don't. I know when I'm out of my league. I stay with the floating rate on my natural gas.

As far as hydro goes, one company blitzed our neighborhood over and over. Their logo and choice of clothing tried to make it look like they were "Ontario Hydro." I don't do business with people who try to pass themselves off as someone else.

They also didn't explain that if you signed up with them, the fine print had you signing over any rebate that comes to you from privatization.

I don't do business with con artists.

If people have a good deal, they'll be more than happy to keep it simple and let the deal sell itself. When they start hiding things, talking fast, or omitting things, it's time to slam the door in their face.

From: The Alley, Behind Montgomery's Tavern | Registered: Apr 2001 | IP: Logged

Trisha
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 387

posted 21 November 2001 03:53 AM

To add to the warning, our local paper was telling people to call and report the companies that are going door-to-door misrepresenting themselves and asking for your bills. Two or three companies have already been stopped. The warning flag is still up.

From: Thunder Bay, Ontario | Registered: Apr 2001 | IP: Logged

DrConway
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 490

posted 21 November 2001 04:13 AM

You'd think the government would realize that all the scam artists would come out of the woodwork under deregulation and just re-regulate.

From: You shall not side with the great against the powerless. | Registered: May 2001 | IP: Logged

Trisha
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 387

posted 21 November 2001 05:14 AM

I wonder how many of our esteemed citizens have shares in these companies? A lot of them seem to be getting away with their conning of people.

From: Thunder Bay, Ontario | Registered: Apr 2001 | IP: Logged

David Kyle
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 1530

posted 22 November 2001 11:44 AM

quote:
You'd think the government would realize that...

The Alberta government did go after one residential gas company about two years ago for making false claims. If I remember correct, the companies license was suspended until they retrained their sales staff.

From: canada | Registered: Oct 2001 | IP: Logged

vickyinottawa
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 350

posted 22 November 2001 05:48 PM

Electricity deregulation in Ontario is a disaster - I've had a few smarmy salesmen at my door already. Now, I never mean to be rabidly partisan when I post to this forum, but the Ontario NDP has done a ton of work on this issue. Their campaign website is:
http://www.ontariondp.on.ca/issues/energy/index.html

From: lost in the supermarket | Registered: Apr 2001 | IP: Logged

Trisha
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 387

posted 23 November 2001 03:12 AM

A couple of friends of mine were tricked into signing agreements with one of the hydro companies that as yet has no right to sign people up. It is being fought. You cannot reach these companies by phone to cancel in the time limit allotted by the contract.

From: Thunder Bay, Ontario | Registered: Apr 2001 | IP: Logged

All times are Pacific Time

Hop To: