Had an energy consultant working on our Dominion Virginia Power account analysis. Paid them $5,000 upfront for comprehensive rate study and demand analysis. Got preliminary results showing potential $28,000 annual savings, then complete radio silence for three weeks. Not returning calls, emails bouncing. Anyone else dealt with this kind of situation? We're out the money and back to square one on the analysis.
Energy consultant ghosted us mid-project
Phil, sorry to hear about this. Unfortunately not uncommon in this business. Had similar experience with a TXU consultant in Dallas who took payment and disappeared. Best bet is to file complaints with Better Business Bureau and your state attorney general. Also check if they're licensed - some states require registration for energy consultants. Might give you legal recourse to recover your money.
This is exactly why I never pay upfront fees anymore. Legitimate brokers should be confident enough in their work to accept success-based compensation only. The fly-by-night operators always want money upfront because they know they can't deliver results. Hard lesson learned but hopefully others can learn from your experience Phil.