IRONTON — If you live in Ironton, chances are you might have a knock on your door today or tomorrow.

Sales representatives from Direct Energy, a natural gas reseller that is part of Columbia Gas’ customer choice program, will be spread throughout the city knocking on doors looking to trump up business.

The company will have five sales reps hitting the pavement throughout the city and will be visiting homes from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. both Tuesday and Wednesday.

Officials with Direct Energy say they will not go to homes that have identified themselves with “No Solicitors” signs.

Each representative will be wearing identification badges that are visible in plain sight with the company’s logo on them. Residents can call (866) 966-9892 should they need additional verification.

Direct Energy is the largest energy and home services competitive energy retailer in North America.

Its U.S. operations span 22 states and the District of Columbia.

For residential customers and small business, Direct Energy offers fixed price electricity and gas plans, as an alternative to the local utility.

Through its services division, Direct Energy installs and services heating, ventilating and air conditioning equipment.

The business practice of Direct Energy’s door-to-door representatives is that they sell contracts that lock customers into a scheduled flat rate of increases by what they allege is hedging against possible rate increases placed by the transmission company, Columbia Gas.

While savings can and do happen based on the future price of natural gas, customers are not given any relief or early contract termination should the price of natural gas drop.

However, the company can unilaterally terminate the contract if the prices rise higher than the scheduled rates agreed to by the customer and sales representative.