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LAST UPDATED: November 15th, 2023

Stream Energy built its business in 2005 by selling energy via word of mouth. In just over a decade, Stream Energy has become one of the largest direct selling energy companies in the world, claiming to have paid millions of dollars to customers who have successfully referred Stream's services to their friends and family. Stream Energy appears to be one of the most transparent direct energy sellers in the industry and employs both competitive rates and flexible contract terms; however, the company also charges higher-than-average fees, and only serves a few select states. Stream Energy may be a good option for those who want to avoid getting locked into a long-term contract.

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The Good

  • Competitive Rates
  • Flexible Contract Terms
  • Multiple Payment Options

Competitive Rates

Among all deregulated energy companies, Stream Energy boasts some of the most competitive and transparent rates in the industry. The company's full disclosure of its fixed and variable rates for electricity and gas is rare for this industry:

  • Electricity (fixed rate): 7.8¢/kWh-below industry average
  • Electricity (variable rate): 10.2¢/kWh-about industry average
  • Natural gas (fixed rate): 4.42¢/kWh-below industry average
  • Natural gas (variable rate): 4.23¢/kWh-about industry average

Something else we like about Stream Energy is that its rates don't fluctuate with the seasons, meaning what you see is what you get - regardless of the time of year. Stream Energy also does not appear to charge customers a monthly customer service fee (this is at least true in many of the company's service areas); rather, it seems that customers only pay for the energy they use.

Flexible Contract Terms

Stream Energy offers a number of different contract lengths that cater to the needs of individual customers. For example, for customers who are apprehensive toward long-term contracts, the company provides a month-to-month rate plan at a slightly higher rate, but with no early cancellation fee. Stream Energy also provides longer-term contracts between six and 30 months (all at reduced rates).

Multiple Payment Options

Stream Energy allows customers to pay their energy bill through multiple channels: customers can pay by mailed check, electronic check, credit or debit card, or by connecting their bank accounts directly to their customer account with Stream Energy.

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The Bad

  • High Fees
  • Deposit Not Disclosed

High Fees

While Stream Energy charges rates that are either around or below industry averages, it conversely charges fees that are well above what other companies charge. For example, some of its long-term plans come with an early termination fee, which ranges from $150 (in Maryland and New Jersey) to $250 (in Texas). Additionally, the company charges a minimum usage fee of $9.95 during billing months in which customers use 999 kWh or less. Other companies charge much less for minimum usage. Finally, Stream Energy charges a 5 percent late payment fee-one of the highest rates in the industry. Several deregulated energy companies will charge no more than 1.5 percent for late payments.

Some Fees Not Disclosed

While Stream Energy remains one of the most transparent deregulated energy companies in terms of its rates, the amount the company requires upfront as a deposit is undisclosed. Some companies have no deposit requirements, while others can charge over $300 for an initial deposit. Customers interested in buying electricity or natural gas through Stream Energy will need to inquire directly as to whether or not the company requires a deposit.

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The Bottom Line

Customers living in Stream Energy's service area (DC, GA, MD, NJ, NY, PA, and TX), will have access to affordable rates for both electricity and natural gas. Customers who don't want to sign up for long-term contracts will also enjoy Stream Energy's month-to-month plan. That being said, some of Stream Energy's rates are higher than those of many companies, and the deposit amount is unknown. If you don't intend to cancel your contract early or make your payments late, Stream Energy could be the right energy provider for you.

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Star Rating

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2.7

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80 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

36%

4 grade

5%

3 grade

1%

2 grade

4%

1 grade

54%

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Brandi Holman Plano, TX

If I could give them zero stars, I would! I have been a returning customer for the last almost 5 years. After my bill has gone steadily up every year and them saying they don't have any cheaper options for me, I decided to switch companies. I live in a 1300 sq ft house and my bill has been near $500 every month. I canelled my contract early and got my final bill of $1125. I called to see why it was so high and they were saying that I didn't pay my last bill of $422. Despite them and I speaking with my bank and having proof that that bill of $422 did IN FACT come out of my bank they are still saying that they didn't receive it. So there is $422 floating around somewhere in the stream universe and they continue to deny receiving my money so basically they're trying to get paid twice along with their increased early cancellation fee of $395 and and my next august bill. TERRIBLE

8 months ago

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Bella Shots Arlington, TX

I was a valued customer with stream for 6 years and 7 months . As of today 2-27-2023 I definitely decided to cut the cord because the company isn’t the same as 6 yrs ago I’m on fixed income my bill is due before I receive my disability on 3rd of each month . I called asked for a few days extension I couldn’t believe what my ears heard I couldn’t receive and extension I had to pay 78 just for an extension was really beyond me as a valued customer on fixed income get denied 🙅‍♀️ I asked for management in higher power still to get no ma’am unfortunately I took my service to another provider I wouldn’t recommend this company to my worst enemy it’s a rip off high price and horrible customer service non speaking working u can barely understand the agents . I will never return to this company

11 months ago

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Kimberly Hunt Atlanta, GA

We switched to STREAM this past season. It was a mistake signing on with STREAM and we will most likely pay to break our 12-month contract; unless STREAM can get our account information straightened out. Although some others who provided reviews, have had their gas cut off, we have not had that issue. Our issues with have been with account services (our info was entered incorrectly), the website is glitchy, lack of knowledge with customer service representatives, and there is a language barrier in most customer service representatives. The customer service managers do a better job but they have seem to have limited knowledge as well and a bit short tempered; telling you there are frustrated with the situation as well. Indicates to me that the problems are more universal. STREAM has been in business since 2004/05; I would think they would have their act together. I would suggest staying away from STREAM for now. Several other companies in the Atlanta area with similar rates that are worth looking into. I wish I have searched for reviews prior to signing on.

2 years ago

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Ms. G Stone Mountain, GA

The lack of professionalism and decorum that exists with this company is the absolute worst I have ever seen in the over 20 years that I have been paying bills. They are a disservice to the energy industry. I never spent a red cent with this company because of it. The experience was over before it ever started. From the amateuristic sales reps all the way up the line to the management, you will be dealing with in all likelihood, uneducated and ill-equipped workers who have the privilege of collecting your personal information. They should be shut down on the grounds of how unbelievable unprofessional and ignorant they all are.

3 years ago

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Victoria Williams Sheffield, TX

At the end of April; I call and set up new services. All seems fine. No deposit, I'm told that I will receive my first billing in 30 to 45 days electronically. Great!! Not. Fast forward to Friday 06/05/2020. I have received ZERO communication from them. So I reach out. They not only cancelled my request; but I now have to re-do EVERYTHING I had done at the end of April. I'm told by the rep that the account was canceled because they did not ever receive the copies of my Identification (as I have placed a fraud alert on my credit). So I check the FAX application I used to do this. Successfully received on 04/29/2020... AS WELL AS on 06/05/2020 not once....but TWICE. Yesterday; Tuesday 06/09/2020 I get home from a 12 hour shift to find my power out. A pet dead from heat exhaustion; and my thermostat showing it at 108 degrees IN THE HOUSE. Everything in the fridge/ freezer is now ruined (along with my respiratory meds); AND I am on oxygen to boot. SO.... I call Stream; only to hear that they "didn't receive my identification". So they disconnected without ANY notice at all. None. They tell me it will be on "tomorrow" (Wednesday i.e. today). Well. I JUST got off the phone with the awesomely helpful folks that work for this DISGRACE of a company. To be told it will now be tomorrow (Thursday) before it "may" be on. Needless to say. I called Reliant Energy. And they ARE what their name says. RELIANT. I got far better communication from them in the first five minutes I was on the phone with them than I have received from Stream in the entire month PLUS that I have been trying to get established with them. In my opinion this company has ZERO conscience or care for their customers. the proof is in the pudding so to speak. Do yourselves a favor; and withhold the drama and HEADACHE that is Stream Energy.

3 years ago

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Donna Alice, TX

If I could give them negative stars I would we had this electric provider and it was the worst experience ever. First of all they charge a ridiculous amount my bills where always around 800.00 to 1,000 dollars around Thanksgiving and right after Christmas. I lived in a 2 bedroom house I had a electrician come and check my electric box plus the wiring was told by two different electricians that everything was fine and I needed to contact my provider. I contacted AEP they checked the meter and told me it was fine so the next step was stream. When I called and discussed the issues they basically told me it was probably because I did alot of cooking and had my tree on for the holidays. I was so happy to finally move and get back with a good electric provider. These people are horrible and should be really investigated. I would not under any circumstances recommend this company please avoid them at all cost or you will end up paying in the end.

3 years ago

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Jo Whitney, TX

Due to company revamping, I wasn't charged February 2020 for usual utility. Then in March amounts due were doubled to play "catch up" for the company changes or whatever they said they were undergoing . In 2019 they did the same to me. I like to keep my bills paid on time and so when I contacted Stream in February, I was told "don't worry" you don't owe anything and we'll "work" with you once we get the changes we are going through complete" Well when they completed their changes, I was owing February and March due at same date!!!!! I have been with them for several yrs., but they are proving to be an unreliable company with the customer not being kept at the forefront. Will be making changes.

4 years ago

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Sunny Buford, GA

Worst customer service in the world. They hang up on you. They never try to resolve your issues. All they know is MONEY!!! Never sent me any letter for any notifications, no matter plan expiration or new contract since I went to paperless invoices. They keep saying they sent, but actually not. NO EMAIL EITHER! They are super happy to charge you with the flex rate without notifing you and even after you renewed with fixed rate, they will charge you with flex rate for a period as well. If you are on auto-pay, you would be in TROUBLE! If you are not on auto-pay, they will charge you additional fee no matter how you pay them!!! Worst company in the world! Worst customer service in the world! NEVER go to them for any services, so many options, why them?

4 years ago

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Ruth Humble, TX

I just want to warn everybody to stay away from Stream Energy! My parents have been loyal customers for years now. But since my Dad (88 yrs) got cancer and my parents had to move in with my sister, they have been trying to charge them a $250 early termination fee. Each time we have contacted them to get the fee dropped, they have given us a different hoop to jump through saying the previous one wasn't good enough. Nobody we've talked to in Customer Support speaks English as their first language and some of them you can't understand half of what they're saying and they can't understand you. I have spent several days worth of time working on this and that doesn't count the time my mother spent before me. I regret recommending this company to my mother. As soon as my own contract expires, I WILL be switching to another provider.

4 years ago

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Elgin Edwards Marietta, GA

I had the worst experience I've ever had with a company with stream today. A tech was scheduled to come today and give me a courtesy call ( supposedly instructed from a stream manager) with whom I spoke with. The tech comes, no call and leaves of course before I arrived. After calling and being put on hold for Hours! Literally and transferred from A Texas support person to an Atlanta customer service rep( hours waiting on the phone) the varies reps I spoke with in an effort to expedite the service gave me every excuse in the book on why the courtesy call didn't happen and an addition week(without hot water was needed). Not one person was willing to take responsibility and played the blame game all while not offering one concession or resolution other than to wait an additional 6 days after waiting a week already. In total I I spent about 5 hours on the phone mostly waiting to be transferred to various managers and reps all to no avail. I was so exhausted and frustrated I used expletives on the phone and had to cancel. This company seems to have huge structural and competence issues. Use them with extreme caution

4 years ago

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NS Acworth, GA

I was going to leave 2 stars but I can't. I'd leave no stars if I could. I haven't had any issues until now. I moved and asked to switch my address. Should have been no issue. George has actually told me that we "disagree" on whether or not I was living in my old or new address. I've never had this many issues moving providers. I was signed up for two accounts (didn't know), paying for BOTH, didn't have any gas but was still billed for it. Are you kidding me? Ridiculous. The office has told me they'd review and call me back (never did), hung up on me, argued with me, told me I'm wrong about where I'm LIVING.

4 years ago

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John Doe Killeen, TX

Well where do I begin....stream energy is the worst company of my life. I live in an apartment and I kid you not....we’ve paid over 200$ a month smh. Idk how our bill could go from 80$ to literally 200$ plus. This company is trash and I don’t recommend them to anyone. I’ve called and asked what the hell happened and they respond with “well sir you’ve used up this much amount” or whatever. There’s other companies out there that are way cheaper and better service. I’m glad I am going to be leaving this company, today actually so congratulations to myself. Thank you for being there for me @streamenergy.

5 years ago

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Brittany Hinesville, GA

Wish I could give no stars. Horrible customer service!!! They say that you agree to a contract that you never read. You get the terms of service mailed to you but do not give any information on their fees while you are signing up. I asked for paperless billing and one rep told me that they could not send it via email. Then I speak to a supervisor and she claimed that she can resend to an email. I’ve never gotten any formal emails from this company. Such as bill reminders, confirmations.. nothing. I had to request to have my account information sent to me when I signed up and that was the only email that I received. Auto pay failed on their end, they charge me a $10 late fee that I had to call and argue about. I just so happened to log in to the account and saw that the bill was not paid. No email or anything that it was past due. They really act like a third party company. If I wasn’t in a rental community I would not deal with them. They are A complete head ache!!

5 years ago

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Gloria Clayton Dallas, TX

I've been a costomer for almost three years now and I'm very upsetting to say the least! You all were advertising for a SkyBell that I signed up for but the representative said it would be coming in my mailbox within seven days, after it didn't, I called to let them know that is when I was told it was coming through UPS, well needless to say, I still don't have it, and I've been calling since November to no avail, the last time I called and asked for a"supervisor" he said he would check on it and call me back, that was a month ago! I've even called SkyBell, and needless to say they didn't have a thing good to say about Stream ( they've had other costomers with the same problem) I wanted this because I'm an invalid and plus, I've never been late with my payment..... NEVER! So if possible Please Help Me.....The Costomer Service Has less to be desired.....ijs

5 years ago

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Christina Moreno

Talked today to a representative Holly, to ask for an affordable plan for my senior mother. She asked me if I would be authorized to act for my mother. I confirmed but explained that I just needed plan/price information for now. She said she could do it, because she doesn't want to loose her job. I informed her that other competitors disclosed best plans with me so my mother can choose. Her answer was that would not be her problem. I will not consider this company as the electricity provider for my mother house. The lack of professionalism, the lack of respectful customer service is something that any company should avoid.

6 years ago

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Rebecca Fisher Round Rock, TX

When we moved and canceled our service, they removed our online access. I called for a final bill and provided our new address. They never called, emailed, or mailed a bill and it was on our credit report over a year later. When I called, they refused to email an itemized bill and I had to pay $118 blindly. Then they refused to email or mail a final statement that the bill was paid and our balance was $0.

1 year ago

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Sue Thompson Three Rivers, TX

I do not have a stream account! Someone either used my phone number or it was entered incorrectly. I have answered and informed them that they are not my electrical provider-have never been and now will not be. Their suggestion-just ignore the calls. Well if you call from different phone numbers how can I ignore. I’ve only had this phone number 30 years.

2 years ago

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TP Alpharetta, GA

Toward the end of my application process, I told them I no longer wanted to enroll as I have found another company I wanted to side with. We agreed to cancel the enrollment process and not go through with it. This week, I got a welcome letter saying that the enrollment process is complete. Wow. Good thing I got the rep's name and date of phone call. When they were trying to market their business they never once informed me of the rate/price, until the end of the conversation where they are ABOUT to enroll you. We spoke with Darrell W and Whitney (last name?).

4 years ago

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CiTi Del Rio, TX

I have been with stream energy for 10 years. I had left for an extended vacation and missed 1 payment of less than $40. When my next statement came in I sent that payment in full along with the previous charge, and the late fee prior to the next due date. As the payment was in transit my electricity was cut off and now I owe, at the least $70 in connection fees. I was never warned the power would be cut.

4 years ago

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Cheryl Wylie, TX

I wish I could give no stars , I absolutely detest this company, I actually forgot to pay my bill, they charged me 35.00 disconnect fee, 35.00 reconnect fee, 10.00 disconnect letter fee, 25.00 NSF ???? And a 13.04 late fee, I called 2 hours after it was turned off and pd no one told me there would be all these fees, they said I only had to pay the bill because it was not totally disconnected. Such liars and good luck getting someone who speaks english. I switched today

4 years ago

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Sean Marietta, GA

Stay away!!!!! I had been watching my bill online and the website showed me that the due date was 6/7. I had to wait until 6/7 to pay the bill and did it over the phone. When we finished, I was told that our gas had been turned off. ?????? I was told that part of our bill was due 6/5, even though the bill showed 6/7. Now have to wait, get this, 5 DAYS to get it turned back on and pay for it?!?!?!?!? Goodbye Stream!!!!!!!!!! Will never recommend and am also having our business office disconnected. That might take a month or two, but never Stream again!!

5 years ago

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George Judd Marietta, GA

The worst customer service i have ever experienced. More than 10 calls, 5 emails, filled out the pages to have them call me back, couldn't ever get a person. Finally, a live human- all this to get service turned off on a home I bought- then, they didn't turn it off, start over- all the same steps only to be told it was turned off this week, no , it wasn't, honestly- i don't know what to do!

6 years ago

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Bob

After over 10 years did some research and chose a different. I carefully investigated termination fee policy and the stated termination date on my bill. I still received a $250 termination fee. Customer service quoted an entirely different date than was stated on my bill and would not even acknowledge the obvious conflict in information. Very shady.

7 years ago

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Bernard Smith Coupland, TX

I have used Stream in every home I've had in Texas. I just rented out my home and canceled service with Stream. They charged me $250. I called and explained the situation. They refuse to remove this fee. I still have Stream in my other houses. You can be sure I will leave them as soon as possible.

4 years ago

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Pam Clyde, TX

Zero stars. Been trying to get service turned on for an elderly friend but have been getting the run around for 3 weeks. Was going to go with stream, now I'm making it my personal mission to steer everyone possible away from them and their outsourced customer service.

4 years ago

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David Bates Marietta, GA

Doing business with Stream Energy has been nothing but a nightmare. The company entered my social security number incorrectly and overcharged me. Then cut my gas off twice for a disputed balance. DO NOT DO BUSINESS WITH YOUR COMPANY!!! AVOID THE NIGHTMARE!!!

4 years ago

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Myles Yates Duluth, GA

This company is terrible, monthly bill due on 11/7 on 11/8 service is cancelled. Then they did not schedule a time they was coming over just to say that they can not turn service back on cause they do not have access to the inside of the house. When you turned it off from the outside. I have two small babies.

5 years ago

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Yonette Trim Locust Grove, GA

Horrible horrible company! Bill due on 8/28 on the morning of 8/29 bill paid but service was already turned off. Have to wait for 5 days to get it turned back on ! Small kid in the home! DO NOT SIGN UP WITH THIS COMPANY!!!!!And they are rude!

5 years ago

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Samantha Lewis Grapeland, TX

Stream Energy is a TERIBBLE Electric Company!! Never use them!! The rates are bad, Plans are bad, Poor customer Service!!! I only had them 2 weeks and my Bill ended up being over $400!!! They added $250 early termination fee!!! Never again!!!

5 years ago

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Amanda U. Waco, TX

Our service was supposed to end on May 10. After an hour with Customer Service, turns out they allowed an unauthorized person to make changes on the account; they renewed for another 24 months! They refused to resolve the issue and told us to call back at a later time.

6 years ago

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John Bailey Lansdale, PA

Never had a cancellation fee on any other supplier I ever used for elect. and natural gas. These people are con artists and use your friends to sucker you in to long term contracts with huge fees. STAY AWAY.

4 years ago

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Melissa Serna Dickinson, TX

THE ABSOLUTE WORST!!!!!! I sold my home and provided sales documents and they refuse to take off the early termination fee. I had this service for over 14 years and they are treating me horrible.

4 years ago

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Damonica Bias Houston, TX

The worse electric company ever, from my rep to my 9 months of service with them. I absolutely hated it as well as my $280 electric bill every month. Please DO NOT CHOOSE THIS COMPANY!!!

4 years ago

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Kerry Katy, TX

Was Charged a Nsf fee after a stop payment on a payment that was paid twice because some how I got put on auto pay even though I had never been on it before scam do not trust them

5 years ago

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Ezz aly North Brunswick, NJ

That’s how they get you your contract is over they said they send you a letter and the max the rate on you I paid over $500 in each month over PSEG never trust

2 years ago

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Darcy McMillen Woodstock, GA

Customer since 2012, late once. Service interrupted. Sorry, pay your bill on time. This multi level marketing company serves itself. Run. Do not get sucked in. They stink!

5 years ago

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Mimi chery Stockbridge, GA

Absolutely the WORST customer service. Very hard to understand reps. And that's only the beginning. They suck. I would NEVER recommend to anybody. Keep away

6 years ago

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Mandy Atlanta, GA

If I could give it zero stars I would To simply put my service was turned off And I paid them already. Wtf and the I had to wait two days for heat.

4 years ago

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Danielle kleinman

Don't ever use! They jack up the price and rip you off with term fees of over $200.. Scam artists!!! Horrible service!!!

5 years ago

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Joe S Springfield, PA

My electric bill went from $266.02 with Stream to $154.51 with another company (Spark). Don't even consider this company!

6 years ago

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Adam Dakin Philadelphia, PA

Totally unethical company. Been slammed by them twice. They hang up when you call to complain. AVOID AT ALL COST.

4 years ago

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Elizabeth Muhammad

Billing department is a fraud. I paid my final bill yet they sent my about to collections.

4 years ago

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Mike White Alice, TX

No where in their menus does it give you an option to talk to a live person......very frustrating

6 years ago