Direct Energy
Canada needs do not call legislation like the United States has.
Today I received a call from 623-238-6208 on my cell phone which is coming from Arizona. I've received hundreds of calls from this number over the last year or so and have discovered the people calling are employed by Direct Energy and they are wanting to sell me one of their plans.
I've politely asked the caller to remove my number. I've called them back from my home phone and politely asked them to remove my number. I've asked them rudely to remove my number. I've called them and asked them rudely to remove my number. I've answered their calls with strings of profanity that I would never use in any other case. Every time I've talked to them, they've promised to remove my number but they never do.
Direct energy used to go door to door soliciting customers but I've been told they are not allowed to solicit in person any more because of their unethical methods and sales people. I don't know if this is true but I wouldn't be surprised judging by their phone tactics and my recollection of their sales people who have come to my door.
Direct Energy is very well known because of the association with Enbridge Gas but there are actually 10 different companies which offer the same service in this area and three of them (Canadian RiteRate Energy, FireFly Energy, GloWorm Gas) are quite a bit less expensive. Anyone who is considering buying their utilities from a marketing company should visit http://www.energyshop.com , which has information on all the marketing companies and their prices.
My experience with this company has led me to decide not to ever use any of their services ever again. Whether its home improvements, repairs utilities or any other service they offer, there is always another company who will do the job cheaper, better and not harass me with phone calls or door to door sales people.
Update
Canada now has a do not call list of it's own. Effective Sepember 30, 2008 Canada's DO Not Call List went into effect.
Registering for the National Do Not Call List is simple. Call 1-866-580-DNCL (866-580-3625) or log on to http://www.LNNTE-DNCL.gc.ca and follow a few easy steps. That’s it: your number will be on the List.
