Complaints

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/08/2025

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  They are not reading my meter. Theyre just doing an estimate on my bill.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 07/09/2025

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  This letter is to inform you that Champion Energy Services has carried out to my satisfaction the resolution it proposed for my complaint, filed on 7/8/2025 and assigned ID ********.
  
  Regards,
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:05/31/2025

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Request an immediate refund for the excessive charges, which are incorrect. Please refer to the detailed explanation provided in my recent review 

   For the past six months, I have been charged more than double the amount of my highest consumption during the peak summer months an unexplained and unjustifiable increase.Even during winter months when I was out of the country and the only appliance operating in my home was the refrigerator (no AC, absolutely no other electronics running), my monthly consumption remained abnormally high higher than my highest summer usage, which includes full-time occupancy and heavy air conditioning.

  Business Response

  Date: 06/10/2025

  Thank you for reaching out about your Champion Energy account. As a reminder, Champion Energy receives usage data from your transmission and distribution utility (TDU), ************** Delivery. Weve submitted another billing dispute based on your claim that the usage reported is incorrect. Once we hear back from ***** we will follow up.

  
  We reviewed your usage data. Overall, your usage is low and rarely above 2 kWh. We recognized there was a noticeable change to the hourly load pattern beginning on March 13, 2025. Your interval data, available from Smart Meter *****, and available in the customer portal was used to determine if any patterns arose. There were brief spikes in usage that occurred between March 13 and April 22. The spikes lasted no longer than 2 hours and since April 22 there have been no hourly spikes above 3 kWh.

  
  Quick summary:
  Prior to March 13, the average hourly kWh was 0.23.
  March 13 to April 22, the average hourly kWh was 0.58
  Since April 22, the average hourly kWh has been 0.20

  
  Something caused the meter to jump and the energy consumption was real. Whatever the cause, it seems to have stopped. We had a customer service agent reach out to discuss. In similar situations with other customers, it could be caused by things like a fan got stuck running on the ** or heater, a pool pump timer stopped working so the pump ran longer, a customer had visitors and more electronic devices running and charging, or the thermostat stopped working so the ** or heater ran longer. We cannot say if any of these situations apply to you. We can only share what we see in the data we get from your meter. This is why our customer care agent was asking questions about maintenance of appliances and/or the temperature you set the thermostat,each can impact usage. ************* will reach out again, once we hear back from ***** regarding the meter check.
  

  If you have additional questions about your account,customer care is available 24/7 or you may email [email protected] so we may follow up. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 06/11/2025

  Dear BBB

  Thank you so much for your great effort!  None of those causing hike in their reply applied to me.  I did not use any extra.  These consumptions are someone else's.   I can only pay my normal consumption, which is supposed to be much less than last summer when I moved in July and August while I was at home most of time and AC and washer were running.

  This year I am at work all the time and the consumption should be minimum. 

  Thanks,

  Best,

  HY

  
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:05/25/2025

  Type:Order Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  We had a contract with Champion to provide power generation at two of our offices. Within 6 months time both landlords unexpectedly terminated our leases due to them needing our office space for other tenants. We no longer needed power generation due to those offices being closed. Champion is charging us a termination fee because we refused to pay for our former landlord's electric bill after we were asked to leave (under excellent terms)

  Business Response

  Date: 06/02/2025

  Thanks for bringing this to our attention. Our records show that the early termination fees were waived on 5/28/2025. The accounts remain terminated and have a zero balance. Please reach out if you have additional questions about the accounts.

   

  Thanks,

  Champion Energy Services

   

  Customer Answer

  Date: 06/02/2025

  [A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response.  If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]
  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me.  
  
  
  
   
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:05/13/2025

  Type:Order Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  My services were renewed prior to the date of the end of my contract of May 31, 2025. I requested switch to another provider for energy services but Im being told that I will receive a early termination fee although the new contract is not in effect and I cant cancel with the new company because theyll also charge a fee.

  Business Response

  Date: 05/22/2025

  Thank you for reaching out about your Champion Energy account. Our records show that Energy Ogre is an authorized agent on the account. As an electricity management company, they charge a monthly fee, and they are not affiliated with Champion Energy.

  
  Energy Ogre contacted Champion Energy to process renewals for some of the customers they serve with upcoming contract expirations. They negotiated a new rate and term which was processed on 3/28/2025.
  A renewal confirmation email was sent to the email address on file for the account on 3/31/2025, which appears to have been opened 4 times between 3/31/25 and 4/2/25. A Thank you for Renewing email was sent on 4/1/25, which was opened 3 times between 4/1/25 and 5/2/25.

  
  Champion Energy purchased power for the future start contract. It was not until 5/7/25 that we were notified of a request to cancel services. The agent you spoke to informed you of the $150 early termination fee (***). When Energy Ogre called on 5/8/25 we also informed them of the **** They put our agent on hold to discuss it with you. When the Energy Ogre agent returned to the line, they informed our agent you still wanted to proceed with the cancellation. On two more occasions the *** was explained as applying if services were cancelled.  

  
  If your account is terminated and switched to a new provider, the *** amount will be charged on your account. This fee has not been charged. It appears the switch to another provider was cancelled on 5/19/25 and Champion Energy remains your electricity provider. As such, no cancellation fee has been charged or needs to be credited back.

  
  If you have additional questions about your account,customer care is available 24/7 or you may email [email protected] so we may follow up. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/17/2024

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  In March spoke with Champion Energy placed me on a pmt plan due to being unable to pay full bill and no assistance. Im on a deferred pmt plan prorate the delinq amt for 6 mon, somehow magnifically bill was over 300 in March for a 2 bedrm, 1000 sq ft house. While they play their get rich game on me, Last mon in June spoke with this company atleast 20 times -Salvation Army was nice enough to assist me in paying my bill, they had copies of bills, disconnect notice & pmt arrangmt. Salvation army contacted Champ to pay, they asked to verify delinquent amt & monthly bill, they tried to make pmt as Champion gave them a hard time , 1st their system was down, then they stated they couldnt accept paymt because it was too much!! What kind of mess is this??Then they said I had to be on the phone, so I was on a 3 way and again Salvation Army charities asked how much to pay, Mary stuttering and giving the amt lower than what was due, as I questioned, its not correct, she then said over 200 as Salvation army agreed to pay, I had to get off the ph bc they had to verify the credit card number. Later I got another call from Salvation Army telling me she was told to go to walmart to pay as she did & they wouldnt accept the pmt! She called Champion again as they informed her to try again. 3rd attempt for pmt I was on phone as they continued to screw up the amt and 3rd time we went to walmart as they would only accept the amt we were told to pay $111 as magically the bill was lowered. Now its July and now theyre telling me I have past due 132.00 from last mon, I said to Lydia a confused rep-how could I be past due while on a pmt arangemt? I paid what was due last mon. Lydia tells me I owe & must pay $252.76 by 7.26. Threat Not making sense as she was unable to explain but now again still at threat, refuse to place bill in DISPUTE. Last mon they claim would provide a 50 credit for July in which did not happen. SCAM

  Business Response

  Date: 08/02/2024

  Ms. ***** complains about the cost of her electricity bill
  and makes unfounded accusations regarding Champion's pricing. Champion is
  sympathetic to Ms. ******* financial hardships and, as demonstrated below, has
  provided Ms. ***** with financial assistance on multiple occasions. Champion
  nevertheless respectfully denies Ms. ******* characterization of Champion and
  Champion asserts that it has acted in accordance with the PUCT rules toward Ms.
  ***** and also with patience and generosity.

  
  Ms. ***** entered into a 24-month fixed rate agreement with
  Champion on May 7, 2021 with her fixed Energy Charges at $0.061/kWh. Ms. Wiley
  then renewed her agreement and entered into an additional 24-month fixed rate
  agreement with Champion on April 26, 2023 at a Fixed Energy rate of $0.08/kWh.

  
  Ms. ***** entered into a Deferred Payment Plan with
  Champion, extending through August 22, 2024. In late June 2024 Ms. ***** had an
  outstanding balance even after a donation received from the Texas Power
  Partners. At the time she filed her complaint with the PUCT & BBB, Ms.
  ***** had new current charges, plus the outstanding balance. Champion received a
  partial payment. Due to a remaining outstanding balance Ms. ***** remains on
  the Deferred Payment Plan with Champion.

  
  Additionally, back in May Champion separately spoke with
  this customer and, after hearing about her financial hardship, Champion matched
  her payment of $90.00 toward her Deferred Payment Plan and applied a $90.00
  free credit toward her outstanding balance. Champion later applied an
  additional $50.00 credit to Ms. ******* account on June 25, 2024, after she
  repeatedly called demanding payment assistance.

  
  Champion is committed to providing quality customer care and
  will continue to work with Ms. ***** to provide assistance as it becomes
  available. At this time, no additional credits are due from Champion Energy and
  her billing will not be adjusted.

  
  Please let Champion know if we may provide any additional
  information regarding this complaint. Attached are copies of the contract agreements, the energy facts label, terms of service and our Your Rights as a Customer document. All of which was provided to the customer at the time of enrollment in 2021 and renewal in 2023.  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 08/05/2024

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint.  
  
  
  The issue was not addressed, why are mentioning everything but the issue? Weather you provided a 90 credit is UNECESSARY-ADDRESS THE ISSUE of your SCAM JULY BILL BILL AS STATED YOUR TRIED TO COLLECT AN ADDITIONAL "$132.77 which states past due fee" attached, HOW COULD A DEFEERED AGMT BE PAST DUE?????U also show current mon charges 83.87 , total 266.64 THERE WAS NO PAST DUE AND YOUR SCAM trying to collect an additional 132.77 is INCORRECT BILLING SLAMMING!  U claimed u had to research and someone would call back-DID NOT HAPPEN. EXPLAIN the extra 132.77???? Per Disconnect notice attached Now you're stating I owe 266.64 by Aug 12th....Get your LIES together ...MAKE IT MAKE SENSE, by deflecting the issue doesnt resolve the issue or PUC failure to addreess the issue. While youre demanding disconnect in ONE WEEK is UNFAIR-as BBB and PUC can see the attached bill makes no sense and was REVISED without notice and youre trying to collect an additional 132.00, II have not changed the thermostat and magically bill went from 211 to 266, however the bill attached that u magically changed AGAIN shows 132 past due when it should be a total of 99.00 instalment plan plus current 83= $182.00-due to your illegal slamming and scamming you she be fined and and remove such pmt to be paid in full due to YOUR FAKE overpriced bill. MAKE IT MAKE SENSE...this has ABSOLUTELY NOTING TO DO WITH A FAKE 90 credit that you magically added back to my mon billing. 

   

  
  
  
  
  Regards,
  
  
  
  
  
   

  
  

  Business Response

  Date: 08/19/2024

  Champion provided a detailed response to the PUCT that specifically
  outlined every itemized charge, including the applied credits, on your most
  recent invoices. Champion’s dedicated customer care agents have also made
  themselves available to discuss your invoices with you. Champion respectfully
  continues to assert that the charges on your disputed invoices are valid and
  applicable based on your reported energy usage and the terms of your deferred
  payment plan. Please contact Champion at 1-887-653-5090 and we will be happy to
  further discuss your invoices at your convenience.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 09/04/2024

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint.  
  
  
  
  
  Resolution is to provide a breakdown showing the amount s from MAY til AUG in which was NEVER PROVIDED AND PAST DUE AMT was never explained as how they got the amts, I will sue as they never provided and PUC is well aware, pmt plan is confusing and unclear of monthly amt is their get rich scheme to get over bc they have a poor history and a rating of 1 out of 5-as per PUC stated they must show a better breakdown and they will be sued for this...., Champion committed not only fraud, after paying per Ashton I owed 74. and paid 75, they disconnected my service knowing Im in poor health, 95 degrees , they retaliated FAILED to provide corrected bills due to the stress and inconvenience my fake bal should BE ZERO, this comp will NEVER get a dime from me and I WILL FILE SUIT. Disconnecting service in 95 degree weather is ILLEGAL and I never received any notification of disconnect or the updated bills and my complaints with PUC Public Utility Commission was still in a pending status during the 2 disconnects. THIS COMPANY IS FRAD AND RUNNING A SCAM AND VIOLATED my rights-I have moved on to bigger and better company
  
  Regards,
  
  
  
  
  
   
  

  Business Response

  Date: 09/18/2024

  As previously explained,
  Champion has provided Ms. ***** with a detailed breakdown of the charges on her
  electricity account and has also spoken with Ms. ***** on the phone multiple
  times at length attempting to answer her questions and to resolve her complaint.
  Unfortunately, Champion believes it is at an impasse with Ms. ***** as she
  disagrees with the both the language in her written contract (her Terms of
  Service document and her Your Rights as a Customer document) as well as the
  various PUCT rules regarding when a REP is authorized to submit a disconnection
  notice for nonpayment. Champion can confirm it has not, and will not, submit
  disconnection notices for nonpayment when there is a weather moratorium in
  effect. This was not the case for Ms. Wiley. Champion respectfully denies and
  disputes Ms. ******* claim that Champion is “frad [sic] and running a scam and
  violated [her] rights.” As stated, Champion’s actions are consistent with Ms.
  ******* agreed-to Terms and Conditions, Your Rights as a Customer document, and
  the applicable PUCT regulations.                           

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/13/2024

  Type:Customer Service Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Was cold called multiple times by people claiming to be from our energy provider. Was told they "just needed some information" off of a bill; and asked us to verify our account number.
  
  When the account number was "verified", they informed us they were actually Champion Energy, and we'd now be getting our power through them.
  
  This is completely unacceptable as a business practice, and now they are demanding we either maintain a 4 year contract or pay an exorbitant cancellation fee ($2,400) for a service they have not even provided yet.

  Business Response

  Date: 06/16/2024

  Thanks for reaching out to Champion Energy regarding the contract that was completed under *********** ***** Inc. After reviewing the account for *********** ***** Inc, Champion
  Energy has agreed to waive the Early Termination Fee and release your company
  from the electricity agreement. Champion believes this fully resolves the issues that you have
  raised. If not, please let us know so Champion can continue to work with
  you to reach an amicable resolution without escalation. Thank you again for
  bringing your concerns to our attention.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 06/24/2024

  [A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response.  If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]
  
  
  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me.  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:10/05/2023

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Signed up for Champion Energy Solar Buyback. I was never provided the rate at which credits will be applied. Received my first bill and I am being credited .03 per kWh while being billed at .0145 per kWh. This is the worst return that I have seen in over a decade of owning solar panels across multiple providers and Champion Energy should be ashamed of themselves for being so cheap. It is borderline theft of electricity and I would like to exit my contract (without the $350 termination fee) in order to move to a provider that will not openly steal my electricity and sell it to others at full price.

  Business Response

  Date: 10/06/2023

  Thank you for reaching out
  about your dissatisfaction with the solar buyback program.
  
  The wholesale prices that we pay customers as solar buyback credits are set by
  ERCOT and is a pass-through credit. The wholesale pricing can fluctuate in
  15-minute intervals. Factors that play a role in the wholesale price include
  time of day, seasonal demand, and your load zone. Our buyback program has never
  offered a 1-to-1 buyback at the same rate as your energy rate for consumption.
  There are a number of different solar buyback plans in the market. The wholesale
  index rate, like offered by Champion Energy, is not uncommon.
  
  We stand behind and are proud to continue to offer indexed solar buyback to our
  customers who have invested in solar panels. Providers that offer fixed rate
  solar plans often include a premium, meaning you are paying a higher rate for
  your consumption. With our electricity plans, you get a competitive energy rate
  for what you pull from the grid whether you have solar or not.
  
  We receive your meter usage data from your utility company, Oncor, and Smart
  Meter Texas (SMT). Once your SMT data shows surplus generation, Champion Energy
  begins applying the solar buyback credits and sends an email. I show we emailed
  a notice on October 5, 2023, that was opened and clicked the same day (see
  attached copy of the email).
  
  The email is to inform you of the first bill you can expect to see the solar
  credits, which for your account was the bill due on 10/23/2023. The email also
  provides a link to our Solar FAQ page which contains information about
  historical average buyback credits our customers earned. Champion Energy
  highlights the fact that our solar buyback is an indexed plan on each plan description
  during the enrollment process (see attached screenshot). Further, we include a
  link to the FAQ page in all our plan description details (see additional
  screenshot). 
  
  We did a quick comparison to other competitive plans based on your first bill.
  Our solar buyback credit may be the lowest for your first bill, however, so was
  the total bill because of our lower energy rate, no monthly fee to add solar,
  and no restrictions on the amount of solar credits you can earn. We’d be happy
  to share that comparison with you to show the savings. Please send a request to
  [email protected] to receive the comparison breakout. 
  
  If you choose to switch to another provider the early termination fee that was
  disclosed when you enrolled, and communicated again when you contact customer
  care on 10/05/23 will not be waived.
  
  Sincerely, Champion Energy

  Customer Answer

  Date: 10/11/2023

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint.  
  

  Some constructive feedback would be disclose the buy back rate during signup as you do everything else.  It would eliminate confusion and prevent issues such as this.  I imagine the rate is a little embarrassing and would likely prevent individuals from signing up (I myself would have found another provider).  It is easier to lock someone in deceptively and make a cool $350 if they wish to leave.  

  You can close this ticket as I did not expect it to yield fruit.  I simply wanted to document the theft of my electricity and try to save the next guy $350 to get out.

  Regards,

  
  
  
  
  
   

  
  

  Business Response

  Date: 10/17/2023

  Mr. ****, Thank you for the constructive feedback. Champion maintains
  that its Solar Buyback rates are competitive, and that all information related
  to solar buyback rates are appropriately provided to Champion’s customers. We
  will take your recommendations into consideration as part of Champion’s ongoing
  efforts to continue to provide the best electricity service possible to its
  customers.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 10/18/2023

  [A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response.  If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]
  
  
  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that we are at an impasse but do not wish to continue wasting time, effort and energy.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:08/16/2023

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I had an energy account with Champion Energy (account number ******). My service contract was ending on June 21; however, I was not moving out until July 21. I called the customer service to inquire regarding a month to month contract. At that time, I said I would like one month as I was moving out on July 21. I was led to believe that the contract would last for one month then be finished. On July 14, I received an email stating that my contract was expiring on July 21. I assumed this meant that my service would be ending as well, since the email said "expiring" and I had previously discussed this with the customer service member. I later found out on August 9 that the account was still active. I called to cancel the service and they said I am still responsible for the energy bill from July 21-August 9. These seem like predatory business practices where they email you and say the contract has expired even though service will continue billing, especially in the setting of previously stating that you wanted to cancel the service on a set date.

  Business Response

  Date: 08/17/2023

  Thanks for reaching out regarding your electricity service with Champion Energy. We follow PUC guidelines related to sending renewal notices. Not renewing an electricity plan is not the same as canceling electricity service. We cannot shut the power off because a customer does not renew onto a new contract. We communicate this in our renewal notices by informing customers that if they do not renew their service will continue, but on a month-to-month variable rate. 

  This is what was stated on the bottom of your contract expiration notice:

  "Your contract expiration date is on 07/21/23. If you decide to switch your service from Champion Energy, you will not be subject to an Early Termination Fee (ETF) if your switch is effective after or within 14 days of your contract expiration date. If you take actions that cancel or terminate your electric service with Champion Energy and the switch is effective before at least 15 days before your expiration date above, you may be responsible to pay an Early Termination Fee (ETF), as specified in your Electricity Facts Label (EFL) for your current fixed rate product.
  
  If you don’t renew your contract before your expiration date, your service will continue on a Month-to-Month Variable Rate Plan. The Month-to-Month Variable Rate Plan will be effective on your bill after your contract expiration and may be cancelled at any time without a fee. Champion Energy’s Month-to-Month Variable Rate Plan offers the flexibility of no long-term contract; however, the price will change each month. The monthly price will change, but not by more than 30% each month. Rates are posted by the 30th of each month here. Please review the Terms of Service, Your Rights as a Customer and EFL for details."

  Although not required by the PUC, we also send a notice to customers 7 days after their contract expires. We do this to ensure customers are aware they are now on a month-to-month rate this is subject to change. The email was delivered on July 28th. It stated, "If you choose not to lock in a fixed rate, Champion Energy will continue to provide your electricity service and bill you on the month-to-month variable rate plan you're on now. These rates are subject to change anytime based on market conditions. Take advantage of locking into a fixed rate today.

  We pulled the call to better understand the interaction and conversation you had with customer care. During the call, you asked about a month-to-month plan because you were moving out of state. You did not state that you wanted to cancel service on July 21st, nor did we receive a cancellation request. When you contacted Champion Energy on 08/09 to indicate you had moved, we issued the order and cancelled service effective immediately. 

  We apologize for any confusion and welcome your feedback on how we could have communicated better that your service would continue after your contract ended. A member of our customer care team did reach out to discuss this with you. If you'd like to continue the discussion please give us a call 24/7 at 877-653-5090.

   

  Sincerely, 

  Champion Energy

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/23/2023

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  • Dates of the transactions: 05/24/2023 and 06/26/2023
  • Champion Energy charged me $507.16 ($193.70 for May and 314.09 in June) on my last two bills, as mentioned above.
  • I was out of the county for two months, with all my appliances off (but the fridge on the lowest level). They charged me $193.70 and $314.09 in this period.
  • I have filed a dispute to get a refund, but they did not provide a protocol or tracking number for my dispute. Champion Energy told me they would “investigate the issue.” Still, I have to wait 3-7 business days (but it can take longer if there’s a problem with the energy meters) and pay the absurd bills before they “investigate and process my dispute.”
  • I am attaching the bills I disputed, the transcription of my dispute with Champion Energy’s call center, and my tickets to prove I was in Brazil during this period.

  Business Response

  Date: 06/26/2023

  Thanks for reaching out
  regarding your billing concerns. Our records show that we started the
  investigation on 6/23/2023 after you chatted with one of our reps. We work
  closely with your transmission and distribution utility (TDU) who owns the
  poles, wires, and meter. They have to validate and complete their review before we
  will have an update regarding the investigation. We do add protections to your
  account during the review, as we know it can take up to 45 days to hear back
  from your TDU, which is CenterPoint Energy. Once CenterPoint provides an update
  we will reach out with the results and inform you if a billing adjustment is
  needed due to a change in usage data from the meter.
  
  Please know that during
  extended high heat, like Texas often experiences, even an unoccupied home can see an increase in usage. Anything plugged in pulls power. Your
  refrigerator is a great example. In high heat and humidity, it may run more
  frequently. Plus, an empty fridge runs less efficiently than a fuller fridge.
  
  Thanks for your continued
  patience while we review and address this concern.

  While you wait, you can access your smart meter date online in the customer portal or from Smart Meter Texas. You are able to download an hourly view of your usage from the portal and 15-minute interval data from Smart Meter Texas. This can help you see where there are larger spikes of usage compared to your average. For example, a quick look at your last 30 days usage shows the average hourly usage is 2.8 kWh. Your usage increases around 5 pm most days. And, the days you had over 5 kWh in an hour occurred only in June, again usually between 5:00-7:00 pm. 
  

  
  Sincerely,
  Champion Energy 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/20/2023

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  We received a early termination fee from Champion Energy Services after cancelling the contract within two months. Sarchem received an unsolicited phone call from a Champion Energy representative (who acted as a rep of Jersey Central Power & Light) claiming that their services would save money on energy bills. Without explaining the full terms of the cancellation policy, we then tried to get out of the contract after seeing our energy bills skyrocket for two months (typically around $600 was now $900).
  
  We were then charged an early termination fee of $2250 for the remaining 46! months of service left. This charge is entirely too much for only two months of service and impossible to pay.
  
  On the contract, it was only indicated that there would be an ETF, not the exact terms of that. They left everything very vague and only sent a contract after the three days to cancel. We would have never signed up for 48 months of a locked in contract.
  
  Highly deceptive practices, unsolicited phone calls and claims of being a representative of JCP&L.
  
  Dr. ****** *****

  Business Response

  Date: 04/24/2023

  Thank you for bringing this concern to our attention. Champion timely responded to the customer’s complaint filed
  with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities and is awaiting the Board’s
  response. Champion similarly communicated its responses to the Board’s requests
  to the customer and is committed to working with the customer to resolve this
  issue.

  Specific to the customer’s allegations, Champion provided
  the customer and the Board with copies of the third-party verification call in
  which one of the customer’s employees identified themselves as having authority
  to make decisions on behalf of the customer’s electricity choice and proceeded
  to enter a 48-month term with Champion. The customer was advised of the
  potential Early Termination Fee and the applicable recission period, to which
  the customer’s representative acknowledged understanding to both terms on
  behalf of the customer. The same information regarding the agreement’s 48-month
  term, the applicable Early Termination Fee, and the applicable recission period
  were also made clear in the Welcome Packet that the customer received. Because
  the customer then chose to terminate the agreement early outside of the
  rescission period, an early termination fee was assessed in accordance with
  Sections 6 and 13 of the Terms of Service. 

  Per the above, no billing adjustment is due.  

  Sincerely,

  Champion Energy Services

  Customer Answer

  Date: 05/01/2023

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint.  
  
  
  The representative from Champion Energy claimed that they represented JCP&L and acted as if they called on their behalf. Regardless of whatever recording they want to provide. THey claimed that they would be able to save on energy costs and in fact, our costs increased by 33%. 

  We will not be able to pay the $2250 ETF and would like to resolve this. 
  
  
  
  Regards,
  
  
  
  Dr. **** ****r
  
   

  
  

  Business Response

  Date: 05/16/2023

  Champion denies the
  customer’s allegations and again asserts that the customer’s representative
  completed a valid 48-month term enrollment with Champion. Upon receiving the
  customer’s BBB complaint, Champion timely provided the customer with copies of
  its third-party verification enrollment call and courtesy copies of the
  enrollment packet that Champion sent the customer after its enrollment.
  Champion remains available to discuss this dispute with the customer should the
  customer wish to contact Champion directly.

  We've attached the following information:  Third-Party Verification call from October 12, 2022;
  and Welcome Packet dated October 14, 2022.

  The attached
  Third-Party Verification call with Arun *****, who identified themselves as the
  Director at Sarchem Laboratories Inc., discusses both the 48-month term and the
  potential for an Early Termination Fee, which would be calculated based on
  annual volume and the number of unused months on the contract at the time the
  customer switches away. Arun ***** acknowledges consent to both terms on behalf
  of the company. The same information regarding the agreement’s 48-month term
  and the applicable Early Termination Fee are also made clear in the Welcome
  Packet that Mrs. *****’s company received after enrolling via TPV with
  Champion. During the
  TPV Arun ***** was advised that the company’s rate would be $0.12 kWh and
  that this rate did not include capacity and transmission charges, to be passed
  through at cost.

  Sincerely, 

  Champion Energy

  888-653-0093 (NJ toll-free number)

  Customer Answer

  Date: 06/08/2023

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint.  
  
  
  This response does not address the discussion of the cancellation fees over the phone. We will be calling the company to review. 
  
  
  
  Regards,
  
  
  
  
  
   
  

  Business Response

  Date: 06/15/2023

  Thanks for reaching out regarding the early termination fee assessed. One of our customer care team members reach out to discuss further. She will be sending you an updated invoice. Please reach out to the supervisor listed in the letter if you have additional questions or to resolve. 

  Thanks,

  Champion Energy Services

   

  Customer Answer

  Date: 06/29/2023

  [A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response.  If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]
  
  
  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me.