!Now, because I've been very late paying the electric bill sev. months,they want to charge me $350!

[lildreamer316]

So now I think we're gonna be back in serious trouble. I owe for my regular bill PLUS the 'security deposit' (demanded AFTER service starts? whatevea); and they informed me that any payments I make from here on out go to the security depost first; and then to the bill due - but they can still turn off my service for nonpayment of the bill due.

This is supposed to be in response to us being late for several months on our bill and making payment arrangements more than once. Blood from a stone, anyone? What the fuck??

I am really friggin' upset. We were holding our head above water, but...this could push us under.
I'll be doing some juggling and calculating for a few days. Cross your fingers for us.

[SeattleGirl]

1. Start going up the chain.

Ask for a supervisor; if you don't get anywhere see if there is someone above that person with whom you can speak.

If THAT doesn't work, then call the state office of the energy commissioner (or whatever that person is called where you are)and see if they can help you.

Years ago, I was behind on my energy bill. I had been unemployed for awhile, and had some problem getting my unemployment bennies to come through.

The person I spoke with when I called the power company was exceedingly rude, so I asked to speak with her supervisor. The supervisor was even worse, screeching, "If you don't send me MY money NOW, I'll shut your power off!" Yikes! I got both their names, and then I did this:

I called the office of the energy commissioner in the state capitol, and got through to the man himself. I explained what was going on, and how I had been treated. I told him that I had no job, and my first unemployment check was coming on Friday, at which time I would go to one of the local pay stations and pay what I owed. He told me he would call me back in a few minutes, which he did. Problem taken care of. I'm not sure what he said to those women, but they backed down, and that Friday, I did just what I said I would do: I paid the bill. I will always be grateful for that man; he really helped me out.

Oh, and the amount I owed? $35! Threats to me because of $35.

Some people ought never work in a job where they need to deal with the public.

Good luck to you, ld.

[lildreamer316]

2. Thanks...

for the input. I will def. consider doing that.
$35 is ridic. Absolutely nuts.

[Xipe Totec]

3. My Bro just went through the same thing in Dallas

2 days late, cut the power.

$100 late fee, $100 reconnect fee, plus the bill.

They'll get to it when they get to it...

Sleeping under a pile of blankets, with a cat for warmth.

[SeattleGirl]

4. That really sucks, XT

I think these things need to be reported, and the companies forced to stop doing crap like that.

I mean, how fucking stupid. Someone is too poor to stay totally on top of their bills, so what do they get? MORE money piled onto the bill they couldn't pay in the first place!

Fucking heartless bastards!