What should I do about my utilities company?
Question:Ever since I moved back to the town I grew up in, I've had problems with my utilities company. They provide everything, including gas, water, and electricity. And they are the only utility company in town.
At my former apt, which was extremely small, they claimed that my husband and I used 14000 gallons of water in a month! We were assured by our landlord that there were no leaks or anything of that nature. The company refused to explain why they believed this, just that it was on the meter.
We have recently moved and they have chargeds us $213 for the 5 days we spent at the old apt. - even though we received a statement that said we only owed $126. Again, they couldn't explain it to us - they were just telling us "what was in the system".
This is a load of BS! Several times in the past they have told us we owed 1 amount when we received a statement about another. I can't afford to pay this much - even $126 for 5 days seems like a lot to me.
What should I do?
Answers:
I work for a large electric utility in Texas. The best recourse for you would be to look up the Public Utility Commission in the state you live in. Try a yahoo search for "PUC of "Kansas" or wherever you live. They will have information on how to log a complaint on-line or through the mail. These are the people you should talk to if you are getting the run around from the utility company. The PUC is a regulatory entity and will get to the bottom of this issue on your behalf. Hope this helps.
i would get a lawyer
This sounds like they are taking you for a ride. I would start by talking to some people who lived in that same apartment building and see what their utilities run them. Second, I would go around to your neighbors now and explain the situation and see what they are paying as well. Try and make copies of their bills and show the differences (if there are any) and go to them. On the new house I would ask them to put in a new meter so that you know that part isn't faulty. Good luck. Maybe you can call the city and ask them who you complain to about price gouging, because it sounds like that is what is going on for you.
Try visiting their office in person. Take your records with you and ask to see a supervisor or manager.
Remain calm and ask for some assistance. If you are not satisfied try step #2.
Do you have a local TV station in your town or city. Many places do and the TV stations will do some investigation for you. They love to expose companies that are ripping off the general public.
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