When NPC announced they were going out of business, Amigo Energy was allowed to "poach" only their variable rate customers and put them on a variable rate plan. It's assumed the fixed rate customers would have to be put on a fixed rate plan making them less attractive. Amigo sent generic communication indicating the variable rate dated the last day of the month. That rate was reasonable. However, that variable rate was scheduled to increase by 50% the very next day. One has to assume they knew the new rates when they mailed these letters. Like many have reported, Amigo did not send invoices or other communication for several months as to not set off an alarm and they were extremlly difficult to contact. Personally, I tried by phone and email. I had very long hold times (over 60 minutes) and didn't receive response to the emails or voicemails I left. When I finally reached a live person she offered to adjust my summer bills to a reasonable fixed rate ONLY if I would agree to a 24-month plan It appears to be a game of "gotcha".
The PUC should not have allowed Amigo to pick/choose the customers they wanted and then create a plan to take advantage of those people. They should also not allow a 50% overnight increase in rates.
If you find yourself in this situation, consider taking the 6-month fixed rate plan with the intention of switching to another carrier as the penalty for breaking the contract is not too steep. You can find the best plans for your area at www.powertochoose.com.
Finally, please report this to the Texas PUC (address listed at bottom) so they can stop this type of deceptive practise.De-regulation is meant to help the consumer not take advantage of them.
Office of Customer Protection - PUC
P.O. Box 13326
Austin, TX 78711-3326
FAX: 512-936-7003
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