Whether it’s Direct Energy or another energy provider, there’s so much information out there that it can be overwhelming (and maybe even a bit confusing) when trying to do your research. This article answers your frequently asked questions about Direct Energy and Direct Energy Regulated Services (DERS).
Direct Energy is a natural gas and electricity provider in North America .
Direct Energy was acquired by and became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Centrica PLC in 2000. Direct Energy is based in Houston , Texas , and operates in all 50 states, including Ohio , Illinois, Pennsylvania, California, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maine, and New York . The company’s service areas in Texas reach many cities such as Dallas , Plano, Houston , Midland, and Abilene.
The company also serves four Canadian provinces, including Alberta , British Columbia, and Ontario. Direct Energy services include purchasing biogas and renewable natural gas ( RNG) and supplying natural gas .
Direct Energy Regulated Services (DERS) is an energy provider based in Alberta , Canada. The company is a unit of Direct Energy Marketing Limited, a subsidiary of NRG Energy Inc., which is an energy services company in the U.S. that operates from various locations around North America .
DERS supplies natural gas to most of Alberta , while its electricity service covers the Northern and East-Central regions.
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While DERS is a regulated energy retailer, Direct Energy is competitive. Both are energy companies that provide energy services in Alberta .
Because DERS must adhere to the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) rules , the company’s gas and electricity rates and energy plans are strictly regulated and have to reflect the market conditions. On the other hand, Direct Energy can offer fixed rates that do not change for the duration of a contract.
According to the company’s website, Direct Energy supplies energy to residential properties and offers home protection plans that cover appliances, h eating and cooling, electrical systems, and more. The company also serves its customers by maintaining and repairing appliances and renting out appliances such as water heaters. Direct Energy Business provides energy to large and small businesses .
source Direct Energy offers three energy plans .
Live Brighter 12: This is the company’s most straightforward option involving a fixed-rate, 12-month energy plan .
Live Brighter 36: Instead of 12 months, Direct Energy customers who opt for this plan will lock in a set rate for 36 months. This is the best option for those who can commit long term with a slightly lower rate.
Twelve Hour Power 12: With this plan, energy is free between 9 PM and 9 AM. However, the daytime rates are higher than the other two plans.
Direct Energy also has a prepaid option called Power-To-Go that allows you to pay as you consume rather than restricting yourself to a contract.
Choosing the best Direct Energy plan depends on your lifestyle and the size of your family. When shopping for energy with any provider, there are four main factors to consider:
Rates: Electricity consumption is measured in cost per kilowatt-hour , whereas natural gas is measured in cost per THERM, MCF, or CCF. Understanding how to interpret these measurements and comparing them to the rates offered will help you choose the most cost-effective plan.
Benefits: Some plans offer additional benefits such as green energy options , smart home products, and weekend specials. Consider your family’s needs and make choices that best serve your lifestyle.
Total costs: Be wary of hidden fees. While some plans might offer lower rates, the total cost could be higher. Your entire energy costs include electricity, natural gas , and the utility fees associated with delivering those services to your home.
Term length: Are you in a position to commit to a long-term contract, or would a shorter term suit you better? Think about your rental agreement and the likelihood of you moving to a different home or state.
Canceling your Direct Energy electricity or natural gas service before the end of your contract may mean that you have to pay an early termination fee depending on the duration of your contract term and your local utility provider.
Door-to-door energy sales are banned in Alberta , so DERS does not sell in this capacity. If someone claims to be selling energy for DERS, citizens should report it to Services Alberta at 1-877-427-4088.
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DERS will be your default energy supplier if you have not selected a different provider or have canceled your contract with a previous supplier. DERS purchases energy on your behalf and offers it to you at an Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC)-approved rate. In this case, DERS will bill you and are responsible for providing energy-related customer care .
If you have canceled your DERS service, you still need to pay your energy bill for the electricity or natural gas you consumed until your contract expires. Should you still be receiving bills from DERS after the end of your agreement, you may owe outstanding money from when your account was still active. You will also receive the invoice for any changes made to previous charges.
Should you move to a location outside the DERS service area or wish to switch to another energy supplier , you should notify the company at least three business days in advance. The phone number is 1-866-420-3174. You will have to provide your new mailing address where they can send the last bill.
source If you are not on the Budget Payment Plan, the increase in your energy rates is due to one of the following factors:
You can get your DERS bills by email or view them on your online account by doing the following:
Select “Email” or “ Online Account ” below the “Communication” and “Bill Delivery” section. If you want to receive all other account-related information on this basis, you can apply the same to selection to “Correspondence Preference.”
DERS offers two payment plans.
Budget Payment Plan: Energy costs are spread out throughout the year. Your energy consumption is estimated, and the expected costs are divided into equal monthly payments.
Recurring Payment Plan: With the autopay plan, your energy bills will automatically be deducted from your bank account each month.
Can DERS Bill My Electricity and Natural Gas Together?
No. DERS bills electricity and natural gas separately. However, DERS customers can manage both services from their DERS online account .
DERS does not offer electricity plan alternatives. Their regulated rate option (RRO) fluctuates monthly and is determined by the market supply and demand and the weather. Rates are typically at their highest in January and February. Should DERS be your energy supplier, RRO rates apply to you. However, the rates for commercial properties differ.
As with the DERS electricity offer, there are no alternative gas plans . The regulated rate for natural gas in Alberta is the Gas Cost Flow Through Rate (GCFR) . This rate also varies depending on the weather and supply and demand, so your monthly bill will fluctuate.
Contact DERS at 1-866-420-3174 as soon as possible should you not be able to pay your bill. You can inquire about alternative payment arrangements or get an extension on your payment period by speaking to your account manager .
Once you have caught up with your payment, you can consider opting for the Budget Payment Plan that helps you distribute your energy costs more evenly.
You will receive a pending disconnection notice if your DERS account is past overdue for 60 days or more. To avoid disconnection, make immediate payment either through your online account , using the online Quick-Pay option, or their 24/7 automated phone system. The phone number is 1-866-420-3174.
DERS customers can request for their electricity service to be temporarily suspended. Bear in mind that some charges will still apply should your home be linked to the more extensive distribution system. You might also incur a reconnection cost once you need to resume your electricity service .
Customers can fill out and submit the ATCO waiver form should they want to suspend their gas service between November 1 and April 15.
DERS offers electric services under the name Direct Home Energy Services . As an extension of its electric services , Direct Energy Home Services has qualified HVAC technicians who offer heating, air conditioning, and water heater services, including maintenance, repairs, and replacements.
Should you suspect a natural gas leak or detect carbon monoxide in your home, contact the ATCO Gas Emergency Response at 1-800-511-3447.
Should you experience a power outage or electrical issue, dial the phone number for ATCO Electrical Emergency Response at 1-800-668-5506.
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Customer Care phone number : 1-866-420-3174
Email address: DERSAlbertaHelp@ directenergy.com
Postal Address: PO Box 1520, Station M, Calgary, AB, T2P 5R6
Operating hours: Monday-Friday: 7 AM to 9 PM and Saturday: 8 AM to 4:30 PM
In deregulated energy markets , you have choices regarding your energy provider. Direct Energy might be one of many service providers with competitive rates and services in your area.
When selecting an energy service provider, be sure to do your homework to get the best service package to suit your needs and preferences.
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