Be careful about utility alternatives

I was visited recently by representatives from a firm claiming to be correcting a ComEd billing situation in that I should not have to pay a "Transmission Services Charge" and "Purchased Energy Adjustment." They would do the same thing on my Nicor bill. They made it sound good, because I was going to get a credit and lower rates for electric and gas.

Then, after filling out paperwork, they told me I'd be locked in to the lower rate for 36 months, and if I moved, I would have to pay a cancellation fee. I then balked at the deal and told them I wanted to check with ComEd and Nicor and verify their credentials. Then they pretty much said the deal was now or never and I had wasted their time.

I guess I can't blame my village for giving them permission to go door-to-door nor ComEd and Nicor for not objecting to my right to change sources. I'm getting older and ain't as sharp as I once was, but I think there are numerous people out there who would jump at this deal without looking into it further and getting locked into something bad.

Joe Celosky

Hoffman Estates