![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-88841-100x100.png\")
time to get power of attorney from dear old senile dad as well
time to get power of attorney from dear old senile dad as well
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-142649-100x100.png\")
I hate to blame victims, but after the California brownouts and the news stories of how the state bail out was going to cost hundreds of millions of dollars, you would think people would know better than to buy the \"spot market energy is cheaper than power company energy\" argument. Aside from the easy gaming of the spot market, markets fluctuate, have rhythms, and therefore are sometimes more expensive and sometimes less, but on average the same or higher, in general.
Dear Old Dad doesn't deserve this crap, but if I were 65+, I think I would take a long time before buying anything from a door to door or even telephone vendor.
![\"user-pic\"](\"/mt-static/support/assets_c/userpics/userpic-309558-100x100.png\")
You can't blame the Dad....those door-to-door salesmen can be mighty persuasive, some even refuse to leave until you sign an agreement, and/or tell you that you're not really signing to change your utilities, but just agreeing to sign up for their newsletter or whatnot...until you get the bill and complain and find out they had you sign an agreement - which is what they did to a friend's 95 year old mother. Some people are inherently trusting and can't fathom that others would intentionally mislead them.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-117360-100x100.png\")
Nothing like a good ol'American-style threat to get those jerks off your back.
I keep my parents and grandparents posted on these issues. Thankfully, all four of them tend to turn people away if they're not invited guests or on call.
![\"user-pic\"](\"/css/images/default.gif\")
erm, since you're going to need someone to supply the energy, find a new provider, and call them up. They'll rip that contract right outa their competions hands. Also, file a complaint the your public utilities commision.
Call your local attorney general's fraud consumer protection department.