Watch out for APS in phx (Phoenix: credit report, attorney, hoa)

[Tazer]

WOW I lived in Phoenix Az 3 years had APS for my electric and was a great customer for them.I always paid my bills on time never had a problem with them untill! you move.I had everything planned move in 60 days i made all the calls to dissconect called cable no prob there called internet no prob there called APS everything seemed to be fine they said thank you for your service and it was all done i am ready to move.2 years later i just wanted to check my credit report and here it comes A P S wants 546 $$$$$.So i called and talked to christina seemed to be helpfull as i explained what happened she kept me on hold for mabey 3 mins.She comes back and says sorry you owe 546 $$$.I go into telling her i have not live in that apt for 2 years and the way it looks is that you kept charging me electric 3 MONTHS after i had left.I go on telling her i can send her records i did not live there for those times and looks like someone that does live there was using the electric.christina tells me that it was my bill and you owe 546 $$$$ Christina that works for APS can you explain to me why i would pay aps on time for years never had a problem and why the other companys never had a problem disconecting my services.Her reply you owe 546 $$$.OK this is one forum i am letting people know about APS and i will continue onwards to more.Please any feed back would be great.

[JeepGirl118]

Tazar, sorry to hear that this happened to you. This happened with my husband and I a few years back with SRP - we did what we were supposed to and they did not shut it off when they were supposed to. . (for 2-1/2 months after our move), at the same time -the electric was running in our new place. . double whammy. What they requested of us was to show proof that we were no longer living at that address and it all worked itself out, luckily. Perhaps you can try this approach with them by supplying proof. Worth a shot. Best of luck to you!

[AZ_singlemother]

I think this is with so many utility companies. I had this issue with Tacoma Public utilities when I moved out.

[hughesgirl]

I would call APS back and ask to speak with a supervisor. The people who answer the phones originally have no authority and just say what they are trained to say i.e. you owe us! Explain to the supervisor your predicament and ask for an address to send in your proof that you did not live there during the time they are charging you and ask them how long it will take to correct the problem. Be sure to get something in writing that states that this was resolved..why? Because you will probably have to submit this proof to the credit bureaus to have the derogatory account taken off the report. APS is not legally required to send in this info, so it is best to just do it yourself. IF you have problems with the supervisor, get their name and extention if possible. Hang up and call the Better Business Bureau. They will help.

[sablebaby]

I have had APS for years and have moved a million times and have NEVER had a problem with them. Sorry this happened to you.

[losconco]

You have also got to watch the home owners associations in AZ. They have not been regulated for years and some have incredibly bad management. The basic concept is good, but it seem to attract a fair share of jerks in management. Also they are infested by CAI, advisory attorneys that whoop them up to make money on fines by twisting the wording of the CC&R's. So caution and would not buy in an HOA community, they change from ok to bad quickly.

[blur07]

Originally Posted by losconco

You have also got to watch the home owners associations in AZ. They have not been regulated for years and some have incredibly bad management.

HOA's are ok, but too restrictive.

Sorry to hear about your APS problems

[Valley Native]

I don't have APS as my utility company (thank God). However, I know that the firm can be very incompetent.

There have been reports of serious mis management at the Palo Verde nuclear plant (which is run by APS). Some of the violations are serious enough that even the Feds are starting to take notice. Also, does anybody remember the incident a couple of summers ago when one of the transformers caught on fire, leaving many people in the heat without any power for a long time? Yep, that was negligence on the part of APS. They didn't even have a backup transformer ... they had to have one shipped in (which fell off the truck a couple of times).

I'm not surprised to read about Tazer's unfortunate incident with APS. This is a company that always asks for ridiculous rate hikes, and usually gets them. But do they use the extra money for better service?! Of course not. The only bright spot is that at least we don't live in CA. I've heard PG&E is even worse.