Electric Bill

[hyphenate]

I moved from L.A. in February, 2003 back to Massachusetts after 15 long years in CA. Believe me, while the cold was a deterrent, the fact that it was so hot in the winter there that I nearly died every time I went out, it was a welcome relief to get "seasons" again.

I left behind a small electric bill of about $17. The electric company hounded me nearly to death to try to collect it, and I never did. About January of this year, suddenly they sent me a "credit" in the exact amount of my "overdue" bill, cancelling it out. And this past week, they've given me an additional "credit" for $2.29. Well, since the chances of me moving back to L.A. anytime soon are nil, I've been thinking: should I pursue those asses as much as they pursued me, all for the amount to be given back to me for the $2.29? I think pursuit would be in my best interest, and if CA ever straightens out the lawsuits against Enron and the other energy brokers, I would be due back a fairly good sum for the summers of 2000 and 2001.

Anyone have any advice? I think they deserve a taste of their own tactics, and I'd be more than happy to do it, or should I just forget about it?

[NV Whino]

1. Forget it.

You would be so frustrated by their voice mail you'd go stark raving bonkers. Enjoy the seasons and forget CA.

[Cornus]

2. Why...

...didn't you pay the original $17 bill? If it was owed it should have been paid. If it wasn't owed but produced a credit, I would feel guilty trying to collect it when I know that I didn't deserve it to begin with. Am I missing something? Or do you just have no scruples?

[hyphenate]

4. Nope

you got it wrong. I had paid the last bill, and the $17 was supposedly what I owed. As it is, they CANCELLED that amount they said I owed, so I DIDN'T owe them anything. NOW, they're saying I have a CREDIT of $2.29. So now, they owe ME money!

And yes, I have plenty of scruples. I didn't pay for what I didn't feel I owed to them. Ultimately, it wouldn't matter anyhow--I haven't worked since I came back to MA anyhow, and have absolutely no income at all. If a friend wasn't providing a roof over my head, I'd be out on the street.

[worksux]

3. look at this 2 ways: ethically and practically

1. ethically-that's easy send them a check
2. real world-if they can't handle trying to organise if you owe them or they owe you, these are just really stupid sloppy people. If you contacted them you would probably just give them another reason to screw up again on your account.
bottom line: remember playing Monopoly as a kid? the card from Community Chest that said "Bank Error in Your Favor" and it was for like 15 bucks. Ok it's 2004. $17 won't even buy you a pair of shoes at Payless Shoesource.
Consider yourself lucky.
my 2 cents
Kathryn