posted on October 24, 2003 03:14:25 PM new
My letter to the PUCO. Utility monopolies have got to end!!!!!
"When attempting to get the gas turned on (around October 1), my son, *******, and his roommate, *******, were told that since the previous tenants never paid their gas bill they would have to pay $175 deposit. Bull crap. You cannot hold an innocent party liable for the acts of another. They then required a copy of the lease and two forms of identification to be faxed to them along with a phone call authorizing a $175 withdrawal from his bank. My son, in my presence, faxed this information on Monday morning the 20th. He then called Dominion and they took the $175 from his account. When are they turning on the gas? On November 3rd. Again, bull crap. They have his money and it's cold outside. They have absolutely NO RIGHT to withhold services for that long (two weeks). Here's the good part. ***** was told by a worker that if he paid him money, he would come out on Monday the 27th to turn the gas on. In my book that is extortion. In my book, that is illegal. Now, I suggest someone have a Dominion worker out there on Monday morning FREE OF CHARGE to turn their gas on or I will contact whoever I have to to raise a giant stink. I will contact the news stations and I will contact Dennis Kucinich. I am a campaign volunteer and I am sure his office would be most interested in the latest Dominion escapades. For what we are charged to heat our homes, this nonsense should not be allowed to continue. PERIOD."
I am scathingly mad, as you can probably tell. IMO, they are taking advantage of two young men trying to make it on their own. Does anyone have any other suggestions that might help? They are thinking of paying this worker the money since it's so cold out here now. We live in NE Ohio.
Cheryl He has his own throne (Revelation 13:2) and his own worshipers (Revelation 13:4).
posted on October 24, 2003 03:22:50 PM new
Cheryl - I know exactly how you feel...
Some of the utility companies here are "co-ops", and the water company did the exact same thing as what you have experienced. In addition to charging a ridiculously high deposit, they also made the new customers pay the outstanding bill, if any, from the previous residents - absolutely no water service without it, so people were forced to pay.
This past summer a class-action lawsuit that had been filed against the water company finally prevailed - and the water company has had to reimburse thousands of dollars with interest.
If I can find anything on the web about it, I will post it for you.
"I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom I provide and then questions the manner in which I provide it." - A Few Good Men
posted on October 24, 2003 03:49:18 PM new
Thanks, wgm! It's very frustrating when this large monopolies have you over a barrel. They've raised the heating fuel costs this year dramatically and there's not much you can do about it. I'm sure they know that two 19 year old boys don't have a clue as to what they are and are not allowed to do.
Cheryl He has his own throne (Revelation 13:2) and his own worshipers (Revelation 13:4).
posted on October 24, 2003 03:56:52 PM new
I am still searching - I found an old article in the archives of our paper online, but I am not a subscriber and can't access it - still trying though...
"I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom I provide and then questions the manner in which I provide it." - A Few Good Men
posted on October 24, 2003 06:07:46 PM new
twelvepole
He's 19. Up to this point, he has tried to deal with it and that's how he's wanted it. When I heard that a worker will "make arrangements" to turn it on on Monday for $40 then I got involved. It's funny that neither the electric or the phone companies gave him any trouble at all. (My daughter only had to pay a $50 deposit to the gas company.) There was a modest $50 deposit for the phone and none at all for the electric. So far, he's doing quite well sailing on his own that is until this tidal wave hit him. I've told him he could come home until the gas comes on, but he's not about to. It's all about male pride now. I'm pretty darn proud of him for trying to prove he can make it on his own. He even went out and purchased his own stove and 'fridge and is now working on new furniture. Not too bad, IMO.
edited to add:
kraftdinner
45? Oh, please don't age me that much! I'll get there soon enough! What a miracle child he would be considering I'm only 47.
Cheryl
[ edited by CBlev65252 on Oct 24, 2003 06:09 PM ]
posted on October 24, 2003 06:44:28 PM new
My point is "Mom" that you could of shown him what to do, let him write the letter and then proof it before he sent it in...
My sister is just like you and her children are all over 30...
Drives me crazy...
They can't learn if you do, but will if you show...
Twelve, have you ever been a mother? They NEVER stop thinking of you as their baby!!
Well, maybe if that baby was twelve. . .
Just kidding, twelve. Point taken. He did call the PUCO on his own the day before I sent my letter. They weren't much help. So, it's now become good cop, bad cop. Guess which one I am.
Cheryl He has his own throne (Revelation 13:2) and his own worshipers (Revelation 13:4).
- still trying though...
