Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community - View Single Post - The gas bill that isn't- a dilemma

Bossnass · 12-17-2003, 12:00 AM

...little long explination. thanks for reading it...

I bought an apartment condo at the end of August, got possesion the first week in september. The furnace and
hot water heater are in-suite.

The first week we were here, we ran out of hot water, but the water heater was running non stop... therefore no natural gas.
I phoned and complained and was told that they had opened my account, they just hadn't opened the gas. The developer had all the gas meters turned on for testing, etc, and then the gas company came in and turned them off and locked them. They are supposed to unlock and turn on the valve as soon as I signed up, which I did at the end of august.

So I was told a service man would come turn it on and check the furnace and hot water heater. The guy doesn't come by friday afternoon when they said he would. I have to leave town for the weekend, and get back sunday, hoping for hot water and have none. There is a note from 'atco' saying "Friday 1120 PM, Sorry we missed you". I go to the parcade/basement and they have unlocked the valve, just not opened it. I had a wrench and I wanted hot water, so I turned on the gas.

Since I have gas, I light the fireplace pilot light, the furnace and water heater both have hot point ignition, meaning no pilot light. I don't want to sit on hold and I don't bother phoning the gas company.

October comes, as does the phone bill and the electric bill. No gas bill. I think, well they'll catch it next time the meter guy comes.

Its now December 17th. no bill yet. I like free gas. I have no moral issues ripping off the gas company- I live in Alberta, and we had our utilites degregulated a few years back, but as far as the economy goes it was a poor move (at least so far, in the short term) and the residential consumer has really gotten a bad deal out of it.

My girlfriend, who I live with, is getting insistent that I phone them and get things straightend up. My Dad says let it ride, as do my friends. I'm getting nervous, but I don't want to make a phone call that will cost me.

What is the time frame of limitation on this? I did "sign up" by phone, so I haven't actually signed anything. And it isn't as though I broke off the lock, there is really no way for anyone to say that I turned on that valve. Then again, I have been a customer of the gas company for the last couple years, so they do have most any details they need, I don't think I had a credit card back in the day.

Suggestions? Opinions?

Thanks.

12-17-2003, 12:00 AM	#1 (permalink)
Bossnass Détente Location: AWOL in Edmonton	The gas bill that isn't- a dilemma ...little long explination. thanks for reading it... I bought an apartment condo at the end of August, got possesion the first week in september. The furnace and hot water heater are in-suite. The first week we were here, we ran out of hot water, but the water heater was running non stop... therefore no natural gas. I phoned and complained and was told that they had opened my account, they just hadn't opened the gas. The developer had all the gas meters turned on for testing, etc, and then the gas company came in and turned them off and locked them. They are supposed to unlock and turn on the valve as soon as I signed up, which I did at the end of august. So I was told a service man would come turn it on and check the furnace and hot water heater. The guy doesn't come by friday afternoon when they said he would. I have to leave town for the weekend, and get back sunday, hoping for hot water and have none. There is a note from 'atco' saying "Friday 1120 PM, Sorry we missed you". I go to the parcade/basement and they have unlocked the valve, just not opened it. I had a wrench and I wanted hot water, so I turned on the gas. Since I have gas, I light the fireplace pilot light, the furnace and water heater both have hot point ignition, meaning no pilot light. I don't want to sit on hold and I don't bother phoning the gas company. October comes, as does the phone bill and the electric bill. No gas bill. I think, well they'll catch it next time the meter guy comes. Its now December 17th. no bill yet. I like free gas. I have no moral issues ripping off the gas company- I live in Alberta, and we had our utilites degregulated a few years back, but as far as the economy goes it was a poor move (at least so far, in the short term) and the residential consumer has really gotten a bad deal out of it. My girlfriend, who I live with, is getting insistent that I phone them and get things straightend up. My Dad says let it ride, as do my friends. I'm getting nervous, but I don't want to make a phone call that will cost me. What is the time frame of limitation on this? I did "sign up" by phone, so I haven't actually signed anything. And it isn't as though I broke off the lock, there is really no way for anyone to say that I turned on that valve. Then again, I have been a customer of the gas company for the last couple years, so they do have most any details they need, I don't think I had a credit card back in the day. Suggestions? Opinions? Thanks.