I just have to scream about my utility company

**YankeeMom** · 09-06-2006, 04:03 PM

About Niagara Mohawk aka National Grid Power Company

I have been trying for MONTHS to get us on the budget plan. I tried at the beginning of February to get us on the budget plan. They make it next to impossible, unless you pay ahead (and who the heck would do that? like I want them to draw interest on MY money) on your electric/gas bill, to get on their budget plan.

I just paid up our bill. The new bill isn't even here yet. I called them yesterday because the pymt hadn't reached them yet. It was paid on the 4th, yet wasn't showing up online. I was told yesterday that it should post by Thursday at the latest. To call as soon as it was posted and they would get me on the budget plan.

Well, it posted this morning. So I get home from picking up the kids and call them. NOW they are telling me I have to pay the bill that's not due until Sept 24th. The bill I haven't even GOTTEN yet! before the next meter reading (which is Sept 29th). THEN they will put me on the budget plan.

The bill they want me to pay now is $180. I need to pay that before the 29th so I can get us on this budget plan before winter.
I just want to cry now.

**KWLinda** · 09-06-2006, 06:17 PM

Heather, I would be beating my head against the wall talking to those people, I can see why you're frustrated. I don't understand why they want you to pay ahead. It makes no sense, sort of defeats the purpose of a budget plan. Sounds like they don't want people to go on it.

**guest32** · 09-06-2006, 06:45 PM

That's crazy! To get on the budget plan here, you have two options. You can wait until you are in your home for a year. They will then take those total bills, and average them out...tada! Budget payment amount. Then at the end of *your* year (12 months payments) they will adjust it and refigure it. You may end up with credit, or you may have to pay the last bill in a larger amount. OR....when you move in you can call and they will estimate your level pay by the size of your home, age, and number of occupants. I LOVE being on level pay!!! Never any huge surprises in summer (electric) or winter (gas).

**Nada.Leona** · 09-06-2006, 09:26 PM

When I was getting the yo-yo treatment regarding my cell phone, I wrote a letter to the head of customer service, printing it out in great detail exactly where they'd screwed me over, how it had caused me trouble and exactly what I expected out of the situation, since it was their failure and mistake. I got exactly what I wanted.

Do you think that would work in your situations?