Current Alerts For This Business
Since January 2019 to date, the BBB of Greater Houston began receiving several complaints and customer reviews that have exhibited the following pattern;
According to consumers’ disputes, it has been alleged that Vista Energy engages in unethical door-to-door sales practices and incorrect billing. Consumers stated representatives are very persistent and refuse to leave when asked. It has been reported the sales’ representatives heavily persuade customers to switch to Vista Energy for a lower rate. However, when they receive their statements, they find their new rates are significantly higher. Consumers allege the company is not transparent regarding rates if a consumer attempts to discontinue service or make changes to their accounts.
Consumers also allege the company is misrepresenting themselves as working for the consumer's current energy company and in some cases, consumers stated the company illegally obtained their account information from previous service providers. When contacted regarding this issue, consumers report they were told the cancellation process may take several weeks to switch back to their previous providers.
Below are a few examples of the types of complaints and reviews that the BBB received.
In 4/2024, a consumer’s complaint alleges that a Vista Energy Marketing representative showed up to her door dressed in the clothes of their current energy company telling her they could help with her bill. Without her consent, she now has an added charge to her utility bill which has caused her bill to skyrocket.
In February 2024, a consumer claims a representative of Vista Energy came to their apartment complex and was pounding on doors and trying to open them. The Property manager confronted one employee who stated he had a right to be there and continued to pound on doors. There is a No Solicitation sign which was ignored. When they threatened to call the Police, he walked away and continued to pound on doors. He was asking older residents for their utility bills and social security numbers.
In October 2023, a reviewer stated a representative came onto their property and was told to lave but he refused. It was a gated condo building and they walked into the garage to gain access. They continues to knock on door even when they were asked to leave.
According to customer review in August 2022, company misrepresented themselves as the consumer's current provider stating they were there to lower his rate. The consumer didn't speak English and the rep signed the consumer's name and switched his power and gas.
A recent customer review from July 2022, " July 13, a representative from Vista Energy Marketing came to my door. He misrepresented himself as being from my electric company saying he needed to ensure I had seen a notice from the company on my latest bill. He asked me to sign in to my account on my phone, then tried to grab my phone out of my hands to show me something. Thankfully I pulled away in time. He then claimed he was there because a new federal clean energy law entitled me to some fees refunded on my electric bill, and asked for detailed account information. When I expressed concern that this all seemed shady and asked why the electric company couldn't just issue me a refund or a credit on my next bill, he told me I looked very pretty and he "prefers a natural look for women." He then pressured me to sign a document. When I refused, saying I wasn't going to sign anything without reading it first, he told me that if I just signed first, someone would call me and explain everything. I again told him I wasn't signing something without reading it and told him I needed to get back to work. He left trash outside my door when he left. To recap: This sales rep misrepresented himself, sexually harassed me, tried to pressure me into signing something without letting me read it, and littered on my property."
The company would like you to know…
Vista Energy strives to use highly qualified and reputable agents to sell its products. Agents are required to pass stringent background checks and undergo comprehensive testing. Door to Door agents are required to follow a comprehensive code of conduct and demonstrate integrity with each enrollment. Agents are not allowed to improperly obtain account information from a customer. Vista Energy has zero tolerance for any type of behavior that undermines our reputation in the community. If we find an agent is not following the Code of Conduct, he/she is removed from selling on behalf of Vista. Regarding cancellation requests, Vista’s policy is to send a cancellation request to the utility immediately after receiving it from the customer. The utility typically processes switch requests effective with the date of the scheduled meter read, but the actual switch date is beyond Vista’s control after the request is sent to the utility. Customers are encouraged to call us at 888-211-4093 if they are experiencing any difficulty with a door-to-door agent or have a question or problem about any aspect of Vista’s service.