I recently had a visit from a gas marketer. For those seeking a fixed market price over a five-year period the peace of mind this promises to provide may be a good thing.
For others it can be an unpleasant surprise when they discover their gas bill has increased in cost.
Several years ago I entered into a contract for the peace of mind that a fixed rate offered.
A few years later I realized I had been paying double the rate charged by my gas provider. I then took the steps available and paid the penalty costs to sever my relationship with the gas marketer. From that experience I decided to be more astute in the future. However, to my surprise, I am again dealing with another marketing company contrary to what I had been led to believe.
During the recent visit with the gas marketer representative I politely listened to things I really didn’t understand. At the conclusion of his presentation I was asked to sign a form to confirm that information had been shared.
Fortunately, later that day I read the fine print and discovered I had actually signed a contract. I then took immediate steps to cancel by way of the 10-day cancellation option.
This is something the police and other agencies consistently warn the public especially seniors, about. If there’s pressure to sign something that sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Most of all don’t sign anything you don’t understand.
You are protected by law in most matters but the onus remains on the buyer to be aware.
Evans Nicholson
