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Why You Shouldn't Be On A Pre-Authorized Payment Plan...

By
Real Estate Sales Representative with iPro Realty Ltd., Brokerage

How 's your weekend?  Hopefully better than my client's recent hair-puller...

Last month, the local utility decided to swap out his residential gas meter -- which was only a little over a year old -- as it had somehow been deemed defective.  In any case, when swapping meters, the technician read both the old meter and the new meter (which starts at zero).

Well, it seems someone in the billing department goofed in the consumption adjustments.  My client received a bill on a Friday for over $22,000 !!!  Unfortunately, the billing department was already closed for the day and wouldn't re-open until Monday morning.  Talk about sleepless nights...

Thankfully he was able to resolve the billing problem this past week.  (In fact, after adjustments, he ended up with credit.)  I'm so glad that I'm not on a pre-authorized payment plan with my local utility.

Rich Ferretti
Rich Ferretti Real Estate - Charlotte, NC
ABR QSC Realtor/Broker, Charlotte NC Real Estate a

You're so right! I'd rather pay the bill when it arrives. I've heard some real nightmare stories when it comes to outside meters.

Thanks for sharing

Jul 20, 2008 10:45 AM
Sean Allen
International Financing Solutions - Fort Myers, FL
International Financing Solutions

WOW..... That would be a shocker. When I had apartments, one of the building "Landlord Meter" which was for the exterior and hallway lights was broken. For three years, every month I got a bill for less than a dollar when my identical building next door was running about $18.00 a month. Elecric company never did figure out that the meter wasn't spinning.

Sean Allen

Jul 20, 2008 10:48 AM
Elizabeth Weintraub Sacramento Broker
Elizabeth Anne Weintraub, Broker - Sacramento, CA
Put 40 years of experience to work for you

That's amazing. That's why I don't let anybody take money out of my checking out with my express approval -- like writing a check.

elizabeth weintraub sacramento real estate agent

Jul 21, 2008 07:42 AM
Chuck Willman
Chuck Willman - Alpine, UT
NewHouseUtah.com

My first thought would have been, "how did I use $22k in utilities last month?... that seems high." :-)

Jul 25, 2008 03:16 AM