Glacial Energy in California: Anyone signed up?

[mxp]

Hi,
I recently had a visit from a Glacial Energy rep trying to sign me up to switch my Gas service over from PG&E. From the sales pitch, everything is legit. The only caveat I can see is the cost rate is "variable". Apparently, Glacial buys gas at wholesale and passes on to retail consumers. They are saying an average of 7% savings over PG&E's rate.

And, I can switch back to PG&E anytime, no questions asked. There is no time contracts. My bills will remain to come from PG&E except for some words on the statement that point to Glacial Energy being the supplier.

Anyone here had the same house call visit?

Thanks for any advice.

 

[DanCar]

Haven't read any independent reviews that say good things about Glacial. Have read stuff that says they are sketchy. http://www.electricitywatch.org/glacial-energy-review/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

 

[abasile]

Sounds like too much potential hassle just to possibly save 7%.

 

[mxp]

Sounds like too much potential hassle just to possibly save 7%.

It's pretty easy, according to the rep. Just a phone call. You answer some questions while on the phone and that's it.

The main part that is ambiguous is the so-called "Glacial Index" (as noted by DanCar's provided weblink) which is variable. However, your PG&E bill that you will continue to receive, will also continue to print the PG&E rate. You'll still be able to compare rates and if they are more expensive for a particular month, just switch back to PG&E.

Again, all this is what was described to me by the rep.

 

[weegeegirl]

Glacial Energy scams both its employees and customers. They have a horrendous reputation for aggressive sales methods. Read more here:

http://www.yelp.com/biz/glacial-energy-of-california-inc-walnut-creek" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Ge94mnPKgE" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=570796" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Do a Google Search on "Glacial Energy scam" and see for yourself.

 

[greenleaf]

I visited their website and it says the following

Glacial's Fixed Intro with Variable Residential Natural Gas Plan gives you two months at our introductory rate with a guaranteed savings of at least 7% below the Utility, and then ten months with a low variable rate so you can take advantage of the shoulder seasons when the cost of gas is historically lower.

I assume the introductory rate is $0.384/thm. There is no termination fee.

In contrast, PG&E is charging me about $1/thm, which I assume includes the gas distribution fee. It's not clear how much savings there would be.

 

[mxp]

I visited their website and it says the following

Glacial's Fixed Intro with Variable Residential Natural Gas Plan gives you two months at our introductory rate with a guaranteed savings of at least 7% below the Utility, and then ten months with a low variable rate so you can take advantage of the shoulder seasons when the cost of gas is historically lower.

I assume the introductory rate is $0.384/thm. There is no termination fee.

In contrast, PG&E is charging me about $1/thm, which I assume includes the gas distribution fee. It's not clear how much savings there would be.

Hi greenleaf and weegeegirl, Thanks for your reply, info links (the youtube video was a good one) and comments. They do make you sign a disclaimer that indicated you fully understand that prices can fluctuate or go up above and beyond the variable rate. He gave a non-practical example for one scenario- I can't recall the story.

But, looks like I'll avoid Glacial. Their sales reps are aggresively canvassing the Fremont area...

Thanks!