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Ambit Energy (OpTree Profile), the retail energy provider that has benefited greatly from the deregulation of energy in many states around the country, has just announced a new referral program that will allow customers to earn free electricity and natural gas.

Customers with Ambit can earn free electricity and gas as well as other rewards including discounted travel packages simply by signing up friends and family to use Ambit as their energy provider. The referral program is being launched and is currently under way in the state of Texas, where Ambits Lone Star Select is currently the lowest price energy plan in the state. The program is also underway in New York where customers who maintain 15 paying customers that they’ve referred will receive checks in the mail. Texas residents will receive credit towards their monthly bill.

“In a market characterized by highly volatile energy rates, our customers can reduce or eliminate their payments month after month,” stated Ambit Energy Co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer Chris Chambless. “This free energy is unique in the retail energy market and positions Ambit Energy over our competitors as a true innovator.”

Ambit Energy Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Jere W. Thompson, Jr., said, “as we pursue our vision to be the finest and most respected competitive energy provider in the country, this free energy program will produce significant benefits for our customers, for our growing family of Ambit Independent Consultants and for the company.”

You can check out the site for more info on the program and to find out what you need to do to sign up and save. Currently Ambit Energy serves customers in Texas, New York and in Illinois. As they grow and laws are passed to deregulate energy in other states, Ambit will continue to grow and expand.

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Ambit Energy (OpTree Profile) has just announced that they have acquired all of the retail electric service contracts in Texas from Commerce Energy, Inc, which is the operating subsidiary of Commerce Energy Group, Inc. The deal is reportedly worth roughly $14.8 million dollars.

The purchase prices includes $8.5 million in cashed due at closing and a second payment of $2.7 million in a second payment which is the reduced price after customer deposits and final customer count. The first two payments will become due on or before November 24th, and the remaining balance will be paid over a two year period.

Commerce Energy Group will continue to provide retail electric power and natural gas in its other markets.

“This is a significant, positive step in both paying down debt as well as strengthening the core platform of the company,” said Commerce chief operating officer, Michael Fallquist. “We found a buyer in Ambit that shares our commitment to great technology, products and customer service. Ambit has agreed to preserve the terms and conditions of the customer contracts and this transaction will be seamless to all our customers.”

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Ambit Energy (OpTree Profile) the direct sales alternative energy provider, made an appearance in the New York Times this weekend as the highly regarded paper profiled the company in an article about the pros and many cons of many of these Alternative Energy Service Companies or ESCO’s as they are otherwise known.

Ambit which set up shop in New York only a year ago, has held several meetings in the New York area, one of their fastest growing markets, and throngs have turned out to listen to the Ambit opportunity and learn how they can convince their friends to sign up, save money and maybe even earn money. But there seem to be some glitches in the way the message is being interpreted.

Apparently, Ambit, like other alternative energy companies profits in two ways- one- off of their “independent distributors” who pay a fee to sell energy, and by charging flat fees and requiring a contract. Ambit charges an initial $399 plus $25 extra bucks a month for a personalized web site. Ambit promises that distributors can earn this money back by signing up just 30 people in 12 weeks.

Ambit has recently been getting attention from state regulators who say that sales representatives who are poorly trained are taking advantage of many people by confusing them about savings, inflating savings and misrepresenting contracts and figures. Those who are especially at risk of being taken advantage of are the elderly and those who do not speak English and are on a tight budget.

Con Edison, the largest provider of energy in New York, estimates rates on each month’s bill and later reconciles them based on actual prices that fluctuate daily. Alternative energy companies will generally only offer one flat rate along with a contract, ignoring the fluctuating market. These alternative companies post ‘average rates” on public service websites, which may confuse some people about actual costs of energy.

In the last year, since Ambit has been in business in New York, the Public Service commission has received over 3,000 complaints about the 50 or so ESCO’s operating throughout the state. 34 of those complaints have been about Ambit just this year which is a bit startling but compared to Con Ed, isn’t actually that much.

But reviews aren’t all bad as several New Yorkers claim to not only have saved with Ambit, but have also made money as representatives. Currently, Ambit only has a 1% percent share of the energy market, so there is potentially a huge opportunity out there to sell deregulated energy to the millions of people who have not signed up. As with any other company or opportunity, it is important to thoroughly investigate the opportunity. Ambit is a private company, and refuses to disclose anything regarding finances, but there is info and review out there if you’re interested in the opportunity.

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Ambit Energy (OpTree Profile) a provider of de-regulated energy and electricity has announced that David Biegler, a former Vice Chairman, President and COO of TXU has just joined Ambit as an advisor to the executive management team.

In addition to coming on as an advisor, Biegler has also invested in the company. Biegler’s former company, TXU is also a supplier of energy and electricity and a competitor of Ambit. Biegler retired from TXU in 2001.

Biegler brings with him over 40 years of experience in the energy industry. Currently, he serves as Chairman of natural gas transportation and processing firm, Estrella Energy-www.estrellaenergy.com- Along with his experience in the industry, Biegler also brings a great deal of credibility as well as an impressive resume. He has served as President, Circle Ten Council of the Boy Scouts, and he has chaired the Greater Dallas Chamber of Commerce, and the United Way of Dallas. Currently he sits on the board of Southwest Airlines.

“This is the first time I have invested in a Texas-based electric retail provider. I like Ambit’s experienced management team, its home-grown systems, its expansion into New York and Illinois, and its remarkable business model. The company has had phenomenal growth and has demonstrated its ability to manage that growth very well. Ambit’s strategic partnership with Shell Energy Trading speaks a lot about the respect Ambit has earned from the giants in the industry in such a short amount of time. I am excited about the opportunity to play a role in helping Ambit reach its potential and about joining this group of investors,” said Mr. Biegler.

“David Biegler’s experience in the energy industry is invaluable. He is a perfect addition to our investor group,” stated Ambit Energy Co-founder and CEO, Jere Thompson, Jr. “His standing and respect in our industry and our local community is enormous. We look forward to tapping into his expertise and wisdom.”

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