by admin on January 20, 2012
I wrote an article about the “Glacial Energy Scam” claiming it was “not a scam” but perhaps I spoke too soon. On Tuesday the 9th of January the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) recommended revoking the company’s license. The PUCT is now reviewing Glacial Energy to see if it is necessary to revoke its Retail Electric Provider’s (REP) license.
The company is being fined over $235,000 for over-billing its customers. To make matters worse, Glacial Energy’s owner, Gary Mole, also owned Franklin Power Company. It seems harmless to go from owning one energy company to another but not in this case. According to TXU Delivery Company and CenterPoint, Franklin Power Company failed to pay its bills which led to its license being revoked in 2006.
I don’t know if the PUCT had any knowledge about Mole’s ownership of the Franklin Power Company. This makes me question the validity of the process to get licensed because the PUCT has to approve REPs before they can sell electricity in Texas.
Another crazy thing about Glacial Energy is the lawsuit in a Dallas federal court about its involvement in financing “blood diamonds.” The case also includes charges of “racketeering” and “money laundering” to help fund the mining operation in Africa.
So was I right about claiming Glacial Energy was not a scam? If the allegations hold up in court, it looks like I was wrong. To barrow the old cliché; “you’re innocent until proven guilty” gives me comfort that maybe this is all wrong but it does not soften the blow to my confidence in the PUCT.
ElectricRates.com does not represent nor sell electricity through Glacial Energy.
Glacial Energy does not sell residential electricity services.
by admin on January 17, 2012
Mechanical meters are being replaced with evolved Smart Meters. The two-way digital communication capabilities give you the benefits of tracking you electricity consumption in 15 minute periods.
Electric suppliers (poles and wires) will be able to track power outages caused by fallen trees with the Smart Meter technology. You will also be able to track your usage through smartmetertexas.com. It is easy to save money when you can buy an in-home monitor from your Retail Electric Provider (REP) which converts usage into dollars.
Smart Meters allow energy companies like TXU, Direct Energy, Payless Power and several others the ability to sell Pre-paid (no-deposit) electricity plans. If you are looking for an energy company and you don’t have the money for a deposit you should look into signing up with a prepaid light company.
Oncor’s electricity service area is the only area in which no-deposit plans are offered at this time. You can expect smart meters in other service areas soon because of the benefits they offer to you and the energy companies.
You can compare prepaid light companies in Texas by typing your zip code into the compare box and clicking “Compare.” There will be several tabs on the top of the compare chart. Click the “No-deposit” to see electricity plans in your area.
Are Smart Meters Safe?
The radio frequency or RF transmission signals the smart meter puts out are comparable to the low level radio frequency of other common electronic devices. The Smart Meters pass the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards to be considered a safe electronic device.
What About Smart Meters For My Business?
Smart Meters give small business the ability to track usage. Large businesses already have energy managers or hire energy constants to analyze with IDRs (Interval Data Recorders). If you own a small business you will be able to use the smart meters to manage cost while keeping your company competitive.
Call 1-800-971-4020 to speak with an energy consultant.
An energy consultant may be able to help you save money whether or not you have a smart meter.
