AMBIT ENERGY COMPANY
Written By: Betty Stephens of Quest Media
Ambit Energy is a United States multilevel marketing retail electricity and natural gas provider that serves residential and commercial customers in states where energy has been deregulated. Corporate headquarters are located in Dallas, Texas, and operations/call center headquarters are located in Plano, Texas. Ambit Energy was founded in 2006 in Addison, Texas by Jere Thompson Jr. and Chris Chambless.
Electric and natural gas Customers throughout California, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas and Washington, D.C. are choosing Ambit Energy as their choice in energy today. Ambit has grown to serve over 1 million Customers in only six years. And, it is said that those who make the switch often stay with Ambit for the signature perks they offer. They offer free energy when a customer refers 15 new Customers, or the customer may choose Travel Rewards for trips and cruises. They have created one of the most attractive Customer rewards programs in the industry. Once the customer signs up, they can begin the benefits of being an Ambit Energy Customer right away.
Ambit also offers an app for convenience in the palm of the customer’s hand. Depending on service territory, customers can enjoy freedom to pay bills, view usage and update account details from any web-enabled device.
Sales Structure
Ambit Energy obtains customers through a network of independent consultants who work directly with the customers. Ambit Energy uses direct selling and is a member of the Direct Selling Association of America. Direct selling is the marketing and selling of products directly to consumers away from a fixed retail location.
• Ambit Energy was named 2010’s Fastest Growing Privately Held Company by Inc. 500 and placed 390 in 2011.
• Ambit Energy placed 15th on the Direct Selling News Global 100 List in 2011 and 14th in 2012.
Ambit Energy Customers in Texas receive transmission and distribution services from the following energy companies:
1. AEP Texas provides electricity to residents throughout southern and western Texas.
2. CenterPoint Energy provides electricity to the 5,000 square mile footprint of the Houston metropolitan area.
3. Oncor provides electricity to residents of northern, western and central Texas.
4. TNMP provides electricity for western and northern central Texas, as well as areas of the Gulf Coast region.
Criticism
Ambit has been criticized for its direct sales model, and for being a multi-level marketing company. In May 2011, Ambit was sued by a consultant, who alleged that Ambit’s structure is a pyramid scheme. By August 2012, after several amendments and alterations to the original complaints including the removal of all allegations of fraud, a judge dismissed the case.
Ambit’s sales representatives have also been accused of overstating the benefits of participation, and of being overly aggressive in marketing to vulnerable customers such as the elderly, and non-English speakers, who might not fully understand the complexities of energy pricing.
