IREA Review

They ll do work for someone else on you re property without even the courtesy of letting you know what or why even when you re home. Then when questioned about the work acted unprofessional and wished me best of luck.

Worst part is I might have helped them had they just knocked. I had no problem with what had to be done but rather he choose to puff his chest and whip it out rather apologizing for not at least notifying the people who live there. If there were any other option we d be using it.

I called IREA on May 18th to set up new service for a home we purchased. I was told by the representative on the phone that I had a balance from 2008, I forget the total amount but it was between $40-$50. I was told I was unable to set up service until this was resolved. I paid this past due amount, despite asking for no proof of the owed bill, having never received a bill in 8 years, nothing was reported to my credit bureau, and despite the fact that I lived in another country the entire year of 2008, I still paid this bill in order to get service set up in my new home. I was told by the representative on the phone that if I set up automatic payments through my bank that IREA would waive the $325 deposit required of new service members. I set up automatic withdrawal that same day and faxed everything in as requested. I received a notification on 6/27/16 from IREA asking me to properly set up service and set up automatic withdrawal for the deposit fee of $325. When I called to inquire about this, the representative placed me on hold while they looked into my last call. He then came back to the phone and said, "My supervisor listened to the entire call you had on May 18th and determined that you were told we would waive the fee, but this is incorrect and we won't be waiving the fee because of your past due balance". I then explained that I paid the balance that I had no proof of owing, especially when I didn't even live in the United States at the time. I asked the representative why, if they had audio proof that I was told the fee would be waived, why they aren't honoring it" he said "We did make a mistake, but it's not our policy to waive the fee". I have no other option for electrical service in my home, so we are being held hostage for a down payment from this company after they've already promised to waive the fee. Now they are promising to return this deposit after 12 months of payments. But since they promised to waive this deposit in the first place and refuse to honor it, what keeps them honest when they promise they'll refund me said money in a year? I'll never see this money again. I requested to be removed from automatic payments as they clearly cannot be trusted.

Your ebill (supposed free) is virtually useless. I have tried to get to it for months, generally without success. Seems you have some crummy system that keeps us from getting in. I've called and asked for help, and the people who assist can't figure out how to get me to the right set up. So, I have to pay the $2.95 to Western Union.Are you sure the ebill isn't made difficult so that Western Union will have to be used and they get the business. You need to really update your WHOLE website to make it user friendly. It has so much junk and information on it that it's useless.

IREA is always very rude when we talk to them (note, we have never missed or been late on a bill), and they take advantage of solar customers by excessively over-charging on load factors. Past reviews about this are absolutely accurate. Note also that they take 3-4 months to approve solar plans, even with regular calls. Also, even if you over-produce, they charge you a $14 access fee. I also agree that the new meters read substantially higher, regardless of their poor excuse about a hot summer; meter reads were almost twice immediately upon install (was not that much hotter). I hope someone investigates this, I would gladly sign onto a class-action. They simply don't care about their customers as they have a monopoly; fingers crossed that Excel energy takes them over someday, at least they are an ethical company.

This company is shady to say the least. My wife and I have had this service for almost a year, and our bill has DOUBLED in the last couple months which is outrageous. Before I was the only one working and we used DOUBLE the amount of energy but paid LESS. Now, we both work, use LESS energy and yet our bill has DOUBLED. We have looked to social media and have seen people say they have had the same issues....even people who are recent empty nesters. Clearly with their embarrassingly low reviews on here people aren't happy. Outrageous and their excuse of "hotter weather" doesn't explain this away.

They came and cut my power off after having a payment plan approved by a supervisor. I was told to go to the Sedalia office and pay $405.25 to make arrangements for the payment plan. They then came and cut my power off saying that my account was reviewed and it was determined that i owed more money once I left the office. I told the supervisor that I had a LEAP application and assistance from human services. It is hard for anyone who loses their jobs due to slow economy. These aren't people they are money hungry monopoly on the energy trade who have no hearts regarding a family with 3 children and pets in this cold weather.

If I could use a different electric company I absolutely would. Unfortunately they are the only ones in Castle Rock. We have had IREA for 2 years now really with no issues and suddenly this month our bill was more than DOUBLE what it ever has been. I called to ask why it went up so high and was told it was because of it being so hot outside that we must have been turning the AC up more (which is incorrect). I have heard from other people around town that they put in new meters that apparently have been put in incorrectly, thus doubling people bills. Seems there is some slimy business going on here.

2.50 to pay a bill online or buy a stamp and take a chance with USPS aka the Pony Express since the mail here in CO is slooooowski. I've lived in many places being former military and their rates are crazy high.

Had my power disconnected, my fault, but they didn't knock or ring my doorbell. And I didn't know my power was off until it was too late. Called and paid the bill and was told it could be 8+ hours until it's turned on. So they punish me by turning off my power, charging me disconnect and reconnect fees and now all of the stuff in my refrierator and freezer is ruined too. So now I'm even more in debt. Had they just rang the doorbell I could of paid it on a card, but I was told that they don't ring the doorbells prior to disconnect so they can collect the fees.

These guys will charge you out the ass. If you live in cr bend over they are gona stick it to you no lube at all.

They can't even properly transfer services! I called to have services transferred out of my name into the landlord's name, they didn't have all the info on file for the landlord and kept pushing to have me shut off services (which I didn't want to do and have fee associated with that) I told them I would call the rental company and have them call. I called back 3 days later to make sure it wasn't still in my name....It was! I call the rental company and she said she called and even paid the $4 on the account balance for the extra days it was taking to get things switched and had the receipt to prove she called. STILL IN MY NAME! She is calling back now....let's see what happens next! Also they scheduled a shut off for a couple days from now claiming "Legally this is on the landlord now if it's shut off" Sounds to me they just want to shut off power and charge one of us for it so we have to pay all the fees to do it! Also, their website is absolute garbage! And who ONLY offers paying through western union anymore?! Google needs a no star option! I better get my deposit back!

First night in new house, did not transfer to name fast enough. Still trying to move in power disconnected. All flashlights, lighters, matches and candles packed. Still trying to unload boxes using our car lights. Called them around 2:30ish to turn on the power. It is now 8:30pm, still no power. Welcome to the neighborhood...WOW! Horrible service, would not reccomend. Called 3 times to check on turn on, they would only say "this has been dispatched" um do your service people have cell phones? Or are you that busy turning people's power off.,,, I would only give them half a star for answering the phone.

Was transferring an account. Very professional and polite customer service. Only problem is I had to make two calls to get everything resolved.

I wanted to thank IREA for their preventative maintenance during the summer which enabled us to keep our power after a two foot snowstorm March 9, 2016! Between terrible winds and drifting snow we were amazed our power never failed.

Thanks.

Great company who is willing to work with you. I look at the bad reviews and I wonder if it was just how that person approached the situation.

Thank you IREA!

Jim here, I found that I had gotten behind in my billing, when they came out to shut my power off. I was able to call and make payment arrangements with them to catch up on our bill, that took place in November. No big deal, until they shut our power off while we were out of town, this after I had kept my end of the arrangement! Now with the temperature at 28 degrees f, and I already sent a payment this morning. My house stands vulnerable to damages! This company does not keep its arrangements, nor does it seem to care for its customers.

Called for information on a deceased relative. Call was answered instantly. Information dating quite a while back was provided instantly with important details. The phone was answered by a friendly, patient, very well informed person. Highly appreciated.

Purchased a business, so there was an ownership change. They wouldn t take the prior owners bank account off auto pay and have me restricted on the account so I can t add or take off anything. As a result they require I pay money order or cash only... if I pay them cash for 6-8 months I get to pay with card... how much BS is that. They wouldn t change the bank from the previous owner. Are you kidding me. Not to mention the people that run the front have no idea what s going on. Everytime I m here it s a person in training or just started it seems.

I am always shocked to read the terrible reviews that people leave for a small coop utility company. It is a small company providing virtually flawless service. Their website is a little complicated to get to the payment process area, but as far as the utility goes... there has never been an issue in the last 3 years. People need to get out of their bubble, put their expectations in check, and be thankful that they can turn the lights on.

Rude and inefficient. Had to spend 2 hours on the phone because customer service didn't know what they were doing.

PS: a blasee reply from IREA only adds insult to injury. Doesn't even TRY to help resolve the problem.

Service constantly goes out. At least 2 or 3 times a month for extended periods of time. Today it went out around 9 AM. Suns out and not a cloud in the sky, estimated time for the electric to be restored is 4-6PM. I m beyond frustrated with this company.

I recently moved from Texas where utility companies fought for your business. Unfortunately I had to go with IREA once we moved back. I had to pay a previous balance before resuming service and the lady charged me to use a CC- and conveniently forgot to mention the charge. Then she told me Welcome! We are going to charge you 5 dollars to get started! Lucky us. AND, we get to pay 42 dollars Extra each month for the next three months for a security deposit! How wonderful a company!

poor service I have to pay more money just to pay my bill online.

Trying to destroy the capability of solar in your neighborhood.

kelsey was super nice from the beginning of the call to the end. I only gave a four because I tried to sign up online to pay my bill and there was no way at all to get my account number except to call in. My experience was great.

Worst electric company ever. Terrible payment system. Can't even process paymentd correctly. Should be sold to excel.

Worst most condescending customer service ever. You slap a large fee for "back usage" on your customers and expect immediate payment or you shut of their power because of a broken meter. Due to YOUR faulty equipment. Then you are unwilling to work out a fair payment option when your customers are trying to make an effort to pay it. Tell me how a company can just "predict" how much a meter would be with a broken meter in the first place?
Being charged over $500+ because you "think" I used "X" amount of energy, but you have no idea because your equipment is faulty seems criminal.
Plus a supervisor who not only treated me with disrespect and was extremely condescending.
The day I never have to deal with this horrible company again will be a blessing.

Worst service experience. No IREA rep, 10pm does not count as a same day connection for electricity. No solar company will work with IREA, hopefully Xcel has plans to move to my area.

Their website is garbage, customer service is garbage. Worst utility company I've ever dealt with (and that's saying a lot).

You would think that, being the only available option for power in the Sedalia/Parker area for many residents, that IREA would be better at what they do. Their website is horribly outdated (last week it told me my account didn t exist! This week it s there again), their automatic payments are unreliable and can cause you to pay a bill twice in a month, their mandatory deposit for payments is steep, Their bills come out at a weird time of the month and are confusing, and they don t bother to Tell you when something might be added to your bill. Their phone customer service is rude and there is no compromise or offered solutions when you have an issue. If you have any choice, steer clear of IREA!!

didn t realize there was an issue with bill pay paying the bill they turned off service without a phone call

BUY SOLAR
Meter read goes up with every circuit in house off. Their energy audit want to accuse me of lying to them about some mystery item using electricity. They claimed the well pump was on when the circuit was completely off. Lied to me about rates. Horrible rude and defensive people. Bottom feeders

Worst electric company that I had to deal with. Company is punishing their customers for going solar. We have installed our solar system before reading the reviews about this electric company that unfortunately we have to use without having a choice. That was a big mistake. The first bill we received contained 30 fee which they call a "Load Factor" which was very disappointing to say the least. I called the company and they explained that this is because we use our electric appliances during peak hours together at the same time. and if we spread the usage out throughout the day we should avoid the charge or at least it should be a lot less. This is what we did. We started doing laundry and dish washing during the day and on weekends. That absolutely didn't help at all, next month our load factor fee is almost identical even 2 dollars higher. This looks like a punishment for the people who want to use an alternative energy. It is very disappointing and frustrating. If I had a choice I would switch to a different electric company in a sec.

I have lived in several areas around the country and have never experienced such disappointing service from a utility company. Losing power at least once a month even in clear and calm weather conditions for several hours (could be up to 12 hours) has been constant for the last 6 years that I have lived here. They have unnecessary fees attached to their bills and very high rates. We've been accused of being late and sent overdue bills because the company was making our payments to someone else's account and wouldn't even apologize for their mistake. Now, somebody shows up at my house (no phone call) to disconnect the power because we were a day late paying our bill.

It is a shame that there are no other options and that IREA pretty much gets to do what they want without any consequences. It's hard to believe that in 2018, there's not some sort of parameters to keep utility companies in check, especially when so many customers have this much trouble with them.

Worst power company. We have several outages a year. They also changed their pricing so if you want to go solar they try and make it not cost effective by charging you peak power rates. Making solar companies not want to work in my area. They lease their power from excel. Excel allows solar without this peak power rates. WTF!

I had a great experience setting up and getting service moved to a new apartment. Michelle (service representative) was extremely helpful answering all of my questions and laying out my different options. Dealing with utility companies can often be a difficult and stressful situation, this was most definitely not the case this time! Thank You!

The only way to set up automatic payment is an ACH form that looks like it is written in crayon that must be faxed. Not only do you have to put sensitive bank information on a hard copy form, when you fax it.... no confirmation. Nothing. If you don't send a form then they charge you a $125 fee. This company is a relic from the stone age....

This company is an absolute joke. The website is terrible and they charge a convenience fee, $2.50, on something that makes their job easier and faster. But I digress, as I sit and try to pay a bill and the site is down. Further, I can't get assistance, which I've come to expect minimal help, when I call their customer service center.

So why one star, well a better question is how can I make it less than 1 star.

IREA and Dave Coker made our build much easier and less expensive than we could ever have hoped for. They worked with our contractor to get things done in a more timely manner. Kudos to this company.

These ass holes are not open on saturday. How am i supposed to pay bill in person or over phone. Do they want our money or to screw us. Bunch of crooks.

Double-billed and then charged a late fee during a pandemic lockdown - fantastic customer service guys.

They charged 83 dollars in just 13 days. Thts freakin expensive!

Highway robbery!!! My electric bill was $600 in a 3200 square foot house and we spent half the time freezing our tails off to avoid running the heaters. They're criminals as far as I'm concerned.

Horrible company. Does not care for its disabled customers and have rude representatives.

Power bill is less than the big city and power has not gone off in years. If anyone gets cut off, it's because they didn't pay the bill AND didn't call the power company.....These guys have always been more than accommodating.

I just called and spoke with Joe in customer service, he was extremely professional and answered every question I had, straight to the point. Thanks Joe!

Very poor customer service! If you are unfortunate enough to get a "customer service" rep by the name of Rob on the phone; hang up and call back. Donna is the only competent employee of this Member Owned Energy Company. My suggestion to the board is to put the members first and revamp the way calls are managed.

We recently got new cards and I forgot to switch the automatic bill pay over to the new card number which resulted in our power being shut off. (Learned my lesson on that!) however, after paying the balance due at 11:00am we are still without power at 5:30pm and the only information IREA is providing us with is someone will be out by today to turn it back on . I asked what time does their work day usually end? The response was 11:00pm. I asked if I could get the phone number of the service person assigned to my house to see about what time they are expecting to turn my service back on and they responded with our guys don t carry phones when they are in the field, just their laptops!!!

What a sad excuse for a business! I really wish we had another option for electric service in Castle Pines!!!

Neighbor had some digging and dug up the cable!! IREA was on it, and fixed it ASAP. and communicated with us. and were great.

would like to pay my bill on line without a fee, I think this sucks but the over all service is fine.

Really poor company. I even tried to file a complaint with the Colorado PUC, but unfortunately, these folks aren't regulated by the PUC. Very poor customer service, never available on weekends, high rates. I would switch to Excel in a heartbeat, but IREA is the only option in my area.

Had to sign up with this company because I bought house in castle rock. Lesson number one: call utilities before you buy a house. All of them.

This company is shady to say the least! Recently our bill went up over $100. Ironically it comes shortly after a new meter was installed, which there was no advanced noticed. In several social media communities feedback has been the same. Response we got from the company was hotter than normal temperatures. They told us that they dont have to justify price, and can come on to our property and replace meter anytime they want. Asked for a breakdown of usage, and they couldn't provide. See recent story from Fox 31 KDVR. It's a major problem in Castle Rock. Many residents are considering a class action lawsuit. Very shady practices.

We have lived here 35 years and we never once ever had any issue with IREA.

They worked all day and restored our power in the middle of a blizzard!

Never has a power company given me so much drive to purchase a backup generator. Even in perfectly clear weather, we lose power at least once a month for several hours, and multiple times per month, we get short blips, enough to reset everything in the house. It is 75 degrees currently, not a cloud in the sky, very slight breeze, and the power is out again. This company is a joke. It is expected to be in the 90's today, and I have exotic pets at home, in danger of overheating. This unstable power has already cost me 1 TV and 2 microwaves. This company should be shut down and taken over by someone with some sort of competence.

I ve always had a good experience on communication with this company. I call with any concern and they are willing to answer questions and are honest if they are unsure of an answer BUT will research to get the answer you need. Just recently I had a concern on payment out of my account about 2 weeks after I paid. They explained that they just changed to a new payment service and that may be the reason. They confirmed I wasn t charged twice and to let them know if it happened again. They understood my frustration and were very helpful in assisting on my issue.

They have great customer service!
The ladies that work there are all amazing and very kind.
I've called a couple times with questions and concerns and each time was a great experience; they were extremely helpful.
Thank you!

This organization is so incredibly incompetent. Any minor wet snow storm and we all lose power for 24 hours or more. They really just a group of hillbilly hacks running a ramshackle power company.

Had a couple trees near their lines, but mostly threatening because my wife and I were going to try to take them down ourselves. They took the phone call, sent a team out a few days later, and saved me tons of work and anxiety!

Called IREA to transfer service from my current residence to my new home. Talked to Michelle, got the transfer order submitted. I was told I had to pay a $5 'membership fee' (what? I've been an IREA customer since 2003!), but that the $400 meter connect fee would be waived, seeing as how I had an exemplary payment history.

Two days later, I get a call from the same Michelle. Turns out, the billing department 'discovered' I had an outstanding balance of (get this!!!) $45 from an account that was closed out over 8 years ago. I quickly paid the $45 (plus a $2.50 Western Union fee). Here's the funny part - I never got a final bill from IREA. I was never contacted by IREA, either by phone, mail or email, about this so-called 'unresolved account.' I had no clue that this account still had a balance (if in fact it did). It's not like they couldn't find me, I've been an IREA customer for over 15 years. But their miraculous discovery of this outstanding $45 means I now have to pay the $400 meter fee. OH! I was told that if I'm really good and pay my bill on time for the next year, I will get my $400 back. plus interest. Yeah right - I'll hold my breath on that one, Michelle. Pure scam from the word 'go.'

These people aren't bad, for a utility. I have dealt with much worse. They have also clearly laid out in some of their news letters why the regulations out of the Obama administration were close to insane in their logic. Smart people.

When it comes to electricity, we all need it, right?! So isn't it great that a company can deliver that service to the public without making it harder than it needs to be?! Thanks to the ANGEL named Krista behind the desk at the Sedalia More

Wow same complaint on all these reviews. I have a confirmation number for payment and they still cut my power.

IREA is likely the worst 'Service' provider in the nation. Their billing practices are shady at best, and even with E-bill and autopay they still charge late fees and "disconnect notice fees". Bills must be paid the day they are received apparently to avoid any of these said fees.

IREA is trash and everyone should avoid using them at all costs.

Calling in to set up a new account-- started out 3rd in line-- bit of time passed, and the message said I was "first in queue" only for the message to repeat a few more times to now say that I was "fourth in queue". Now 30 minutes in and no communication with a real person

TERRIBLE bill pay options....many problems over the years

I've had them for around 15 years and have no complaints. We even ran another service line to a new barn and they did an excellent job. We've had pedestals changed out as well. They have always been professional, communicated well, and were overall awesome. Keep up the good work.

This is the worst display of customer service that I have ever received!

Horrible. I am so disappointed that they are the only option in my area. They are unwilling to help in any way and are quick just to shut off your power, they don't care that you have kids at home or whatever your situation is, all they want is their money. I was so much happier when I has excel. :(

How long until you stop screwing your customers who want renewables?

Their payment system is built to be inconvenient. They cap the amount you are allowed to pay by card, forcing you to find a checkbook or go in and pay cash. It s almost 2020 and these people operate like they are supplying the power to the flint stones. I wish there was another option but it s a monopoly.

Service has always been prompt if there is an issue. I don't find that the utility bills are any higher than what I experienced with Excel. Payment options are definitely outdated but I haven't experienced any of the negative things posted in some of the other reviews.

We are not to happy with the new meters that are being installed, ours kept losing power, shorting out, had no electricity for about 12 hours, it was replaced with another new one. hope this one will be as good as the original old meter. the new stuff being made now days seems to be junk, no matter what your looking for...

I haven't ever had any problems with IREA they have always been very helpful and polite when i have contacted them. And there rates seem great from my view point. I am only posting this because of all the negative reviews I saw. If you guys think irea is a terrible company stay out of idaho. Idaho power is your only choice there and it is insanely priced. Colorado home 3000 sq ft power bill avg 150. Idaho 1700 sq ft 450 avg and if you are past due in Idaho 10 days idaho power will bring the police witb them to shut your power off. Winter, summer, cold, hot, kids, infants it doesn't matter to them. So just a little insight.

AKA TRUMP ELECTRIC can NOT BE CHRISTIANS responsible for another senior's passing in my apartment complex...two since 2015. Hopefully;.steps by the federal government will stop their unlawful practices. As a 'Coop and run by millionaires who do not care; ' IREA does not follow federal guidelines in accepting medical certificates. They take advantage of disabled seniors on low income. A major Network will be airing a story in early December. As a disabled senior with end stage heart failure and just a past due of $65.00. for one month!..my oxygen will be turned off before I get my next social security check. I have a pacemaker/ defibulator which also has a power source base station. With a brain injury and poor balance, i am a high risk for falls. My medical alert is also 'power based'. I need a donor to save my life. My doctor is appaled, but fully aware of IREA;s practices. I need someone to help. If not; I shall be another example of IREA and how they do NOT value a life. sara adler castle rock, co

Requested the power be turned on on Monday. It is now Thursday at almost 9pm and it still hasn t been done. After numerous calls and being LIED to multiple times that it was turned on here we are. One star is to high if a rating.

I have always been very happy with IREA's response to customers but today went even further with a personal call. I had a situation last night with someone at my door and let it suffice to say that person ended up with zero affiliation with IREA (i.e. thus reason no ID). Not only did IREA care about the experience itself but also my personal safety! Julie called me quickly and directly when she received my email detailing the situation and provided extremely helpful insights. I am incredibly grateful that IREA cares that much about their customers to go above and beyond like that!

IREA has been servicing my home for 40years, hardly ever an outage or service problem

Been waiting 8.5 hours for my power to be turned on. I called the guy said to give him 4 more was so rude and told me"he had to go" and hung up. Absolutely sorry excuse for customer service and a way to run a business....horrible would 100% switch services if possible.

Monopoly energy company. We re here because we have no other option - their service reflects that.

Horriable and Heartless ...no job do to Covid than I cant wear mask do to blockage in my nose so hard for me to find work...Would not work on bill with us at all. Like many we were hugely effected by this. Sad in these times you cant find any company with a heart anymore....Rude Customer service as well

Had an outage from high wind on Christmas night. They resolved the issue by 1:00PM the next day. They we're quick to respond to my outage notification and acted quickly to resolve the issue.

Seriously, in this day and age, why don't you have online bill pay!
Western Union, what, are we in the 60's?

We've never really had a problem with Irea up until they decided to replace a street light and threw the remnants on our yard. We called and complained and we were assured it would be picked up yesterday. It's still in our yard, luckily there isn't any glass but we still have 2 kids and a dog and they are lucky it happened at night and no one got hurt. Not really a big fan of a company that throws their trash in my yard for us to clean up and doesn't come back to get it.

This company has gone out of its way to cheat the customer, we have been a customer for 40 year. There was never a service charge until a few years ago, as we own a home with (2) meters so irea yes little irea charges us (2) service charges, what a bunch of cr_p. Over 25% of our electric bill is a service charge. Really, Which da do you think came of with this rip of idea ??????????????. Now they send out the watts&volts using our money, what a waste, irea are a bunch of crooks.

We just bought a house that IREA services in May. Today is the second power outage since then!!! Horrible, never had a problem with Excel. They need to get their stuff together. We have a special needs son and power outages are so hard on us. My neighbors told us this is not uncommon with IREA

Since we have installed solar panels on our home, the monthly bills continue to go up due to their insane special fees applied to solar customers using energy when the panels aren t producing. We consistently produce more than we use, but we can t use that bank (like we were originally told) when the panels aren t producing. When I called about our bill being over $100 numerous months of the year when it was supposed to be $12.50, I was told not to use power after dark, never use more than one appliance at a time, and turn off the HVAC at night...complete nonsense in Colorado! If you have IREA, do not get solar!!! It ll take 10 years past when we finish paying for the system for it to pay for itself.