This is a general complaint about a company, Amerigas, which served us well for about 27 years. They are in an unregulated business that has gone astray the last couple of years, most likely because of poor management.
We operated on the equal payment plan most of those years and the company always managed to keep our tank filled so we never had to worry about running out of propane.
For the 2008 season, we paid $214 a month. When the settlement month came, we were billed $464. Since it was more than double and we were on a tight budget with a fixed income, we were late getting it paid. Then the estimate came for the next year at $320 a month.
We were trying to decide what to do since that was a big hit on our budget and fixed income. Before we could decide, we got a letter from the company saying we were being dropped from the equal payment plan and would have to pay as we go.
The first time we needed propane, they delivered 200 gallons in a couple of days after we had to prepay over $700.
On Jan. 29 I noticed our tank was getting very low and called for delivery. I explained our circumstance and told them I wasn't sure if we could make it through the weekend without running out. Again, we had to prepay. Even though I made it clear that we might run out, I was told it might take up to 7 days to deliver. I made 2 additional calls over the next few days to make them note that we were going to run out. Their response was that they could make an emergency delivery for an additional $200 which I refused. They also said that if we ran out, they would have to do a pressure test when they arrived and charge us an additional $90.
We tried to conserve as best as possible by dressing heavily and cranking the thermostat down low, but we did run out on Feb. 3, a very cold below zero night in our area. We got our delivery finally on Feb. 5.
These additional fees for everything seem to border on extortion. This was not to be expected from a company that had been responsible for many years. When you call them, they answer the phones in Ohio. You can't call them locally. Their corporate headquarters are in PA.
We are currently exploring using another company with local roots which has been highly recomended by friends and relatives. Amerigas seems to have run amuck.
This complaint is being submitted mainly to make these policies aware to interested parties and support regulation of this industry.
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