My Electric Company Just Screwed me over

[MsLynn]

because of 12.72...


I have a cut off notice for tomorrow, I made payment arrangements and made the payment I said i would, but apparently they put something else in their lil computer, so if i don't have 12.72 paid by the end of today, I'M SCREWED. I know its a sad state of affairs that i don't even Have 12 dollars, but i don't. Now we might get paid today, if i'm lucky... but if not, my electric will be cut off tomorrow. EVEN IF I GET THE BILL PAID TOMORROW.. i hate getting paid once a month. Now i can't get an extension, (i always have to cause of how we get paid and when its due.) because they are showing i didn't HONOR my payment arrangement.


SOMEDAYS I JUST HATE THE WORLD.

[buttrfli]

Oh geeze.. was it OGE?? I don't have anything nice to say about any of the utility companies here... but I feel your pain.

[freeby4me]

Hey Im gonna PM you lady!!

[MsLynn]

ya'll people are amazing, thanks for the offers of help, we just got the call that we can pick up checks around noon. OMG I WAS FREAKING... but just the offer of help from ya'll was wonderful.

i reckon what pissed me off the most was the fact that the guy i talked to acted like i was lying about not even having 12 dollars.

oh well YA'LL ARE FREAKIN AWESOME... ya'll have no idea how much just the offers mean to me.

[peaceluver]

Its sad that companies act this way. I can understand if you were not paying on the bill but geez you can only do so much.

[Mary_Jo3]

I am so glad everything worked out for you.
:dancing:

[okie]

Oh geeze.. was it OGE?? I don't have anything nice to say about any of the utility companies here... but I feel your pain.

I can't stand OG&E. Too bad I need electric or I would tell them where they could shove it.

[PrincessArky]

I am so glad that things worked out

[ggawlak]

i reckon what pissed me off the most was the fact that the guy i talked to acted like i was lying about not even having 12 dollars.
Umm ... how much do you pay for internet service per month? :questionmark:

[evrita]

From what I understand she usally uses it from work or she gets it wireless from her next door nieghbor who knows about it.

[justme23]

Umm ... how much do you pay for internet service per month? :questionmark:

Umm ... who cares?

[freeby4me]

Umm ... how much do you pay for internet service per month? :questionmark:

Who cares. She gets PAID once a month, therefor budgeting would be brutal. Besides, many of us here make enough to pay for the internet with surveys and good deals.

[G'maDebbie]

Umm ... how much do you pay for internet service per month? :questionmark:

I can't believe I just read that!

[Pepsi4me]

Umm ... how much do you pay for internet service per month? :questionmark:


Doesn't matter what she pays for internet. She was venting about her electric.

[okie]

Umm ... how much do you pay for internet service per month? :questionmark:

What the hell does it matter? I don't know too many people who do have alot of money right before payday, especially if you only get paid once a month.

Btw, she gets her internet through me. We use a really long cable and we share internet. Shhh,don't tell the cable company.

[Shann]

MsLynn, I'm glad you won't lose your electricity.

[LuvBigRip]

Glad it all got worked out.

[Pepsi4me]

What the hell does it matter? I don't know too many people who do have alot of money right before payday, especially if you only get paid once a month.

Btw, she gets her internet through me. We use a really long cable and we share internet. Shhh,don't tell the cable company.





LMAO! A lot of us here at BBS get our internet this way...LOL! Be careful & don't trip over all the cables.

[okie]

LMAO! A lot of us here at BBS get our internet this way...LOL! Be careful & don't trip over all the cables.

Now you tell me! I wondered what all those cables were for.

[renaissanceman]

Umm ... how much do you pay for internet service per month? :questionmark:

I believe that this person was TRYING to point out that sometimes in troubled times we have to prioritize and things like cable and internet dont do us any good without electric?

BUT wow!! This wasnt the nicest way to do it.

[PrincessArky]

ppl have pointed stuff out like this in the past and you know it really isn't the point whether we pay nothing or 200 a month for alot of us with kids, school, work, or simply not much time for a life we get alot of support from our Internet friends so losing out on internet would not be a good thing. I know I for one get to vent on here and I have gotten alot of emotional support from ppl at BBS that I don't get at home.

The point of the thread from what I read was not that fact that she owed the $12 but the fact that they had already worked out the deal and then they screwed her over on it anyway

[YankeeMary]

If she doesn pay for internet (either way it isn't my business) if she cancelled it today she still wouldn't have the $12.72 that is need TODAY.
I am glad you got paid today and can get things taken care of. Don't let the words of others upset your good feelings. HUGS!!!

[JKATHERINE]

I believe that this person was TRYING to point out that sometimes in troubled times we have to prioritize and things like cable and internet dont do us any good without electric?

BUT wow!! This wasnt the nicest way to do it.



That may be the case, but they weren't very nice or clear about their intentions with that question.

That being said, we are in a REALLY tough financial bind right now (won't go into details and bore you all...) but we DO keep the internet because we use it as a means to bring in more money to our household. Both DH and I do not only surveys, but we also mystery shop. Between the two of us, we bring in more money than it costs for our internet per month so it's worth it ot keep it. I know others who are in similar situations that do the same. On the same note, we're probably going ot have to get rid of our tv service for the time being...the only thing that contributes is to being fat and lazy for us! lol

Lynn, I'm glad you got paid and that things will work out! It's hard enough budgeting every 2 weeks (DH is paid biweekly), I can't IMAGINE being paid monthly!!

[earnhardt1]

what the hell does her internet have to do with the electric come on really was that even called for..... glad you got it taken care of......

[ahippiechic]

Not in this case, but some others, I've suggested letting their internet go also. If someone is on here everday, whining about how they can't pay their bills, can't feed their kids, have no clothes nor diapers, or in one 1 case, asking for paper plates and toilet paper, and not-so-sublety hinting about donations, then yes, shut your internet off.

But everyone has tight times sometimes, and I think she was more bitching about the fact that they didn't honor the agreement they had with her, than her not having any money.

[MsLynn]

ok, just so everyone knows, i had to buy tires this month. they had road construction and left something on the road. it tore up my tires, the company is gonna reimburse for those tires, but i had to replace them and take them the bill. AND.. my ex didn't send child support this month

SO THAT IS WHY I DIDN'T HAVE THE 12 DOLLARS.

but you can guarantee damn tee i wont' vent on here anymore.


i wasn't complaining about the money, i knew we were SUPPOSED to get paid today, we have a vague idea of the time we'll get paid, but it varies from month to month. like I KNOW the next 2 months i'll get paid early, before thanksgiving and before Christmas. but january they'll probably hold them till the 2nd to the last business day of nothing. i only called for a couple day extension just in case we didn't

someone put more in their computer than i said i would pay. THATS MORE WHAT I WAS MAD ABOUT.

[Eyore]

MissLynn, glad you got the money to pay your electric. My hubby was military many, many years ago. He got paid once a month so I know how tough that can be.
We get paid twice a month now where he works, still don't like it but after 20 years you get used to it.

[Shann]

ok, just so everyone knows, i had to buy tires this month. they had road construction and left something on the road. it tore up my tires, the company is gonna reimburse those for those tires, but i had to replace them and take them the bill. AND.. my ex didn't send child support this month

SO THAT IS WHY I DIDN'T HAVE THE 12 DOLLARS.

but you can guarantee damn tee i wont' vent on here anymore.

you shouldn't have to explain to anyone why you didn't have the money and you sure as hell shouldn't refrain from venting b/c of someone's nasty comments. Things happen and sometimes venting just helps you feel better by getting it out instead of bottling it up inside. I'm glad you won't lose your electricity now, but don't stop venting b/c of others. :hug

[Pepsi4me]

You don't have to explain. You were just venting about the electric company & their mistake.

[ahippiechic]

ok, just so everyone knows, i had to buy tires this month. they had road construction and left something on the road. it tore up my tires, the company is gonna reimburse for those tires, but i had to replace them and take them the bill. AND.. my ex didn't send child support this month

SO THAT IS WHY I DIDN'T HAVE THE 12 DOLLARS.

but you can guarantee damn tee i wont' vent on here anymore.


i wasn't complaining about the money, i knew we were SUPPOSED to get paid today, we have a vague idea of the time we'll get paid, but it varies from month to month. like I KNOW the next 2 months i'll get paid early, before thanksgiving and before Christmas. but january they'll probably hold them till the 2nd to the last business day of nothing. i only called for a couple day extension just in case we didn't

someone put more in their computer than i said i would pay. THATS MORE WHAT I WAS MAD ABOUT.

Don't let others stop you from venting when you need to vent!

[nightrider127]

Umm ... how much do you pay for internet service per month? :questionmark:


Why should you care? Is she asking you to pay for her internet service or her electric bill?

[renaissanceman]

ok, just so everyone knows, i had to buy tires this month. they had road construction and left something on the road. it tore up my tires, the company is gonna reimburse for those tires, but i had to replace them and take them the bill. AND.. my ex didn't send child support this month

SO THAT IS WHY I DIDN'T HAVE THE 12 DOLLARS.

but you can guarantee damn tee i wont' vent on here anymore.


i wasn't complaining about the money, i knew we were SUPPOSED to get paid today, we have a vague idea of the time we'll get paid, but it varies from month to month. like I KNOW the next 2 months i'll get paid early, before thanksgiving and before Christmas. but january they'll probably hold them till the 2nd to the last business day of nothing. i only called for a couple day extension just in case we didn't

someone put more in their computer than i said i would pay. THATS MORE WHAT I WAS MAD ABOUT.

YEAH, dont feel bad OR think you owe ANYONE an explanation. I wasnt sticking up for that person, just trying to figure out the possible motive of their comment.

The vent n whine is here for people to bitch! Use it!

[Bliss]

I can't believe your power was going to be turn off over 12 dollars. That is crazy.

Is your power 12 a month?

[tigger4]

I can't believe your power was going to be turn off over 12 dollars. That is crazy.

Is your power 12 a month?

Last month my electric bill was $134.87. My husband dropped off a payment for $134.00. They were going to turn us off and charge a reconnect fee of $36.00 for the $.87. So, it does happen no matter how crazy it sounds.

[Willow]

That may be the case, but they weren't very nice or clear about their intentions with that question.

That being said, we are in a REALLY tough financial bind right now (won't go into details and bore you all...) but we DO keep the internet because we use it as a means to bring in more money to our household. Both DH and I do not only surveys, but we also mystery shop. Between the two of us, we bring in more money than it costs for our internet per month so it's worth it ot keep it. I know others who are in similar situations that do the same. On the same note, we're probably going ot have to get rid of our tv service for the time being...the only thing that contributes is to being fat and lazy for us! lol

Lynn, I'm glad you got paid and that things will work out! It's hard enough budgeting every 2 weeks (DH is paid biweekly), I can't IMAGINE being paid monthly!!


Exactly. Some weeks those $5 checks come in real handy. We might pay more than what we want to for our internet but we don't really do anything else as far as entertainment. It's basically the only enjoyment we have. LOL We try to find things to do that are free or very inexpensive. We don't drink or smoke. We don't even rent movies. We borrow them from the library. That person was very rude to ask how much she pays for internet. It had nothing to do with what she was venting about.

[BeanieLuvR]

you shouldn't have to explain to anyone why you didn't have the money and you sure as hell shouldn't refrain from venting b/c of someone's nasty comments. Things happen and sometimes venting just helps you feel better by getting it out instead of bottling it up inside. I'm glad you won't lose your electricity now, but don't stop venting b/c of others. :hug

ITA!!! :hug

[ggawlak]

Why should you care? Is she asking you to pay for her internet service or her electric bill?
Believe me, I don't. I won't be losing sleeping over it. But that's what's great about living in this free country of ours ... I have just as much right to an opinion as you do. ;)

Sorry, but I see it all the time. People that can't afford to pay their electric bill, but have satellite TV. Can't afford new sneakers for their kids, but go out to eat five nights a week. Constantly complaining about having no money, but have high-speed internet, when dial-up remains available for less than $10 a month. People that live literally paycheck to paycheck, but have subscriptions to premium cable channels and Netflix. Wouldn't think of giving up their cellphone (or in many cases cellphones, plural) but are late paying rent.

And before you all jump on me again, I wasn't suggesting the poster DID any of these things. I was ASKING a simple, logical question. It seemed insane to me to even have internet if the electric was going to be turned off anyway.

At some point it does indeed become a matter of prioritization. You can be sure that if my electric was in danger of being turned off, my internet would be long gone. But hey, that's just me. <shrugs>

:rofl:

[Willow]

Believe me, I don't. I won't be losing sleeping over it. But that's what's great about living in this free country of ours ... I have just as much right to an opinion as you do. ;)

Sorry, but I see it all the time. People that can't afford to pay their electric bill, but have satellite TV. Can't afford new sneakers for their kids, but go out to eat five nights a week. Constantly complaining about having no money, but have high-speed internet, when dial-up remains available for less than $10 a month. People that live literally paycheck to paycheck, but have subscriptions to premium cable channels and Netflix. Wouldn't think of giving up their cellphone (or in many cases cellphones, plural) but are late paying rent.

And before you all jump on me again, I wasn't suggesting the poster DID any of these things. I was ASKING a simple, logical question. It seemed insane to me to even have internet if the electric was going to be turned off anyway.

At some point it does indeed become a matter of prioritization. You can be sure that if my electric was in danger of being turned off, my internet would be long gone. But hey, that's just me. <shrugs>

:rofl:


Since she was VENTING and not asking for someone to give her money to pay the bill you shouldn't have even asked that question. You're missing the whole point here. If she had to choose between internet and electric that would be one thing but that isn't the case.

[Bliss]

Tigger - I'm not doubting it. It's crazy as hell for an electric company to disconnect someones power over a very small amount of money. I can see disconnecting it over a few hundred dollars.

[cinnamonch]

Believe me, I don't. I won't be losing sleeping over it. But that's what's great about living in this free country of ours ... I have just as much right to an opinion as you do. ;)

Sorry, but I see it all the time. People that can't afford to pay their electric bill, but have satellite TV. Can't afford new sneakers for their kids, but go out to eat five nights a week. Constantly complaining about having no money, but have high-speed internet, when dial-up remains available for less than $10 a month. People that live literally paycheck to paycheck, but have subscriptions to premium cable channels and Netflix. Wouldn't think of giving up their cellphone (or in many cases cellphones, plural) but are late paying rent.

And before you all jump on me again, I wasn't suggesting the poster DID any of these things. I was ASKING a simple, logical question. It seemed insane to me to even have internet if the electric was going to be turned off anyway.

At some point it does indeed become a matter of prioritization. You can be sure that if my electric was in danger of being turned off, my internet would be long gone. But hey, that's just me. <shrugs>

:rofl:

If your electric was about to be cut off, what difference would it make if you had your intenet gone? Not like if they leave a note on your door telling you they are cutting off your electric tomorrow and you turn your internet off today that magically you would have the money for the bill.

Where did you see here say she doesnt prioritize her bills. She felt she had to explain to you about what happened which really wasn't necessary. No where did she ask you to pay her bills or come in here begging for someone to send her pay pal although there are a number of us who would be glad to help out.

You also assume that she pays for her internet. Some on here go to the Library, go to firiends or family, use it at their job or have those AOL disc so they get it for free. There are a number of people who don't go out to eat, go to movies, have cable, etc. Through the internet, they do surveys, find out about secrets shops to earn extra money, chit chat with people all over to get advice, vent, find out information and yes, even download or stream tv shows they dont get to see because they don't have cable since they cant afford it.

[JKATHERINE]

ok, just so everyone knows, i had to buy tires this month. they had road construction and left something on the road. it tore up my tires, the company is gonna reimburse for those tires, but i had to replace them and take them the bill. AND.. my ex didn't send child support this month

SO THAT IS WHY I DIDN'T HAVE THE 12 DOLLARS.

but you can guarantee damn tee i wont' vent on here anymore.


i wasn't complaining about the money, i knew we were SUPPOSED to get paid today, we have a vague idea of the time we'll get paid, but it varies from month to month. like I KNOW the next 2 months i'll get paid early, before thanksgiving and before Christmas. but january they'll probably hold them till the 2nd to the last business day of nothing. i only called for a couple day extension just in case we didn't

someone put more in their computer than i said i would pay. THATS MORE WHAT I WAS MAD ABOUT.

Oh, Lynn, don't let other people keep you from venting. None of us care what you pay for internet and you don't owe any of us an explanation of why you couldn't come up with the $12. It's crappy that they did that to you. Perhaps next time (if there is one), you could demand the agreement in writing? I am on a payment plan right now for my electric and after I agreed to the payments, I received a paper with the agreement "terms." I think ALL electric companies must be like that. I've also been a very small amount short (paid one price when it was really a few dollars more) and gotten disconnection notices...which is why we're on a payment plan now...because we were "late" too many times. Anyhow, good luck to you and I'm glad it was resolved! :)

[whatever]

I am unemployed and my dh is salaried and gets paid once per month. And believe it or not i would not have it any other way. I pay first part of the month after he gets paid. and i have allowances for everything, groceries, gas, etc. i give him an allowance (for his gas, eating out once per week, the rest of the time he takes lunch)
But i feel your pain. You feel like you have no control over these companies.
We pay almost 35 for our phone. that does NOT include internet.And that not long distance. We use our cells for that. And we can't cancel because then i would not have internet. And i make a small amount of money a month from it, plus gc's etc.

[okie]

I believe that this person was TRYING to point out that sometimes in troubled times we have to prioritize and things like cable and internet dont do us any good without electric?

BUT wow!! This wasnt the nicest way to do it.

Some of us have internet for more than just entertainment. It is how I make extra money for my family and I also use it for school. How do we even know that she is on her computer. Maybe she is at a friend's or the library. What business is it of ours anyway.

[okie]

I can't believe your power was going to be turn off over 12 dollars. That is crazy.

Is your power 12 a month?

If she has OG&E they will. Their one of the biggest assholes in this state.

[okie]

Believe me, I don't. I won't be losing sleeping over it. But that's what's great about living in this free country of ours ... I have just as much right to an opinion as you do. ;)

Sorry, but I see it all the time. People that can't afford to pay their electric bill, but have satellite TV. Can't afford new sneakers for their kids, but go out to eat five nights a week. Constantly complaining about having no money, but have high-speed internet, when dial-up remains available for less than $10 a month. People that live literally paycheck to paycheck, but have subscriptions to premium cable channels and Netflix. Wouldn't think of giving up their cellphone (or in many cases cellphones, plural) but are late paying rent.

And before you all jump on me again, I wasn't suggesting the poster DID any of these things. I was ASKING a simple, logical question. It seemed insane to me to even have internet if the electric was going to be turned off anyway.

At some point it does indeed become a matter of prioritization. You can be sure that if my electric was in danger of being turned off, my internet would be long gone. But hey, that's just me. <shrugs>

:rofl:

She had already made arrangements to pay her electric bill and some stupid idiot at the electric company screwed that up when the put it in the computer so she got a cut off notice. Seems to me she has her priorities straight. She had to get her tires fixed. I guess she could have forgot about getting them fixed but then she would be venting about getting fired for not showing up to work. Then you would be in here complaining about that.

[mosdata1]

Sorry, but I see it all the time. People that can't afford to pay their electric bill, but have satellite TV. Can't afford new sneakers for their kids, but go out to eat five nights a week. Constantly complaining about having no money, but have high-speed internet, when dial-up remains available for less than $10 a month. People that live literally paycheck to paycheck, but have subscriptions to premium cable channels and Netflix. Wouldn't think of giving up their cellphone (or in many cases cellphones, plural) but are late paying rent.

At some point it does indeed become a matter of prioritization. You can be sure that if my electric was in danger of being turned off, my internet would be long gone. But hey, that's just me. <shrugs>

:rofl:

We have been going through some very tough times in these past 5 weeks. I do have high speed internet, but I need it because I work from home & often have to transmit huge data files to my clients. We had to switch from dial-up years ago, because it would literally be too much, or take too long to transmit the work & then we would loose the connection. I can't tell you how frustrating that is, especially when some of these files have a strict time that they are due. So it is not always possible to switch to a dial up service. And believe me, we have cut as much as I can think. The temp here is still in the 90's & humid, but during the days I have the thermostat turned all the way up - the A/C won't come on unless the house gets over 95 degrees. Believe me, this is NO fun.
I had a similar prob with my electric co a few months ago, I made a payment arrangement, made the payment, a day early & 1 week later they disconnected my electric. The had applied my money to the incorrect account, and had the nerve to want to charge ME $35 to re-connect my elec, even thugh it was their mistake. After fighting with the first CSR, his supervisor, and then the next link up the chain, they finally admitted they were at fault & would not charge me.
What a pain in the neck the companies are! I wish we could go solar.

[MsLynn]

At some point it does indeed become a matter of prioritization. You can be sure that if my electric was in danger of being turned off, my internet would be long gone. But hey, that's just me. <shrugs>

:rofl:


you're absoutely right, it does come down to that, and if had actually thought my electric was in danger of being shut off or if it were a persistant problem i wouldn't have the internet but because of the tires, and my ex being a butt both at the same time, (i make sure i'm never [B]dependant[B] on child support for that reason, but my main vent was that they messed up the payment arrangement. I DID GET PAID, the bill DID GET PAID IN FULL today. so problem solved.

i got my 48 hr shut off today.. course by the time i got it, it was only 24, LMAO

I Don't have subscriptions to cable or any premium channels, i don't do netflix or anything like it. and my cell phone is $9.95 a month on my moms bill, so thats cheap, and my home phone is like 6.95 a month --based on income

[iluvmybaby]

Charter turned off my internet over 52 cents, YES 52 cents. It was an outrageous amount for a reconnect fee, so I got another DSL company. Get this, they sent me to a collection agency over 52 cents, I aint fing kidding!

[kidzpca]

Umm ... how much do you pay for internet service per month? :questionmark:

Just a bit harsh aren't we...?

I'll take my chances and have them send out the:shark.

But, someone is :potkettle and trying too :stir

Yet I feel you may be acting more like a :troll than trying to be of any help.

Didn't you learn in early days that if you don't have anything nice to say....then don't say it.

Enough said.

[PrincessArky]

Charter turned off my internet over 52 cents, YES 52 cents. It was an outrageous amount for a reconnect fee, so I got another DSL company. Get this, they sent me to a collection agency over 52 cents, I aint fing kidding!

well yeah they need the .52 to pay the ppl in India that answer the phone for them and cant help answer the customers questions lol

[renaissanceman]

Some of us have internet for more than just entertainment. It is how I make extra money for my family and I also use it for school. How do we even know that she is on her computer. Maybe she is at a friend's or the library. What business is it of ours anyway.

I TOTALLY understand, I was just trying to play devils advocate and run a little interference. I WASNT defending their statement OR the way they made it.

[Mystical45]

MissLynn, glad you got the money to pay the rest of your electric bill. Getting use to getting paid once a month does take a while to get use to also.

[iluvmybaby]

I TOTALLY understand, I was just trying to play devils advocate and run a little interference. I WASNT defending their statement OR the way they made it.


They can go knaw on the sacred cow. GLAD that the bill got paid!

[tsquared]

Surely the electric company would work with you in some way that the pay date could be changed to accomadate you?? I use budget billing and have the same amount every month........is that an option for you? I would think it would be in their best interest to move the date you have to pay a little for you.
Am i wrong in thinking this way?

[PrincessArky]

Surely the electric company would work with you in some way that the pay date could be changed to accomadate you?? I use budget billing and have the same amount every month........is that an option for you? I would think it would be in their best interest to move the date you have to pay a little for you.
Am i wrong in thinking this way?

most electric companies wont let you do the budget billing if you have been late paying the bill within the last 12 months

[DAVESBABYDOLL]

Surely the electric company would work with you in some way that the pay date could be changed to accomadate you?? I use budget billing and have the same amount every month........is that an option for you? I would think it would be in their best interest to move the date you have to pay a little for you.
Am i wrong in thinking this way?


I have budget billing too.BUT, even if people have a budget bill it doesn't mean they always have the amount owed.but yep, you would think the company would work with her.

I'm glad it all worked out Lynn.

[tigger4]

Here you have to be with the electric company for one year, have no late payments, and pass a screening to be eligible for the budget plan.

[PrincessArky]

Here you have to be with the electric company for one year, have no late payments, and pass a screening to be eligible for the budget plan.

same here and I always seem to be at least one or 2 days late with this one since hubby pays this one

[cinnamonch]

I have budget billing too.BUT, even if people have a budget bill it doesn't mean they always have the amount owed.but yep, you would think the company would work with her.

I'm glad it all worked out Lynn.

I think most are missing the point. It would not matter if she had a budget, had a monthly plan with the electric company or not, if an unexpected expense comes along (ie new tires for card), then all good intentions go out the window.

[jedmatters]

The Ex seems to be the problem.
Well, that and the electric company.

Yes, AEP would shut you off for a penny: just so they could charge the $25 disconnect fee, and the $100 reconnect fee.

And, here they have to give you 10 days notice to disconect; so they date the letter, and by the time they mail it and it gets to you: you may have 3 days left (if lucky).

We arranged payments once: for a rather large bill (right after we moved in)... And they sent a letter with WRONG dates and amounts. None were like the ones we agreed to.

Good luck

[ahippiechic]

When I lived in TN, after my ex and I had been divorced for about 1 yr, he called Volunteer Elect and told them we were moving and to disconnect the meter. His name hadn't been on my bill for a year, and he did it over the phone, but guess what?? I get home from work and have no power. I thought it was just an outage but when it got dark, I saw everyone else's lights were on. I went out and looked and sure enough...no meter!

It took me 3 days and 120.00 to get it turned back on! Then it took me 2 weeks of aruging and threatening to sue them over it before they refunded my 120.00 reconnect fee.

[DIRKSWIFE4]

not to highjack your post but I got a bill today from the doctors office and they are threatening to turn me over to a bill collector for 2.17!! Its the first bill I got on it.

[Mom2Shaun]

I know forums and bulletin boards save me tons of money, especially on mental therapy bills!

[Army-Mom]

I am glad your power didnt get turned off..sending hugs.

[PrincessArky]

not to highjack your post but I got a bill today from the doctors office and they are threatening to turn me over to a bill collector for 2.17!! Its the first bill I got on it.

I know how that goes but the first bill I got was for one that had been turned over to a collection place already.....I thought the insurance had paid it as I was told that visit (after having the last baby) was going to be covered in full

[deb_gar]

Surely the electric company would work with you in some way that the pay date could be changed to accomadate you?? I use budget billing and have the same amount every month........is that an option for you? I would think it would be in their best interest to move the date you have to pay a little for you.
Am i wrong in thinking this way?

This is not always correct. I am on the budget for my gas bill, and my amount goes up and down every couple months. I sent in the amount it was, but they had raised it $4 and my DH calls me at work and says they had shut the gas off during the day!!!! So, I had to pay a reconnection fee of $55, miss a half day of work (cause someone had to be home to let them in to light the pilots, which they didn't anyway) and pay a deposit, plus the $4 past due!!!!

[Willow]

I try to avoid the payment plans because in our area we have National Grid for electric and when they set you up on a payment plan they want you to pay your regular monthly bill plus another amount which is based on how much you owe. They will set it up for anywhere from three to six months. If someone is having a hard time paying their regular monthly bills how are they going to pay their regular monthly bill plus an additional amount? I could never understand that logic. I know they don't want you to get too far behind on your bills but if you're already having trouble paying your regular bill what makes them think you can pay more? LOL

[DIRKSWIFE4]

I think theres something fishing going on with our electric co. AEP is who we have, our July bill was 301.00 our Aug. bill was 317.00 our Sept. bill was 339.00(this is with DH, me and DS) Now get this our Oct. bill is 179.00 now this is with my 2 nephews and a friend of my sons being here full time. All are suppossed to be actual reads.

[VALENA-)45]

Believe me, I don't. I won't be losing sleeping over it. But that's what's great about living in this free country of ours ... I have just as much right to an opinion as you do. ;)

Sorry, but I see it all the time. People that can't afford to pay their electric bill, but have satellite TV. Can't afford new sneakers for their kids, but go out to eat five nights a week. Constantly complaining about having no money, but have high-speed internet, when dial-up remains available for less than $10 a month. People that live literally paycheck to paycheck, but have subscriptions to premium cable channels and Netflix. Wouldn't think of giving up their cellphone (or in many cases cellphones, plural) but are late paying rent.

And before you all jump on me again, I wasn't suggesting the poster DID any of these things. I was ASKING a simple, logical question. It seemed insane to me to even have internet if the electric was going to be turned off anyway.

At some point it does indeed become a matter of prioritization. You can be sure that if my electric was in danger of being turned off, my internet would be long gone. But hey, that's just me. <shrugs>

:rofl: As for Ms. lynn, don't stop coming in here to vent, because of a very rude person, such as this poster. For this poster here is my IMO: You can budget your funds down to the last penny to make ends meet, and just when you think everything is fine, and all of the bills are covered here comes murphy's law to screw things up. To Ms. Lynn, If there is any way I can help you at any time, just PM me. I have always seen you, have kind words for everyone.

[kidzpca]

not to highjack your post but I got a bill today from the doctors office and they are threatening to turn me over to a bill collector for 2.17!! Its the first bill I got on it.

give 'em 217 pennies or go into the office and ask if they want cash or check