UtiliPRO Joint Venture to Provide Home Warranty Services
According to a news release, Atlanta based AGL Resources, Detroit-based DTE Energy and Tampa-based TECO Energy, Inc. have formed a joint venture to offer home warranty products and services under the brand name “UtiliPRO”
UtiliPRO will be launched in Georgia before opening for business in other AGL Resources territories, including Tennessee, Virginia, Maryland and New Jersey and possibly other states. The firm was established at the tail end of 2009 and is based in Atlanta. UtiliPRO will be headed by former DTE Energy director of business development Kevin McCrackin.
UtiliPRO initially is offering a home warranty appliance repair program that will cover both natural gas and electric appliances. The program details are not available, but it appears the company will cover only heating and cooling appliances. Most of the home warranty companies such as American Home Shield offer a blanket policy covering many other appliances in the home. This program is unusual, however, the repair or replacement costs are much higher for heating appliances, so consumers might be willing to pay less and have coverage for large appliances.
“Given current economic conditions, this is an ideal time to launch this new business,” said John W. Somerhalder II, chairman, president and CEO of AGL Resources. “UtiliPRO will help people manage unplanned and expensive repairs of their most important appliances.”
Kevin McCrackin said the backing and experience of three well-regarded utilities – AGL Resources, DTE Energy and TECO Energy – with a desire to provide valued products and services during these challenging times will differentiate UtiliPRO from traditional providers of home warranties.
“UtiliPRO combines the utility business appreciation for effective, efficient processes that deliver consistent, quality service with in-the-home, beyond-the-meter products and services that extend the public trust of their utility into a more direct customer relationship,” McCrackin said.
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This venture should not be described as a home warranty. I have had a home warranty policy for 8 years (2 different companies) and have been generally satisfied. Utilipro only covers appliances and does not address the many items covered under a typical home warranty. Yet it costs 20% more than my current policy for less coverage.
I dont quite get their marketing and pricing plan.
At first glance a home appliance repair program seems like a great deal BUT, as in anything, you must study the small print! This is especially true when the program applies to you HVAC system.
While this type program may be OK for your toaster or microwave, it certainly is not right for your high tech heating and cooling system which requires regular, preventive maintenance by a highly trained and licensed HVAC professional.
Think about this…
Your health and safety could be compromised! Without periodic maintenance and safety inspections performed by qualified technicians, your family’s health and life safety are put at risk due to issues like carbon monoxide leaks.
Your utility bills could be higher and you could needlessly be wasting our nations energy. Periodic maintenance performed by qualified technicians will keep your utility bills under control and will conserve our nations energy. Systems not operating at peak performance will result in compromising your comfort in extreme weather conditions.
Manufacturers warranties can be invalid with the lack of routine maintenance. Most manufacturers owners manuals clearly state their systems must be properly maintained in order for the warranty to be in effect.
Your system will not be operating safely for the environment. Periodic maintenance performed by qualified technicians results in refrigerant leaks being discovered and promptly repaired. Failure to do so will result in compromising our commitment to protecting our ozone as well as ignoring our commitment to EPA regulations.
I agree with the top two responders the value is very low shop around and have your unit cleaned everyear.