News Release - June 04, 2007

VICTORIA - Opposition Energy Critic John Horgan is raising the alarm over complaints of unscrupulous marketing techniques being used by natural gas marketers.

"I am hearing from British Columbians who are being targeted by natural gas marketers and who feel like they are being pressured into signing documents they don't fully understand," said Horgan, the MLA for Malahat-Juan de Fuca. "Marketers are showing up on doorsteps and intimidating people into signing these contracts. Our senior citizens and recent immigrants in particular are being bullied. This just isn't acceptable."

As of May 1, 2007, gas marketing companies have been allowed to sell natural gas to homeowners in the Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley, Interior and the Kootenays through fixed price contracts as part of the ‘residential unbundling' program, which separates the cost of natural gas from the cost of delivery.

"Based on the stories we have been hearing so far, it certainly seems like the Campbell government has not done due diligence to ensure that consumers were protected once the government decided to deregulate natural gas," said Horgan. "Consumers aren't being told what their options are."

Under the law, consumers have the right to cancel a direct sales contract with a natural gas marketer within 10 days of receiving a copy of the contract. If more than 10 days have passed, consumers can lodge a complaint by calling Terasen Gas at 1-888-224-2710, and the complaint will be referred to the BCUC.

"I am encouraging all natural gas consumers to avoid signing anything until they know all their options," said Horgan. "Consumers should know that they do not need to sign a contract with anyone and that if they don't take any action they will still continue to receive natural gas from Terasen as they always have."

Consumers are encouraged to contact the office of their local MLA if they have any concerns about signing a contract with a natural gas marketer.

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