Hocon

Contract price a year ago of $2.08/gallon. They're now billing $3.99 a year later. These guys have 22 complaints with BBB, 1/2 on billing and 1/2 on product/services. Advised them of this and their VP, denied it. Unbelievable. Not even aware of their own reputation which is posted online (attached). Started discussion by advising them their price is 90% higher than what we were quoted on contract. He starts to argue with me, saying there's fluctuations in gas prices, even though I'm aware propane gas prices have come down. Then he starts to get combative and threatens to report me ... for what wasn't clear. Very unpleasant interaction. If you're looking for a reputable propane company, there's many out there, that won't double their price and who doesn't have 22 complaints on file. Certainly, being threatened as a customer, after being charged 90% higher than what's quoted on contract, is a very uncomfortable position. I also explained to Mr. Cummings there's 22 complaints against the company. He said that was not true. Clearly, again, Mr. Cummings was not being honest or is not aware of the facts. In any case, I posted the BBB ratings of Hocon. I explained to Mr. Cummings that I already complained to the BBB and Attorney General. He said he was going to call the AG's office and that he already know them. Not sure why but maybe they've called Hocon out before for irregular pricing practices. Then Mr. Cummings proceeded to threaten me by stating "I will report and respond to all your complaints by saying you're threatening me". Not sure how respond to Mr. Cummings but to end the call. I find Hocon pricing practices very deceptive (increasing the price over 90% after signing a contract) and sadly, Mr. Cummings exemplified this first hand. He not only did not address the original issue, but then threatens me. Mr. Cummings asked what price was acceptable. I told him $2.08, what he quoted in the contract his company signed. He said he couldn't do that. I get pricing fluctuating a bit, but going up 90% when the national average has come down? I've looked up the US Residential Propane Prices over time: [*** Link removed ***] Prices have been coming down since the time they offered me the $2.08/gallon price. As shown on the chart, the latest national price for propane (March 2020) is around $1.98. But Hocon is charging $3.99, over double that. If that's not the definition of price gouging, not sure what is. Instead of the company and Mr. Cummings standing by their original price (which should be more profitable given the national pricing has come down), but Mr. Cummings continues to try to wiggle out of the original pricing and fight the facts. He's now now trying to twist the facts. Not sure companies come more deceptive than these guys. Look them up on the Better Business Bureau site: [*** Link removed ***] Facts speak for themselves. Buyer beware with these guys ....

Customer service tries to help, but the policy is to make clients call them to get an adjustment. If you disagree, they are fast to send the bill for collection and strong arm the payment. They are double or more for the same products elsewhere.

I ran out of propane due to their administrative screw-up. No apologies, some rude lady told me I made a mistake on the form. However, I retained a copy and the mistake was clearly theirs. After my two years I discovered that I had been paying about 70% higher propane prices than the competitors were offering. Hocon offered to lower their price and give me a credit, but could not match the competitor. On my next delivery, they mistakenly charged the higher price again and forgot about the credit they had offered! Stay away. Shop around. I don't understand how organizations like this stay in business.

Perfect. First time needing propane, so they had to assess the system first. They were friendly, professional, and most important - honest. I would have been a pushover converting to propane hot water (we only use it for the stove), but they were very clear about the number of years it would take to break even given the amount of work that would have to be done. Wish I could say the same about my original HVAC and plumbing people.

Had to call seven times, and finally contacted the owner before anyone would respond. Installation bill was double what was quoted.

All you have to do is call Hocon to do the delivery and it happens. They never give you a hard time. They take your calls and I pay them with a credit card every time so they don't have to come to the door. I really like them.

They refused to do anything about the idle tank which still contains propane.

It took three weeks to get them to install tanks for a pool heater. I had to dig my own trench for their line because "they don't do that." The set the 100 lb tanks on shifty little concrete blocks which, of course, became unstable and the tanks are now sliding off the blocks and leaning against my pool fence. When I called to get this fixed, Ashley's solution was to divert me to the service manager's voice mail. No call back from this guy after several days. Similarly, I wanted to have the gas connection to my gas grill reattached to a new deck and called HOCON. Again, they referred me to a voice mail for Jason the "sales representative." He returned my call by leaving me a voice mail, and I tried again two more times, but could never connect. That was two weeks ago. What sales rep doesn't sell, usually this guys are all over a prospective customer?? I finally just bent the pipe myself and reattached it to the deck. These people seem to be on "utility welfare." They just keep charging local customers and their responsiveness is nonexistent. I will say that the HOCON workers who have come to our house have been polite and accommodating. But the management of this utility is so incredibly poor that the line workers never really connect with customers. It was a big mistake for us to go with them.

They’re good.

Just bought a house and there was a Hocon tank already on the property. I called them to have it filled. After multiple attempts and no call-backs I finally was able to speak to the single person on their staff who can apparently open new accounts. She assured me that it was no problem and they just needed to do a safety inspection, which I scheduled. They had a window of 8-12, no show and no phone call. I called at 12:45 and was told the driver was just running behind, but should be there shortly. I called again at 1:30 and was finally told the driver had been pulled for an emergency call and could they come the following day and they would waive the inspection fee. I agreed, again with the 8-12 window, which I asked that they put me at the front of. Again, no driver showed and no call was received. I requested they close the account and remove their tank from my property. While I understand that things happen and sometimes appointments need to be broken, however I expect at least a minimum of professionalism and courtesy. Otherwise, as in this case, I will be taking my business elsewhere.

No propane delivery after two days of trying. Customer-service rep was rude, combative and hung up on me. Avoid Hocon!