[Cliffie]

Originally Posted by Lindsey_Mcfarren

When I lived near Boston there were rules against this sort of thing with the power company. Even here in Florida they mentioned on the news the other day because we have had weather below freezing at night that the local power company, Progress Energy has just such a rule.

When the need/greed to make money ends with an old mans death then I blame the power company. They killed him, pure and simple. Where is the sympathy and concern for mankind?

OK, but there was something much weirder going on here. Apparently he did have the money. Now someone said he was found with the money to pay his bill clipped to the bill itself. Was it the whole $1,1000? Does anyone know? Or was he such a cheapnik that he has persuaded them to put him on a payment plan on the grounds of being broke? If he was on a budget plan and not making THOSE payments he could well have a huge back bill, but then why would they put a limiting device on the electricity?

And speaking, why in the blue-eyed world would you put a limiting device on anyone's power when it's been fifteen degrees week after week after week? There's no way on earth the thing wouldn't overload and shut down because, hell, my own furnace which is nearly new is REALLY working to keep up this winter.

[wanderer74]

Originally Posted by Cliffie

OK, but there was something much weirder going on here. Apparently he did have the money. Now someone said he was found with the money to pay his bill clipped to the bill itself. Was it the whole $1,1000? Does anyone know? Or was he such a cheapnik that he has persuaded them to put him on a payment plan on the grounds of being broke? If he was on a budget plan and not making THOSE payments he could well have a huge back bill, but then why would they put a limiting device on the electricity?

As was mentioned earlier in this thread, there's a lot of suspicion that he may have had dementia. Also I believe I read that he didn't drive anymore, and with the sidewalks being icy and such he may not have been able to get out to the mailbox to mail it. It's a shame because if the power company rep who came out to install the limiter would've just knocked on the door, they could have collected the money from him and avoided the whole problem.

[Driller1]

Originally Posted by wanderer74

As was mentioned earlier in this thread, there's a lot of suspicion that he may have had dementia. Also I believe I read that he didn't drive anymore, and with the sidewalks being icy and such he may not have been able to get out to the mailbox to mail it. It's a shame because if the power company rep who came out to install the limiter would've just knocked on the door, they could have collected the money from him and avoided the whole problem.

I am sure, to do it over many things would have been different. I just wonder if the installer of the limitors, over time got sick of being yelled at by people. I know I would.

[darstar]

You folks forget one thing.....this Guy was 92 years old !! Just how alert are YOU going to be at that age ?.... This argument is ridiculous !... The Public Utility should be sued by the best liberal lawyer in the Country ! maybe , then , Utilities all over the country will think twice before doing it again !.

I had my gas shut off in the dead of winter , right here in Michigan . I ask the guy who did it , "did he not have any shame "?.... he replied " yea , I do feel sorry , but , its my job , and I don't want to get fired "......... This was a national gas Company . Ameragas just for any ones info.

[Driller1]

Originally Posted by darstar

You folks forget one thing.....this Guy was 92 years old !! Just how alert are YOU going to be at that age ?.... This argument is ridiculous !... The Public Utility should be sued by the best liberal lawyer in the Country ! maybe , then , Utilities all over the country will think twice before doing it again !.

I had my gas shut off in the dead of winter , right here in Michigan . I ask the guy who did it , "did he not have any shame "?.... he replied " yea , I do feel sorry , but , its my job , and I don't want to get fired "......... This was a national gas Company . Ameragas just for any ones info.

The gas company is just getting paid for their goods. How long would you work without payment???

[Driller1]

Originally Posted by darstar

You folks forget one thing.....this Guy was 92 years old !! Just how alert are YOU going to be at that age ?.... This argument is ridiculous !... The Public Utility should be sued by the best liberal lawyer in the Country ! maybe , then , Utilities all over the country will think twice before doing it again !.

I had my gas shut off in the dead of winter , right here in Michigan . I ask the guy who did it , "did he not have any shame "?.... he replied " yea , I do feel sorry , but , its my job , and I don't want to get fired "......... This was a national gas Company . Ameragas just for any ones info.

It sounds like YOU gave the guy a hard time. And we wonder why they do not knock on the door??? How many times a day to YOU want to be made out the villain???

[darstar]

Originally Posted by Driller1

The gas company is just getting paid for their goods. How long would you work without payment???

These Companies are Public Utilities . they are regulated by the State Government. In order to do business , they must adhere to the laws and regulations established.
If people do not stand up to them , you get run over by their power. The power they hold over you , of being able to turn off your service , for any reason , they can get away with. I have turned in the phone company many times to the PUC , and , did get results. Complaints are recorded , and when it comes time for a rate increase , the file will be looked into. The last time I had a complaint with the Phone company , over rates , I got over 1,000 back , they tried to stiff me , but , I had the upper hand , their filed rates with the PUC.
A Public Utility has a " public conveyance and necessity " charter , to fulfill the needs of the Public. With that comes a responsibility....

[darstar]

Originally Posted by Driller1

It sounds like YOU gave the guy a hard time. And we wonder why they do not knock on the door??? How many times a day to YOU want to be made out the villain???

He said he did knock on the door , I did not hear him , and , my hearing was still good. ( Don't tell the wife ). he left a note instead......then went on to put a lock on the tank ! It was 20 degrees, and snowing. This happened 3 times that winter. Each time ., I had to pay 75.00 to be ' reconnected ".. Plus , a new furnace in the barn , due to the shut off burning out. They would not pay for that ether. I had been a customer for 20 years. never late with a payment.
All I was told was " new policy " ... " lets see your cash , no checks".
All this over the fact , I would not increase my pre pay on a 1,000 gal tank. I was Ok with pay as I go , they did not see it that way... end of story.

[Driller1]

Originally Posted by darstar

These Companies are Public Utilities . they are regulated by the State Government. In order to do business , they must adhere to the laws and regulations established.
If people do not stand up to them , you get run over by their power. The power they hold over you , of being able to turn off your service , for any reason , they can get away with. I have turned in the phone company many times to the PUC , and , did get results. Complaints are recorded , and when it comes time for a rate increase , the file will be looked into. The last time I had a complaint with the Phone company , over rates , I got over 1,000 back , they tried to stiff me , but , I had the upper hand , their filed rates with the PUC.
A Public Utility has a " public conveyance and necessity " charter , to fulfill the needs of the Public. With that comes a responsibility....

In the case of the 93 years old man, it was NOT a PUC. It is owned by Bay City.

[darstar]

Originally Posted by Driller1

In the case of the 93 years old man, it was NOT a PUC. It is owned by Bay City.

Bay City Electric Light and Power IS a public utility. I know they are owned by the city , but still have to abide by the law , as does any public utility.
I see they just filed for a 3 per cent rate increase , and , it was granted. That part , ( rates ) , is much easer to get thru when you are owned by the City you are providing service for. Sort of like voting for your self..