Just had someone knock on my door, offering to switch me over to a flat-rate for my electricity. Sales pitch sounds very familiar (see an article from last year about Just Energy).

The person said he was from a company called “Direct Energy”, and was working with ComEd to lower everyone’s electric bills now that some new law is in effect in Illinois. I told him to get lost.

Make no mistake, this is every bit a scam to get you to pay MORE for your electric through this company, instead of paying market rates through ComEd.

More links about this scam below:

http://www.ehow.com/how-does_4744286_direct-energy-scam-its-customers_.html

http://www.my3cents.com/companyOverview.cgi?code=812

http://www.bizclaims.com/2010/09/direct-energy-fraud

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Direct_Energy

EDITED: Adding a new link regarding alternative energy suppliers in Illinois:
http://www.citizensutilityboard.org/ciElectric_cubfacts_alternativesuppliers.html

So, if a Direct Energy representative knocks on your door, tell him to take a hike.