Electronics

[anitagayle]

Not sure where to post this, so here goes. Has anyone here had experience with HIKO Energy as an alternate supplier of electricity? Mom lives in a senior apartment building that is all electric. She just received a bill for over $900, most of which is from HIKO. She doesn't remember ever authorizing the switch to an alternate supplier. It is quite possible that she did but does not remember, but the increase in the rate is appalling! We have tried to get on their website and our security tells us that it is a dangerous website and not to go further. When we tried to call, their mailbox cannot take any more calls. They have an F rating with the BBB and numerous complaints on the Ripoff Report. We are trying to figure out what to do and have only been frustrated. The bill comes from Penelec (First Energy), and they say we have to talk to HIKO about their charges. Any suggestions? We would be most grateful.

[Nightowlz]

That makes me angry that these companies take advantage of our seniors. I have never heard of them so I have no answers for you. Do you know who she did have service with? You could at least call them & tell them you want their service back & how to get the other one off. Hope you can figure out what to do. I know how it is dealing with problems with parents living in another state.

[Nuttmeg]

I did not have a problem getting into their site. Here is a link I found with this company's terms and conditions. This might be of help. http://www.hikoenergy.com/terms.html .

[anitagayle]

nutmeg3 - I tried the link (thank you) and Webroot jumped in right away and said it is unsafe. I'm too afraid to go further--don't need any computer problems. I appreciate your input.

Nightowlz - Her service is with Penelec, and their sole service will be reinstated by mid-March.The big issue is whether the HIKO charges will have to be paid. We have to wait till Monday to get any more information.

[2cockers1cat]

http://www.hikoenergy.com/PA_Terms_and_Conditions.pdf

This is their PA legalese. If there is a conversation between the call center and your mom, it should have been recorded. Ask to hear it to confirm the switch. In Ohio, sometimes we get letters offering a switch. Some suppliers switch the account, saying failure to respond "NO", gives consent.

[Annabellethecat66]

That makes me sick. I'd contact my Congressman. I guarantee you there are many others that have been cheated too.

There is power in numbers. Always.

[Nuttmeg]

This company sells energy in a few states where there is deregulation NY, NJ, PA, Ohio, CT, and MD. I received a call from a company asking, if I wanted to save 10% on my electric service, and I said no. Some of these deals come with a lot of fine print.

[Annabellethecat66]

Instead of these Senators and Congressmen going on these news shows they should be sending their 'people' out to investigate how in their state things like this are allowed to happen to anyone but most especially to Senior Citizens.

Like I said, there is power in numbers. I know that from personal experience.

[2cockers1cat]

I don't remember which company it was, there are so many hectoring us, offering to relieve us from our "rider fee". All I had to do was disclose our account #, and it would disappear with them as our supplier. Our parent utility isn't authorized to add that adjustment to our elec bills.

[2cockers1cat]

Did some quick HIKO googling. In some states, the energy brokers are allowed to make door-to-door sales!! Not in Ohio.

AnitaGayle, is it possible there was a home visit and your Mom was convinced to show a copy of her bill? Maybe to someone claiming to be an official investigating complaints her utility was "overcharging"? Asking her to "sign here" to indicate she'd had "an official" visit?