Peoples Gas
Unfair business practice

On Friday 11/5 i called the gas company to make payment arrangements. I spoke to an agent, not the automate system, and told her that I could pay the entire bill on Friday, 11/13; she stated that it was not acceptable and that I needed to pay $73.00 plust $3.95 service fee immediately, which I did by Visa. She further stated that I could pay $55.00 a month in addition to my regualr bill and this would satisfy the past due amount; I agreed. I came home from work yesterday, Monday 11/8 and found that my gas service had been shut off. When I call the gas company the agent Chela stated that I was shut off because my bill had not been paid, after lengthy discussion she saw the $47.95 payment, but insisted that I had made it through the automated system, which I did not. She said that I had not notified them that the bill had been paid, yet the amount was taken from the Chase account. This is the second time within the last month that the gas company ha turned by service off and stated that I had had used the automated system and have to wait a week before the service can be restored.

I assure you that on 11/5 I spoke with an agent, how else would I know of the arrangements to pay $55.00 per month. Chela also stated that I needed to pay the full amount of the bill and an additional $3.95 which totaled $203.64 in order to restore service, which I did by Visa. After accepting this payment, she stated that service would not be restored until Monday, 11/15 between the hours of 11:30 and 4:30 and further stated that I would be required to pay and additional security deposit of $46.00 per month and the the previous $46.00 paid on 10/26 by check #1005 through Chase was lost to me. I asked to speak to a supervisor and she advised me that none was available and that I would be placed on a call back list and could perhaps receive a call within 24 to 48 hours. My bill and security deposit were paid in a timely fashion, as requested, and because of a careless, negligent employee, I am without gas service for a week and am forced to forfeit my previously paid security deposit. The gas company has been ripping the consumers off for years. I have copies of my bank statement available upon request.

Company: Peoples Gas
Country: USA

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