31 Jul, 2021 → by ClaimboUser845512
FRAUD – SCAM
1
July 29, 2021 Just Energy Ontario L.P. R. Scott Gahn 200 - **** Dixie Rd Mississauga, ON L5T 2E6 To Whom It May Concern, Re: Account Number: XXXXXXXXXX I recently contacted my energy distributor, Rideau St. Lawrence Distribution Inc. with concerns regarding exceptionally high monthly billing charges, with no indication of set or confirmed rates and usage, only to be informed that I was being charged through a third-party provider, Just Energy Ontario L.P., without my knowledge or authorization. I have contacted Rideau St. Lawrence Distribution Inc. many times over the years with concerns regarding increasing rates of my monthly electricity bill, only to be informed it was due to increased electricity rates and usage, I was never informed of the existence of a contract with Just Energy Ontario L.P. On July 23, 2021, I contacted Rideau St. Lawrence Distribution Inc. once again, requesting further information on this alleged contract with Just Energy Ontario L.P., I was informed that a contract was drafted and signed in 2008 by Bruce Pankhurst. Bruce Pankhurst was my husband who died October 10, 2010, nevertheless, I was unaware of the existence of a contract with Just Energy Ontario L.P. or of any contract that existed between Bruce Pankhurst and Just Energy Ontario L.P. I informed Rideau St. Lawrence Distribution Inc., that I contacted them in November 2010 informing them of my husbands passing and that I wanted my Rideau St. Lawrence Distribution Inc. account changed to reflect my name on the account. Never at any point was I informed, nor was I knowledgeable of the existence of a contract with Just Energy Ontario L.P. in the name of my deceased husband/spouse. On July 23, 2021, after having been provided this information by Rideau St. Lawrence Distribution Inc., I contacted Just Energy Ontario L.P. concerning the existence of this contract from 2008 in the name of deceased individual, further discussing charges to my Rideau St. Lawrence Distribution Inc. electricity account with inflated charges, artificially high prices and extraordinary ancillary costs, with no indication of rates kw/h or monthly/usage. Despite my concerns, I was not given a definitive answer or resolution, in fact I was informed that if I cancelled the contract, I would be subject to cancellation fees and additional charges. I demanded an immediate end to this unfounded contract. On July 26, 2021, I contacted Rideau St. Lawrence Distribution Inc. regarding concerns with Just Energy Ontario L.P. and the increasing charges to my account, I was advised to contact Just Energy Ontario L.P. again. After an extensive conversation with Just Energy Ontario L.P., I requested this case be forwarded to a Supervisor and escalated with a full investigation of the contract, charges to my account with Rideau St. Lawrence Distribution Inc., indicating that I expected all charges to my account be returned to me in the form of a cheque. On July 27, 2021, I received a demand letter, to my personal email, addressed to Bruce Pankhurst, indicating that I owe Just Energy Ontario L.P. two months of charges and cancellation fees, as a result of breaking the contract of a deceased individual, who died on October 10, 2010. Indicating the company continued to charge an individual not listed on the contract, who was not obligated or authorised on the account. Despite expressing my concerns, on July 29, 2021 I received an intimidating call from Just Energy Ontario L.P., indicating I am in violation of their contract agreement and further demanding payment. In reiteration, I was uninformed of the existence of a contract with Just Energy Ontario L.P., I was not named in the contract, or provided authorization, signed or renewed any contract with Just Energy Ontario L.P. in continuation of a contract to a deceased individual. This was a significant time in my life, having suffered a profound loss, I understood the importance of transferring all utility accounts and canceling other accounts, such as credit cards, insurance and subscriptions, as well as finalization of the deceased Income taxes, as soon as possible. I was also to the understanding that continuation of utilities, credit cards or accounts in a deceased persons name may constitute fraud if continuing to use such services without being included within the contract. Nevertheless, shortly after my husbands death, someone representing Just Energy Ontario L.P. arrived at my residence, asking questions about my energy habits, how much I pay for energy each month, requesting to review my latest electricity &;;;; natural gas bill, I was then asked to sign up for an energy contract on the spot, however, I declined indicating that I would discuss these concerns with my current energy provider. I understand that under the Consumer Protection Act (CPA), you must be provided with a written contract for transactions Under the Consumer Protection Act, you must be provided with a written contract from the company for account renewals and transactions. The contract with Just Energy Ontario L.P. was renewed without the consumers consent or authorization, it was never verified and the consumer (Bruce Pankhurst - deceased) was not properly notified according to the timelines set out in the rules of the Consumer Protection Act (https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/02c30). Understanding this is in violation of the Energy Consumer Protection Act, 2010 (ECPA), which is in place to protect consumers from unauthorised contracts, unauthorised renewal of contracts, hidden costs, excessive cancellation fees and other unfair practices. (https://www.oeb.ca/consumer-protection). Further to my understanding that the Government of Ontario, through the Ministry of Energy, sets the overall policy for the energy sector. The Ontario Energy Board regulates Ontario's energy sector, ensures that natural gas and electricity companies follow the rules, setting the maximum monthly base distribution price that utilities can charge an eligible residential customer for consumption. I am requesting a settlement in the amount of $17,312.74, inclusive of 5% interest monthly until fully compensated for an 11-year contract without my knowledge, consent or authorization, charged to my Rideau St. Lawrence Distribution Inc. account. If rectification is not obtained by August 10, 2021, I will seek legal counsel, requesting a motion be brought forward before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice regarding civil action for damages or injunctive relief against Just Energy Ontario L.P. for being in violation of a non-existing contract, auto-renewal without the consumers consent or authorization, incurred charges, inflated rates / fees and cancellation charges, in addition to fraud. Sincerely, Elisabeth Pankhurst User's recommendation: AVOID Just Energy Ontario L.P. Including Affiliates.