I obtained propane gas service with Thompson Gas in Boonsboro, MD on 10-1-2006 and in doing so I had to sign a "customer agreement" w/ Thompson Gas. However, I was not made aware of numerous stipulations in this agreement which were located on the back of the agreement in "shadow print". After examining the back of my copy I did notice the stipulations. One stipulation required me to abide by the agreement for a period of five years. For the last five years Thompson Gas has had the highest price per gallon propane gas prices in my area. I know this because I have had to do price comparisons for each bill that I have received in order to get a lower price comparable with other companies in my area (over the last five years). Thompson gas has consistently been 30-50% higher on their propane gas prices than others in my area.

With that said my contract is due to expire on October 24, 2006. Today (October 2, 2006), I called to advised them that I would be cancelling their service effective 10-24-2006. I was told that they will charge 99.00 to remove their propane tanks, which I have no problem paying. However, I then told them that my tanks are at 75% capacity and asked how they will refund me for approximately 150 gallons of propane @ $2.26 per gallon. They stated that they do not give refunds, so I will be giving them $336.00 worth of propane that they will be re-selling. I then asked "Jason" (customer service rep) what I could do. He told me that I would have to use the gas in the tanks then call them. My "customer agreement" states that if I let my contract extend past October 24, 2006 then it will be extended for an additional year. "Jason" confirmed this as well. In fact, this now creates a cycle that I cannot get out of. There is nothing in this agreement that states that they will not refund me for unused propane gas. I have abided by their "customer agreement" for five years and would like to move on, however, I feel it is unfair that I will not be refunded for propane gas that I have not used.

Company details:

Thompson Gas and Electric Service
Boonsboro, Maryland 21713

These complaints absolutely mirror the experience I am having with Thompson today. The only difference is that now they are trying to charge $600 for their tank removal AND want me to sign a contract that I will STILL buy gas only from them for three years. Thompson Gas is the definition of fradulent practices, price gouging and customer abuse. I highly recommend that each of you contact the consumer fraud division of of the WV Attorney General's office at 800 368 8808 or the equivalent in your state and state your case.