Spark Energy Company Review

Great company and great rate.

So far my bill went down and I find the whole experience easier and more convenient than what I had before I can pay online and there are no fees. Love it.

Spark Energy customer for life

Exceeded my expectations.

Marked down for the first short bill

Ordering was easy, hand off to Spark was seamless. First bill was only 20 days, which was small enough to miss the rebate. So if you're switching you may want to time it to be closer to the beginning or end of the cycle.

Good

So far it has been good. Just waiting for first bill

Price was in the top 2, but the website/monitoring is lacking

I really liked my two previous companies, but switched from both once the promotion of the first year ended. This company had one of the cheaper plans for the energy that my home uses during a year period. I figured that all companies at this point are the same. Who ever needs to call into an electric company? You go online, pay your bill, and view your usage. BUT.... you can't view your usage real time it seems. So my plan that I need to use so much energy before I hit that bill credit, I can't monitor. There are some months that I am below the threshhold, but could easily (as terrible as this does seem to me) turn on some extra stuff, to bring myself up to the 1000kw I need. But I can't even tell this info. Which I have never seen with a company before this. ??? If you are going with a threshold plan, I would maybe avoid spark at this point until they fix this.

Good two years

I signed a contract with Spark and was satisfied. They elected not to offer power in my area so we parted ways. I signed up with them because they were one of the last companies not to charge a monthly fee but they've joined in the collusion now. They even refunded a charge for the short time I was with them after the contract expired and the switch to someone else occurred.

Dreadful customer service!

What a scam! They will not make any reasonable effort to let you know your contract is expiring, except snail mail. They also will not inform you they switched you to a totally different plan. They will do whatever it takes to make as much money off you as they can. They are highly unethical and certain dont give a darn about customer loyalty. Run away!

Problems Galore from the Beginning

We've been with Spark from the beginning and we have had numerous problems. For the first few years it was always administrative related...wrong address, wrong billing amount, etc. Now our problem is our contract expired the end of December and we did not renew on time. So they took our rate from 6.5cents to 16.9cents. When I called to renew for 24 months and complain about the bill, they refused to make a reasonable adjustment. They offered a $75 credit on a $565 bill. We cancelled our service.

Extra Fast Disconnect Notice

I recently attempted to pay my bill (prior to the due date) and it showed it as paid so I waited a few days and still showed a $0 balance due. Fast forward 10 days (6 days past due) I come home to a shutoff notice in 7 days and now my account is suddenly showing a balance past due. As someone who pays my bills on time and who has seen some bad electric companies, this is by far the most extreme and quickest shut off notice I've ever heard of. The company makes a mistake and instead of notifying me you there is indeed a balance due they resort to an immediate threat of shut-off. Not to mention the fact my electric bill has almost doubled and even on the months I shut off the AC/Heater and all non essentials my bill only drop about $25-$50 but the following month jumps up higher. Even with the increase in energy costs there is no reason that mine (or anyone else's) should have such a small drop followed by larger increase. Sounds like price gouging at its best. I will no be renewing my service once my current contract expires and would suggest you look elsewhere for your energy needs.

Power Shut off by Spark error During Holidays...no available Customer Service

My power was shut off. After a couple of hours on phone with Centerpoint, found out spark had requested the disconnect. Spark processed a service move for my address. I wasn't moving and didn't request it. Spark isn't available after hours so I was just out of luck. I eventually reached a less than cordial customer service supervisor that stated - 'they had made a mistake, but I should get power back in a few hours'... Unconcerned and argumentative about problems the power loss had caused me.

Extra Fast Disconnect Notice

I recently attempted to pay my bill (prior to the due date) and it showed it as paid so I waited a few days and still showed a $0 balance due. Fast forward 10 days (6 days past due) I come home to a shutoff notice in 7 days and now my account is suddenly showing a balance past due. As someone who pays my bills on time and who has seen some bad electric companies, this is by far the most extreme and quickest shut off notice I've ever heard of. The company makes a mistake and instead of notifying me you there is indeed a balance due they resort to an immediate threat of shut-off. Not to mention the fact my electric bill has almost doubled and even on the months I shut off the AC/Heater and all non essentials my bill only drop about $25-$50 but the following month jumps up higher. Even with the increase in energy costs there is no reason that mine (or anyone else's) should have such a small drop followed by larger increase. Sounds like price gouging at its best. I will no be renewing my service once my current contract expires and would suggest you look elsewhere for your energy needs.

Power Shut off by Spark error During Holidays...no available Customer Service

My power was shut off. After a couple of hours on phone with Centerpoint, found out spark had requested the disconnect. Spark processed a service move for my address. I wasn't moving and didn't request it. Spark isn't available after hours so I was just out of luck. I eventually reached a less than cordial customer service supervisor that stated - 'they had made a mistake, but I should get power back in a few hours'... Unconcerned and argumentative about problems the power loss had caused me.

Terrible customer service

I have been a Spark energy client since they opened their doors with multiple home until last month! My contract ended and I recieved no notification from a spark Representative! My electric bill more than tripled in one month! They are unscrupulous! Now they want to rape me for another 530.00 for what they say is 14 days of service before my switch over went active!

Dreadful customer service!

What a scam! They will not make any reasonable effort to let you know your contract is expiring, except snail mail. They also will not inform you they switched you to a totally different plan. They will do whatever it takes to make as much money off you as they can. They are highly unethical and certain dont give a darn about customer loyalty. Run away!

Great company and great rate.

So far my bill went down and I find the whole experience easier and more convenient than what I had before I can pay online and there are no fees. Love it.

No Rewards

I mailed my first rebate coupon to get redeemed for $50 as instructed and never received the rebate. After contacting them to let them know I had not received it after few months, they wrote back and said they did not receive it and now the coupon has expired. Horrible customer service...specially since I had a picture of the filled out coupon showing it was done months ago

Marked down for the first short bill

Ordering was easy, hand off to Spark was seamless. First bill was only 20 days, which was small enough to miss the rebate. So if you're switching you may want to time it to be closer to the beginning or end of the cycle.

Worst company ever

The title says it all. customer for 13 years and paid average 30 cent per
when I called customer service they said yes you are not on a competitive plan and said they had no idea how to help me. average summer bill was 500 for a 2000 sq ft home with new ac unit on 78. total rip off and audacious. companies like this are the reason deregulation should not be choice. 13 years of overpaying by 90% for electric

Spark Energy customer for life

Exceeded my expectations.

Price was in the top 2, but the website/monitoring is lacking

I really liked my two previous companies, but switched from both once the promotion of the first year ended. This company had one of the cheaper plans for the energy that my home uses during a year period. I figured that all companies at this point are the same. Who ever needs to call into an electric company? You go online, pay your bill, and view your usage. BUT.... you can't view your usage real time it seems. So my plan that I need to use so much energy before I hit that bill credit, I can't monitor. There are some months that I am below the threshhold, but could easily (as terrible as this does seem to me) turn on some extra stuff, to bring myself up to the 1000kw I need. But I can't even tell this info. Which I have never seen with a company before this. ??? If you are going with a threshold plan, I would maybe avoid spark at this point until they fix this.

Fraud

Spake energy have been taking money from my account without my knowledge. Requested to cancel the service and still sending bills for close to $500 every Month. Will see them in court.

Total mess

Chaos.
Seriously advise against.
12/14 & 17 mins waiting to speak to somebody.
A case of L hand never knowing what the R hand is doing.

Spark Energy Review

Best Electric company I have ever had any

Problems with Spark

Despite signing up online and receiving an email confirmation of the rate chosen, Spark billed me at a much higher rate the first month. When I inquired, I was told the rate I selected was for new customers, not renewing customers. Why was there a difference? No answer. When it was clear I had the documentation, they refused to rebill the month, but rather credited my account a flat dollar amount for the difference. Absent a breakdown or recalculated invoice, how do I know they got it right? Two years ago, when I originally signed up for Spark, they tried a similar swithch. They tried to stick me with a higher rate that the one I signed up for online. I had to make several phone calls and emails to Spark customer service and eventually go all the way to the TX PUC to get the rate I signed up for. Bottom line, both times, Spark did honor the rate, but it shouldn't be this difficult when I had the proof in confirmation emails.

Good company

Easy to work with

Good

So far it has been good. Just waiting for first bill

Spark

Easy set up, good service, good prices

Disappointed

Tried to pay a friends late bills because he has been in out of the hospital for the last several months. He was late on multiple bills. I was willing to pay all late fees and the reconnect fee. But they had done a "move out" on him and would not allow me to pay the back bills to get his electricity turned back on. He is currently in the hospital and they will not release him without having electricity due to his condition. The collection rep was professional and apologetic but refused to escalate to a manager to see if we could get it resolved.

Their motto "Empower What Matters" must be talking about their rules, not their corporate or community values.

Thorough and Helpful!

I just spoke with BB in customer service and she was so helpful. My mother in law passed away recently and I was making sure her account continued to stay paid until the property was sold. BB walked me through all of the areas making sure that everything was updated including e-mail, phone notifications, etc. I probably would not have remembered to update all of the information. It was so helpful for her to prompt me on each of the areas. Thank you BB and thank you Spark Energy!

Problems Galore from the Beginning

We've been with Spark from the beginning and we have had numerous problems. For the first few years it was always administrative related...wrong address, wrong billing amount, etc. Now our problem is our contract expired the end of December and we did not renew on time. So they took our rate from 6.5cents to 16.9cents. When I called to renew for 24 months and complain about the bill, they refused to make a reasonable adjustment. They offered a $75 credit on a $565 bill. We cancelled our service.

Lost my deposit

These guys lost my deposit. I was told there would be a $300 deposit when I signed up so I paid it...A year later I moved and had service disconnected and according yo them I never paif a deposit but electricity was turned on anyway...please. The deposit was payed out of a direct deposit card that doesn't generate statements but I can access activities online. Luckily I still have the account and it shows sparks debit for the deposit but according to spark I must fax a statement.....I guess small claims court iy is..

Disappointed

We've been with Spark for over 11 years. Definitely a company to be avoided.We have always renewed our contract on time... until last month. We were 4 days past our contract date when we first made contact with customer service. Our bill was 3X our normal bill.First off, this was our fault. We recieved an email regarding the upcomming end of contract, and we failed to renew in time. So life happened, and our contract lapsed for 4 days in the 11 years that we've been with Spark. This 4 day lapse cost us over $300! We called customer sevice multiple times to see if they would be willing to help us out. We were told each time that there was nothing that they would do to retain us as a customer. We have never missed or been late on a bill. We switched providers after 11 years, and they don't care.Don't waiste your time with this company. This appears to be a very common story on how Spark treats their customers.

Spark energy

I have spark energy 6 month ago but now Im ready to contract another 6 month, they have lot of good prices for electricity and good customer service?

Should have stayed with Reliant

Had spark about 2 months. I'm about a week late on one payment and they disconnected my electricity! This ridiculous s*** never happened with Reliant and I'm definitely switching back. Run far from Spark Energy cause they don't care about you or your family.

Over charged

I made the wrong decision to use Spark Energy as my energy provider. This company had charged me in the term of two months the total of two one year or more. They did not send me a renewal agreement and just triple the rate in the plan. Then I tried to call them and find out why of the charge and they gave me a non-sense answer. In one month my bill went from $45.00 to $885.97, so please be careful with what energy provider you pick. This company its obviously not honest and just after stealing from its clients.

HUGE SCAM RUN DON'T WALK AWAY FROM SPARK

I made the foolish mistake of answering a phone call from this company, they promised me a lower rate so I said ok and gave all my info. Fast forward one month and I don't get my normal bill of $150, I get a bill of $450. Immediately called my former provider here in pennsylvania PP&L. They looked into my bill and said I was given the low rate fir one day then SPARK tripled my rate. I immediately went back with PP&L and everything is getting back to normal.

Spark energy rips off customers

I've been a customer of Spark Energy for 4 years. This kind of bad experience happened to me twice. Spark Energy automatically switched my plan to the most expensive one at the end of my long-term contract and charged me more than $800 in the last three months.

Recommend everyone to avoid this greedy company.

BEWARE... AVOID THIS COMPANY

Spark Energy has done everything in their power to price gouge me for the final month of billing. They charged me 3 times the amount I was previously paying. AND charged me MORE "fees" AFTER they had already agreed to a payment plan for their $562 dollar final bill. I cannot express enough how unethical this company is. Please read the reviews, be aware! This company is the worst company I have ever encountered.

I Consider Spark Energy a Scam!

I changed to Spark Energy based on the promise of reduced cost and continuous service. I have received anything but a somewhat reduced cost!Spark Energy appears to be a company (possibly operating out of a garage somewhere in Houston, TX) with an "Office of the CEO" Secretary running the company (her name is Jennifer Lewis).I called Spark Energy in August 2016 to file a complaint regarding consistent Voice Mail messages my bill was due and I would loose Service if it wasn't paid on time. Please note, at the time I received this message it was over 106 degrees in Plano, TX at the time and as a 62 year old retiree I received this message creating severe Emotional Distress considering the implications of a lack of electrical service especially considering my bill had been paid as Due.I attempted to call for a conversation with Spark Energy's CEO to discuss why my electronic payments from Bank of America (schedule and paid on the "Due Date" proscribed by Spark Energy) were not being applied to my Spark Energy account. I ended up at the desk of the "Supervisor, Office of the President" (Ms. Jennifer Lewis) of Spark Energy.Jennifer, is obviously nothing more than an Executive Secretary, specifically indicated I would not be able to talk directly with the CEO of Spark Energy. What CEO refuses to talk with his / her Customers? I pushed for a conversation with the CEO of Spark Energy to no avail.At this point, it wasn't about being charged for "Late Fees" of which were inappropriate based on the fact Bank of America had documented the fact my bill was indeed "paid by Bill Date", my disgust was based on the fact I believed Spark Energy was nothing more than a Scam (as perpetuated by Ms. Jennifer Lewis).Spark Energy produces a billing with a fifteen (15) day "payment window". Spark Energy has in VERY SMALL PRINT on their Invoices a statement that you must pay your Invoice (proscribing payment 2 to 3 business days PRIOR to the "Due Date") to avoid "Late Charges". This allows the Consumer a total of approximately twelve (12) Business Days to pay their bill without being charged Late Charges, as I have now been charged, and amounts to as much as $9.32 / month eradicating ANY benefit of utilizing Spark Energy as a cost effective alternative!This IS a SCAM! The CEO of Spark Energy refuses to take Customer Phone Calls (can you believe it), his "Watch Dog" (Jennifer Lewis) is nothing more than a Secretary, and the Company still remains charging customers for discounted energy rates of which are at least questionable! I am interested in pursuing Spark Energy through a Class Action Lawsuit including Emotional Distress, unethical Business & Collection Practices and a variety of other issues. IF you are interested in adjoining with me please alert me related to your interest at PMorlan01@Yahoo.com.I Consider Spark Energy a Scam!

Poor Customer Service - Liar

I have been using Spark Energy since 6/2015. On 9/2015, I referred a friend. Then I called Spark Energy for my $25 credit of referring a friend, they told me to wait after 3 months, to make sure that my friend would pay her bills for 3 months for me to get the credit. I said ok, but why you don't say anything about that waiting after 3 months anywhere on the website or in the letter you send me about my ID of referring a friend. After 3 months, I called them, they said they could not locate the referral, and asked me to asked my friend for their account number. Then I called them again this morning for the account number, a guy picked up the call and asked if at the time of the referral, if I sent my friend a link, and he said everything should have been done through the link and the referral would automatically applied. I told him I was the one that opened that account for her through online and put in my referral ID, and about the specific step of the link, I can't remember, and it would be too much for me and my friend to open her email to make sure that she received that link through her email. Then he said that was the only way. I asked my friend for me to check her email and it was an email of the link, and the email was read, it meant that I really used the link to open the account for her. Then I called Spark Energy again to tell the fact, and the lady ask me to have my friend with me to verify the account. Are you insane? How if my friend is living far away from me? Representatives of Spark Energy just provided different instructions and explanations every time I called them and avoided paying me my referral.
I would switch to another company whenever my contract ends and will never refer any friend to Spark Energy again.

Misleading

I have been a Spark customer for two years. I called to renew my plan. One of the choices is the Sure Saver 12, which claims you get a $60 monthly credit if your usage is above 999 kWh. The representative figured out what my bill would be on that program and it was quite a bit cheaper than the Price Protect Plan. Well, he put me on hold and when he got back on the line, he informed me that the $60 was INCLUDED in the price and there actually is NO CREDIT!!! In other words, it is a wash. Very deceitful practice, if you ask me. FALSE ADVERTISING!!!!

HORRIBLE!!! DO NOT USE!!! BORDERLINE CRIMINAL!

I am the kind of person who understands that bad moments happen. When I read review I always disregard the 5 stars and the 1 stars due to "bad moments". On this company please take into account the 1 star ratings and poor reviews because they are 10000% TRUE!!!!I have had Spark energy for almost 2 years now. Had no issues with my main residence. When I went to add my daughters apartment as a secondary service location is when all hell broke loose.For the first 6 months of a 6 month contract they never billed me. Called every couple of weeks asking for my invoice but the person on the phone argued that my account showed a zero balance. Must have called at least ten times. Finally i got a hold of someone that had a higher IQ than a cupcake and they went digging in the account to find that Centerpoint was billing them but they never billed me. The bills were astronomical for a small one bedroom apartment. I had to pay close to $1000 in bills. Then the delivery charges started hitting. I was being charged $200-300 just in delivery charges! Paid it all but was stuck in a contract. Then the bills went to normal. $60-80 a month so I just let it go hoping that it was finally done. Then I get December's bill. For 484 kwh the electricity portion of the bill was $20. They were also charging me $127 in delivery charges!! So out of a $216 electricity bill only $20 was actually for electricty!! Called in and was told once again that there was nothing they could do about it because Centerpoint charged them that. What s BS line!!!! Had them cancel service for my secondary service location effective immediately. As soon as my main residence contract is up in March I will be changing service providers then.

Save your time and money

I'm all about supporting new smaller businesses but i don't think data information is managed well here. i don't think i've had so many issues with a provider since i've been on my own.
issues since jul 2015, we are in dec 2015 as i type this out:
1. since i joined in july i was promised a 25 credit after 90 days and each time i call after this time frame, they say, i promise, the next invoice you will see it. this is with every rep i talk to. my neighbor who referred me can't get her 25 either. we still have not rec'd the credit.
2. 1st billing i got, there was a charge for underusage when clearly i was just switched over and had a shorter statement cycle - why would i be penalized? they waived it but for it to appear automatically tells me the customer setup/billing system sucks if they blanket apply to all statements regardless of when a new customer was switched over.
3. i've received messages from their IT system about how their system was down and/or there were billing errors
4. after point 2 above, i've received 2 additional statements with billing errors: one in conjunction with the above point 3 IT system issue (per rep) where they charged me a late fee when i'm on autopay? and another where they gave me a credit (not the 25) and then took it back.

save your time and money folks. they are too much of a hassle to deal with considering all the phone calls you have to make. i don't know where the issue is? the reps are nice enough and they put in the notes and all but it appears to be a system issue? i don't know. i'm tired of making notes about who i speak to and when and what they say. ridiculous.

Misleading, lying, criminal

Encouraged me to sign up for a new plan with a very low rate. Did not disclose TDSP delivery charges. A 3-4% rate is actually more than 11%

Sucking Money out of former customers

After moving out of state a letter arrived with the incorrect address of my former home. Spark Energy is wanting an even 50.00 or they will go to collection. Called the number and the person who answered put me on hold for 5 minutes only to get nobody on the phone. Another company that does not produce any energy sources, but love billing people for no service. Stay far away from this company, it like extortion give me 50.00 dollars or else.

Misleading Sales Pitch

This has been one of the most unethical experiences while dealing with an electricity supplier. I signed up a sixth month plan where I was told by the sales representative that I would be charged 9.9c for the period. Two months later I was being charged 13.3 c. I didn't notice this for 4 months (Spark never informed me either) and when I call I am being told that it was a flexible rate and not a fixed rate. This was NEVER COMMUNICATED to me before signing up and now when I call I am not being comped for this nor will they drop the ridiculously high rate (30% above market rate) till the next billing cycle

A very dissatisfied customer,
Zahid

Spark Energy... Price Gouging?

We were long time customers of Spark Energy for a number of years and never experienced any problems until recently. Our rental home became vacant earlier this year and while we made some minor repairs, we decided to go back to Spark Energy for a 6 month contract at 6 cents per kWh. Things were great, bills were low until the contract expired in July. Being close to putting the house on the market, we didn't want to get stuck with a cancellation cost so we decided to go on month to month (variable rate). Boy o Boy was that a mistake, the rate jumped from 6 cents to 21 cents per kWh :0 Really???? I called the customer service number hoping there was a legitimate reason or a mistake in the billing. How can the rate jump 3 fold in the course of 1 month? No luck, they responded with their standard response of... it's a variable rate and we use the rate of what we buy it at market? Really?? We have a different electricity provider in our primary residence and it just so happened our contract expired at the same time our rental home did. Our 'variable rate' in our primary residence was 7cents per kWh? How can one company have a variable rate of 7 cents and Spark Energy have a variable rate of 21 cents per kWh? This does not sound right at all..sounds more like Price Gouging... I also reviewed my invoice and under Plan Information it lists Residential Evergreen, expiring on 9/14/2015. Why can't I find the Residential Evergreen plan anywhere on Spark Energy's website? Help?? I'm looking at a $575 bill for a vacant house :0, this is almost double that of my primary residence.

STAY AWAY

Spark Energy continues to utilize a third party marketing plan that is misleading consumers, they encourage consumers to unwillingly sign agreements by stating that they are attempting to lower their current rate for gas services.

Spark promises savings but can't deliver!

No customer loyalty offer

I have been with Spark for over 5 years. Our usage is usually under 100Kwts and Spark was charging us more to use LESS power. They would not offer us a lower price contract. Why should we be penalized to use less electricity...see ya Spark!

Spark energy deceptive pricing

Spark Energy quotes kwh prices significantly below competitors rates but these rates do not include TDSP delivery charges. My quote was .07 cents per kwh. but my first bill showed an additional TDSP charge of $49.26. While this is not illegal it is deceptive because most companies include this rate in their quote. My termination fee is $100. I'm terminating!!! Read the fine print in these contracts and call to verify that the rate you are quoted includes TDSP charges.

DO NOT USE THIS PROVIDER!!!! HORRIBLE!! HORRIBLE!!!

We switched over to them in Sept of 2014 for a 5.2 cent rate. I did not receive a bill the next month, called, they said they were having a problem with their billing/invoice system; I asked for an estimate, they said could not give an estimate. I paid $200 to the account anyway. THIS WENT ON OF A NUMBER OF MONTHS, and I kept paying $200 a month, BUT EVENTUALLY I GOT A GROSS BILL FOR ALMOST $1000 (YES, A THOUSAND DOLLARS!!!). Luckily, I had been paying something every month, otherwise I would have been screwed. THEY CALL CONSTANTLY. I have had them call over missed / nonpayment of a $13 late fee. Their customer service call center reps are incompetent and do not know what they are doing, obviously due to high turnover caused by low pay. WE ARE DEFINITELY NOT GOING TO RENEW WITH THEM.
DO NOT USE THIS PROVIDER !!!! SHOP FOR ANOTHER !!! TELL EVERYONE!! RATING THEM
ON A SCALE OF ONE 1 TO FIVE 5, I WOULD GIVE THEM A MINUS (NEGATIVE) -1.

Spark .. Never Again!

After my contract expired Spark rate for month-to-month stated to me was at 8.6c / KwH. Thus, I after being customer for 3 years, I relied on their statements, trusting their business. Due to traveling, I took a month and a half before reviewing Plans and planning to renew contract with Spark. Spark, however, switched me to Renewable plan without asking nor notifying me, and rate went to 18.9 c / KwH! My two bills doubled, and they did the switch in June and July when my consumption is the highest, costing mew few hundred $. Spark did not bother to remind me to renew contract or review my rates. Being customer for 3 years, paying my bills with by withdrawal from my checking (was never late), did not mean anything to Spark. They were just charging me hoping I will not check rates for few months, so they can rip me off! After I complained, they called me from office of the president, but did not want to adjust charges nor explain how price per kwh doubles when gas prices are at historic low, and no changes to regulations! The explanation is that plan is just 19 c/ kwh! Spark did not care about keeping my business nor considering any resolution to my complaint. I agreed that month-to-month is pricier, but within the reason. But doubling rate with no changes in the market environment! No excuse!! I will never, ever use Spark and will tell all my friends and colleagues about their malpractice. Be warned!PS Yes, there is a way to warn people. Reliant forecasts customers bills trending per latest consumption and sends alert emails warning customers of potential high bills (so you can adjust your consumption timely, if you want). I explained this to Spark, but they did not care about this service.

No loyalty no call back

After 8 years with Spark I noticed my rate had increased (Quadrupled). I called to discuss the issue and was told someone would call me in 24-48 hours, that didn't happen. So I had to call them back and after going through the very lengthily verification process of who I am, we finally discussed my issue. Apparently my contact had lapsed and they allegedly sent me a renewal notice, though I never received one. After 8 years of service they could not do anything about the increase in the billing rate unless I signed up for another 1 year term, which is not possible because the home is for sale which I explained. This was also mentioned when I added my new home with Spark, they just don't care, so I will now switch both homes to another provider.

Hopefully I can find a company that actually rewards loyalty, though from the reviews I have read I think that might be doubtful.

Annoying!!!

I signed up with them but the very next day I send in a cancellation letter that they gave me and this was in June 24, 2014 and now it's May 11,2015 and I am still getting billed that I owe but in there computers it shows that I canceled. Now they are threatening to send it to collections, how are they gonna do that when I cancelled a long time ago!!!! Phone calls don't stop!!!!

Horrible Customer Service

Call 2 different times and after a wait of approx. 45 minutes I disconnected. Tried to call the Houston office which was the same as cutomer service. Switching providers!

Spark Changes Billing System, Wipes out Auto Pay = Cancellation Notice

I signed up for Spark Energy when I bought my town home in Houston. I signed up for their 6 month plan. The agent was professional and courteous. I was very impressed. And, the rate was great. Upon expiration of my 6 month contract, the rates shot up! When I tried to renew on line, the product offerings were confusing. After calling an agent, I was able to lock in a 12 month rate which was slightly better than the online promotions. Slightly. I was set up with Auto Pay, so I was upset when I received two cancellation notices within days of each other. When I called, they had apparently updated their billing system and wiped out my Auto Pay information. I had my last statement from the month earlier that clearly said, "DO NOT PAY"...I re-entered Auto Pay information after learning of THEIR error. The following day, I get another cancellation notice!! When I called collections, Traci, hung up on me after I told her that I was getting cancellation notices because of their system update. POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE and BILLING!

NEVER AGAIN.

If I could give every rating a 0, I really would. Someone representing Spark Energy came to my door to talk my dad into switching over to their service. He promised my father they'd discount his monthly bill for signing up with them and that it's guaranteed it'll be cheaper than the cost of his previous utilities service. We were infuriated to see our first bill of the month... Not only was it much more expensive monthly, but we were charged $100 for a cancellation fee on top of the bill due for that month? Are you serious? Customer service also sucks. The call representatives sound so smug and miserable, and I've been placed on hold for at least 20 minutes on end for each time I've made a call to them. REALLY do not recommend!! Sign up with The Gas Company or something else!

Bait and Switch

Signed up for a higher rate plan that promised no low use fee. This was a lie and a scam. Now paying higher rate and same low use fee.

Great Company

I've been with Spark Energy for 8 years and have been very satisfied. Not big on the auto pay, but I never missed a payment. Price is mid-range and I've had good experiences with customer service.

Spark does not care about service.

We have been working with various people on their team to clear up billing issues which have not been corrected over the last two months. Their custom service supervisor Adam will give you his "direct phone number" and will never call you back. He will make false promises for changes to your account that won't happen. You will sit on hold for hours and get nothing done when you someone.

Terrible customer service

I've been trying to cancel my account for days now since I'm going to be moving. I called them to get it cancelled, and to their credit they did that pretty quick. To settle a final balance due (of only 24$ mind), I was redirected several times to the pay desk, where i was put on hold twice for over 2 hours. I'm on hold with them right now, it is 1.5 hours and counting. Never going to go back to this company again.

Hated it

They were a bad experience. I'm am asking others to find a better provider in electric. The reviews I read are true. Spark energy is horrible.

Just another number

I have been a Spark Customer for over 5 years. Due to auto draft I have never been late on a payment. The three times in my tenure with Spark that I have had to call them for assistance however, has left me just mystified at how lazy and uncaring they are for their customers. You absolutely will be just another number and they will not have any concern over how they feel you are treated by their employees.

New customer Hilda

I just joined this company in California, and I have not see any good review, I am afraid of this step, I dont want to end up paying too much after the year contract or any hidden fees, please Spark I hope you answer these concerns, I would like to be a happy customer and rate you the best of the west.

Happy Happy Happy!

I've had Spark for at least 5 years, never had a problem with them in the DFW area. Have set up month to month contracts for rent houses, all opened and closed with out incident. Oncor had the power up and running and off on stated dates and bills reflected the changes correctly. Last time I renewed I asked if they had a customer loyalty rate and was pleased that they offered one, at least that day. When checking Texas's online complaint site Spark has consistently been low in the pack for complaints. Keep up the good work guys and I'll stay a satisfied Customer

Customer Service vs Customers Serve Us

Requesting that all my billing and communications be on line through e-mail, Spark alerted me to the expiration of my term fixed contract through snail mail and it went unnoticed until months later of them overcharging me by $50 per month.

Buyer beware - a perfected process to rip you off

I have been a supposed customer for 5 years and I was gullible enough to believe in them as a company by giving my automated billing information. All they had to do was supply a competitive rate and automatically take their money. However........ Spark quietly and efficiently but according to their business strategy and "fine print" increase your unit cost by as much as 25%. They are complete crooks! I hope to break from them as soon as possible.

You will be hit with nearly $15 more in fees per month

I had 3 houses in Houston on Spark Energy and sign long contracts. In the last 2 years I have been switching every house over to TRi Eagle since they charge $15 less in fees than Spark and also have slightly better rates. Spark use to have a flat $4.95 fee like TRi Eagle but that all changed in 2012. In comparing bills for all 3 houses I can see that TRi Eagle would have saved me $15 in fees and an additional $6 in electricity cost. Power to choose means power to change from the Spark Energy rip off fees. On some comparisons when adding in the high fees of Spark I would have saved 22% off the bill. I have just one house left on Spark from a 2 year contract and will be so glad to get this last house changed to Tri Eagle. January 2014 my last of 3 houses will be on Tri Eagle and I will be saving $20 per house per month over Spark energy! That is a wopping $720 per year savings when I add up all 3 homes. Tri Eagle is the only energy provider left that has a flat $4.95 fee per month. You will be charged $9 in a monthy fee from Spark plus another $10 in taxes and BS fees. Switch to TRi Eagle. The other two houses have had Tri Egle for nearly 2 years now and it is the best deal plus it gives you weekly usage emails. Go Tri Eagle....Run Spark Energyout of business!

Excellent Service and Rates

I am starting on my 3rd year of service with Spark Energy. The service and rates I have received has been outstanding. I have dealt with their customer service department and it too, has been excellent. Their rates are extremely competitive and I appreciate the fact that when my contract expired they didn't raise my rates like other companies do. Thank You Spark Energy!

Rate Change/Billing Issue Resolved

I've been with SPARK for 8 years. After our latest 1 year contract expired, our rate went from 8.9 cents per kilowatt to 12.69 cents per kilowatt in March. I experienced a $300 bill instead of a $205 bill which is a big difference. We were not aware of this rate change for three months because we were not notified. I called customer service in June and renewed it for another year at 9.1 cents per kilowatt. New customers get a $75 gift card and I asked for it. I was countered with a $25 credit. Also, they did send us an email on February 27 and we must have missed it or thought it was spam. When all is said and done, I am almost completely satisfied. The customer service rep did an excellent job on her end when I called. However, I suggest the following to SPARK ENERGY: 1) Post a customer's contract ending date and rate change on our online account because it is easy to do and can be automated. 2) Offer the same specials to your core customers (existing) for renewing as you would for a new customer.

Idiotic Billing and Account Management:

Following a change of Banks I called to change my new bank debit information. They insisted I must fill out a form and fax or email it back to them. They sent two formsw with no indication which was correct. I chose one printed it , filled it out , scanned the completed signed form, and emailed it back. Today I get another email stating they required a voided check on the new bank before they make the change. My checks arent due for two weeks and my billing date is 12 days away. The email had 6 additional attachments, which I have not opened ??? The other companies just took my new info by phone and made the change. Really Stupid!!!!

Good two years

I signed a contract with Spark and was satisfied. They elected not to offer power in my area so we parted ways. I signed up with them because they were one of the last companies not to charge a monthly fee but they've joined in the collusion now. They even refunded a charge for the short time I was with them after the contract expired and the switch to someone else occurred.

Pleased with the experience

Have good website, billing, and email communication... and saved a lot of money compared to my previous provider. Never had any issues. Don't know what it's like to call them, because I've never had a need to do so. I'm going to try another provider for a lower rate now that my contract is up, but I'll return if my experience doesn't match up to Spark.

The "Spark" is Gone

Concur with earlier poster about the changes Spark has made. Have been a totally satisfied customer since 2007 using the totally paperless internet plan . They had reasonable rates and no additional fee if you didn't use "enough" electricity.

That has all changed - now rates are higher than other companies and they change a whopping $8.95 if you use less than 1000kw/month.

Can't see any reason to stay with just another greedy provider.

High priced and poor customer service

I rarely write reviews and usually only give positive feedback, but I decided to just write a review as opposed to taking more time to mess with the late charge this company tacked on my bill. I paid my August electric bill the way I always do through my bank's bill pay online on the 2nd of the month. The bank sent the payment in on the 4th of the month. On the bank site it said the bill was delivered on the 11th and it was due on the 12th. Last week I received a letter saying the payment was late. I called and disputed this and the person said I would have to wait for my bill to see if there was a late charge, which seemed ridiculous since I had gotten a letter from them about it.

When I recieved the bill of course, they had a $12.44 late charge. I called again and in order to speak to an operator I stayed on the line like the recording said. I was disconnected after two minutes. I repeated this and the same thing happened. The third time I called I chose the 'set up a new account' button and someone answered on the first ring. It was the billing department. I told her the situation and after checking she said I would have to contact my bank so they could send all the documentation, and that was after I had established a year's record of paying my bills on time. This is the first time a company has ever done that. With a great credit history and a record of paying my bills on time, a reputable company, even a credit card company, has always forgiven an occasional error. Both operators were very efficient, cordial and cold as they explained the situation but refused to drop the late fee charge.

In the meantime I had already changed my service to a company with a much better customer service record with a much more competitive price and I will be saving money. I will never use this company again.

So, instead of using my time to contact my bank and go through all the riggamarow of fixing this mistake, I will pay them their twelve extra dollars and use this time to inform others of the practices of this company. In the long run, if people avoid this company, Spark will certainly have received their twelve dollars, but hopefully lose future customers because they put profits ahead of customer service.

Pleased customer

I never ran into problems with this company. Cancellation went smoothly (I moved to a location where they did not service). I don't have any complaints.

Direct pay problems

Never had a problem until my credit card expired. Spark did not notify and sent a collection letter. I tried to set up new credit card for direct pay but was informed they don't except credit cards for direct pay anymore. I asked them to send statements so I could pay the old way and they did start sending statements but each one has "DO NOT PAY" "FOR YOUR RECORDS ONLY" and "Payment will be drafted on the due date" printed all over the return portion of the statement. Very confusing !!

I've moved on to a company that will accept automatic credit card payments.

Overcharged and nothing they are willing to do

When I cancelled-becasue renewing with them would have been higher than anyone else- they overcharged me on the rate, overcharged me on a monthly fee-because it kicked in because I cancelled. Thier customer service plays stupid and really slow-took 30 minutes to get one answer. Disconnected from conversation three times. They offered no promotions and quoted me one rate and charged another.- would do nothing to correct.

Overcharged and nothing they are willing to do

When I cancelled-becasue renewing with them would have been higher than anyone else- they overcharged me on the rate, overcharged me on a monthly fee-because it kicked in because I cancelled. Thier customer service plays stupid and really slow-took 30 minutes to get one answer. Disconnected from conversation three times. They offered no promotions and quoted me one rate and charged another.- would do nothing to correct.

Time to move on...

I have been with Spark since 2007. Flat rate, no minimum monthly fee. Then they started with the monthly $5.00 fee and I shopped around. Golly gee, everyone jumped on that bandwagon. Then they went to $8.99. That combined with the meter reading charge is around $13.00 of my current bill.You have to watch your email VERY carefully to find a notification that your contract is set to expire.If you get one at all. Yes, I should put it on my calendar but I don't. Miss it and you automatically go to a variable month to month plan - and not one that is advertised on line - but to one that is like "You forgot to re-sign so we're charging you a 150% rate, Sucker" - and you don't realize it until you get that next bill that's already like 20 days into the NEXT cycle. Ouch.I have found it very annoying that Spark will quote a better rate if you go into them blank. Better rates than what they offer you directly to continue service with them. This time around the rates are about 13% higher and they do NOT meet competitors prices or even try to offer an incentive to keep you. So guess what? I'm tired of shopping with my same company after 4+ years and am shopping others. I'm tired of doing this every few months. But it looks like I must because loyalty is no longer a factor in these greedy tards minds.I have always been on their autopay plans and generally have no complaints about their service reps. Its all about the MONEY. Sound familiar, Spark? It works both ways.I will change providers every 3 months if need be. There's plenty of 'em to go around.

Sprk is a Mess - Customer Service Problems

Spark has completely messed up our account. First, our account was inproperly terminted by mistake (somone else gave a wrong address). Our power ended up getting cut off and Spark charged us a $250 termination charge when we never terminated. Then when the incorrect switch got switched back to them, they did not reactivate our old account and started charging us double our contracted rate. We have spent hours on the phone with these people trying got get it straight. They say everything will be OK, but it just keeps getting messed up.

STAY AWAY from this company

Since I received the email from Spark saying that it is time to renew my contract, I made a huge mistake by switching over to StarTex without realizing that my contract with Spark does not end until 4 days later. They charged me $250 for early termination. I called and emailed them several time but they just refuse to do anything to help minimizing this cost. StarTex even offered to help me by allowing me to come back to Spark without charging the early termination fee. Again Spark refused that offer as well. I have been a great customer by doing several referral for them for 6 years and this is the way that they treated their customers. I will not be the only customer that they lose.

Never had a problem

I have been with spark for the past year or more im very pleased with my service, ever since the 1 day i was able to compare to my 1st bill and was able to see the discuont so iv'e had them ever since

Never had a problem

I have been with spark for the past year or more im very pleased with my service, ever since the 1 day i was able to compare to my 1st bill and was able to see the discuont so iv'e had them ever since

Very deceptive marketing

These folks have very deceptive marketing. Watch your backs or you will be burned like I got burned. I signed up for a 12-month fixed rate plan. After a year it converts to a variable rate plan. No big deal, right? WRONG!! Their variable plan is now at .87 per term, about double that of the competition! What is even more interesting is that once I learned this I called them and pretended to be a new customer. When I asked about the price of the variable plan I was told .535 (still high, but not outrageous). When I told them I was an existing customer paying .87 the rep said he made a mistake on the quote. BALONEY! They got caught and now they're trying to cover their tracks. Those customers ending their 12 month guarantee should give Spark their 30 day notice and run away. This company hopes you will do nothing, and get socked. There are lots of reputable companies out there ... this is not one of them.

Worst customer service

NO customer service at all..will never recommend
to family/friends

Rip off artists

Signed up with them - rates increased from what I was paying utility.....called to cancel and got big run around.......had to call three times to get it done...NEVER AGAIN ! !

Been Good to me

Been with Spark since about 2007. No horror stories, no weird billing/meter issues. This seems like it should be a given, but it's not these days. Competitive rates, also enjoy the credit card auto pay - not everybody has that, you know. If you simply read and understand the difference between fixed and variable rate, are a person of average intelligence, etc., you should have no issues with Spark sign up and service. The one time i needed an email response for a question, I got a satisfactory answer in a day or 2. It seems they really cared. Been a happy camper. My only concern is that I think Spark's Residential service may be coming to a close for my Zip code (website only returns Commercial service hits now on my Zip). Hence I may need to find another provider that can give me *everything* Spark has given for the past years. Hard to do... One Co. might have good rates but no credit card auto pay. Another has cc auto pay but consumer horror stories... and so it goes.

Ridiculous surcharges-new customers, aweful cust service

I had to go to another provider (there are many other better options)since Spark has unreasonable surcharges for new customers. All I was doing was changing the name on the account. I lived in the house for 3 years, but still had to set it up as a new service under my name so they wanted to slap on the $8.99 monthly service fee if I don't use 1000kwh per month. Then when I tried to get their customer service to help change the cancellation request my wife sent in, I was told to 'hope' that the electricity is not turned off because the request takes 3 days to process. They didn't really even try to help, they just told me that things coundn't be done. This is what happens when a company is making too much money to care.

Rates Nearly Tripled

Prior to moving to Texas, I set up a six month
account with auto draft for reduced fixed
rates. When the contract expired, I signed a
new for a similar rate plan. Given the bill was
on auto draft and I'd yet to have a problem, I
didn't check the price per kilowatt hour after
the first new bill.
Recently, when I did, I noticed I'd been billed
nearly TRIPLE what the agreed upon rate was for
four months in a row. They were unwilling to
work with me on their error, given said bills
were already paid.
Service is being switched to a different
provider tomorrow morning.
I will go off the grid before I use them again.

Think twice before you buy

I had service from this company for about a
year and everything was good up until 2 months
ago. Since then, I have cancelled their service
and gone with another company. It started out
great with my bill being about $40 for my first
month (I'm in an apartment). I was paying about
9.8 cents per kwh, which is good. Well 2 months
ago they knocked the rate up to 14 cents per
kwh with no explanation when asked for one. The
following month they knocked it up further to
17.8 cents per kwh. After talking to someone on
the phone, it appears that I was on a variable
rate plan and if you are on that plan, your
rate can go up at any time for any reason at
all and they dont have to let you know it
either. I immediately cancelled them. Buyer
beware.

Horrible

Billing is the worst ever, they cant get it right, send you an email stating one thing and do another, NOT just once every other month. Sent all their customers today a disconnect notice that was an ERROR I cant wait till my contact is up and I can run away from here.

Simple, Cheap, No Problems

I've had Spark a couple years over the past
several and I like them very well. Their plans
were easy to understand, competitively priced, and
they had competent customer service, not that I
needed much. Their website has improved since the
last time I used them and they got auto-billing
set up right away.

Consistant Excellent Service

I have been with Spark Energy for a long time. I don't even know how long. But they have worked with me on billing and I have even had an single individual work with me via email several times over email. Always very responsive and very helpful. I am currently comparing prices now that my contract is to expire with them on 10/13/11. I have noticed now that they are way down on the list on "Power to Choose" because they are higher than a significant amount of other copmanies. In the past they have always been consitently at the top because they had the lowest prices. I am disappointed that I will be leaving them. :( Who knows...I might regret it later and wish I had stayed with them.

Convinent but not the best price

No issues for 2 years. They charged my credit card once a month and sent me email statements about my bill. The web site was also well done and provided me all of the information that I needed. I would continue using them but they no longer have the best price.

Best buy and excellant service

I have been with Spark for over 5 years. Am guessing I have saved about $2000 comparing to other South texas providers. My mother saves over a hundred dollars a month on her electrical bill.

Not sure if I should keep them

I have had spark for 2 years. I noticed if I renew that I have to pay $8.99 a month when I use less than 1000 kw. This would be 9 months out of the year. Why should I be penalized when I don't hog electricity and keep my house freezing, etc. Not sure who to switch to since I had no problem with their billing or service.

Taking advantage of homeowner

This is one of many Houston Retail Electric Providers (REP) that impose a minimum usage fee on homeowners. If you use 1000 kilowatt's or less per month you must pay this fee of $8.99 ($107.00 year). In a time when we all should be seeking to conserve energy this company is encouraging users to use more electric to avoid this fee. This fee amounts to, a fine for conserving energy.

Well, better than Abacus...

We originally had a contract with the infamous Abacus. Abacus was so badly managed that they thankfully folded, selling our contract to Spark. Spark IS better than Abacus, I'll give it that. However, we're obviously being overcharged - 10.1c/kwh isn't terrible, until our 630sqft apartment somehow started using up over 900kwh per month - implying an average power draw of over a kilowatt! Including while we're sleeping, and AT WORK. Of course, conveniently for Spark, this sudden spike in energy usage began exactly when they started billing us. Now we're trying to switch providers, and they're being very reluctant about giving up our deposit. My wife paid the deposit originally to Abacus almost two years ago, and Spark acknowledges that it was transferred to them with our contract. However, they have no record of it - WE HAVE TO PROVIDE PROOF THAT WE PAID A DEPOSIT BEFORE THEY WILL RETURN IT. Maybe they should hire an accountant to keep track of that. Or maybe buy a copy of Excel.

Best Energy Company Anywhere!

Spark Energy is the best electricity company I've ever worked with. I've been with the large companies (Reliant & TXU), and the smaller companies (Yep), and Spark Energy beats them all. The big ones charge too much, and the smaller ones don't have enough customer service experience to help you when you need it, and can still be more expensive too. I'm probably saving $25 a month on my electricity bill with Spark, which definitely adds up! The customer service is local, and they actually work for the company too, so you're not talking to some outsourced company that can't actually make decisions. Their sign up process is a breeze, and you can't beat their auto-pay so you don't miss a payment (they even give you a discount for using it too, instead of charging you). They also have a referral program so that you can get $25, and they can get $25 too. All in all, you can't beat Spark Energy - I won't ever go anywhere else!

Used to have best price, but not any more

I've had Spark Energy for the past few years, and have no complaints. I have no idea what their customer service is like because I never had a problem that required contacting them. IMHO, the best customer service is doing the job right the first time, so the customer doesn't need service.

Having said all that, I've decided to switch this year. When I first signed up for Spark, their prices were at the low end of the spectrum, but now they're in the middle of the pack. To add insult to injury, they offered to renew my contract at a "special reduced rate" higher than what they're offering new customers.

I put together a spreadsheet and ran the numbers, and I should save about $200 over the course of the year by switching to another provider

"Buyer Be Ware"

Spark Energy jacked-up my rate 53% after original 9 month term expired. Rate went from 9.5/kwh to 14.5/kwh plus Sparks added additional fees and charges. At time of expiration average 1 month terms were 10.3/kwh. I would have understood a slight increase to current month-to-month or variable rates, but Sparks didn't do that. I was billed at the 14.5/kwh plus extra fees for over 4 months until I recently changed to another supplier at 8.99/kwh + PUC tax, 12 month term, with NO ADDITIONAL Fees or Charges. I had no billing surprises with the new supplier. Shame on me for not seeing the end of term notice Spark Energy sent me. I feel Spark Energy took advantage of my mistake. Bottom line, Buyer Be Ware when dealing with Spark Energy.

Spark energy