Current Alerts For This Business
Beginning January 2018 up to recently, the BBB of Greater Houston has received multiple complaints and customer reviews that have exhibited the following patterns:
According to consumers’ disputes, it has been alleged that Spark Energy engages in unethical door-to-door sales practices. The sales representatives heavily persuade consumers to sign agreements for a lower rate; however, when they receive their monthly statements, they find that their rates have doubled. In some cases, consumers have stated that the company illegally obtained their account information from previous service providers, and enrolled them in services without a signed agreement. When contacted regarding this issue, consumers report that they were told the cancellation process may take several weeks. Some of these accounts are sent to collection agencies for unpaid bills. Additionally, some consumers report that they were not notified of changes to their account (ex. billing/renewals) as promised. Complaints state the reps misrepresent which company they work for to obtain a copy of the consumer’s current provider’s bill. They later found out the were switch to Spark Energy without their authorization and their bills have increased.
Consumers also alleged that the company repeatedly calls to solicit them even if they are requested to remove them from their call list. Telemarketers are also verbally misrepresenting they are a supervisor based out of India for the consumer’s current company. When asked to remove the consumer from their call list, they say, “no we will continue to call you until you agree to switch to Spark Energy".
Complaints and reviews were re-reviewed and below are examples of the patterns the company is exhibiting.
Complaints in 2023 stated door to door reps would come to their door stating they were with the consumer’s current REP and needed to see their bill to make sure they were paying the correct amount or if they should be receiving credits. Consumers stated they were dressed in clothes that matched the current company never identifying they were with Spark Energy.
Complaint in 2021 alleged the company "tricked" her 90 year old father with Alzheimer's into switching to their service. When consumer informed company, she has the power of attorney for her father who has been placed in a home and all calls need to come to her, they refused and said the calls would continue. They would send a bill and continue to call him.
In November 2019, consumers' complaint alleged sales representative standing in front of Kroger switched their carrier without permission based on consumer requesting pricing information.
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The Spark Energy family of brands values each and every customer. We take all complaints received seriously and work diligently to address them all. Spark understands that every situation is different, therefore each requires specific handling and thorough research. Spark has a dedicated team that handles all complaints and the team’s goal is to respond and address them in a timely manner. Sales representatives are expected to adhere to the solicitation laws and regulations of the territory they serve. We encourage consumers to contact us if they have had an interaction with a sales representative that did not meet their expectations or if they have any other account inquiries.