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ComEd Complaint - Rip-Off Report! - electricity, power, electrical, utility, utilities
electricity, power, electrical, utility, utilities - Complaint
ILLINOIS -- Consumers are getting ripped-off by one-and-only residential power company in Illinois, by BIG BULLY - ComEd. ComEd demanding that customers over-pay, collecting hundreds of dollars above-and-beyond their bill (electrical usage). Stop ComEd's Unfair Business Act by filing a complaint with the ICC - Illinois Commerce Commission. Stop ComEd from turning your lights off- by filing a complaint to the ICC.
Here I go again, protesting against a messed up problem that affects millions of consumers…
After eight years of being a consumer of ComEd's, our power was turned off (Prior to this hardship my family is going through, I had always paid my bills on time- I was a good payer). I rushed to pay my bill the day they shut my power off. On the next day, my power was turned back on. My bill was in excess of $1000, because I was facing foreclosure on my home, and I was giving most of my money to the mortgage company, to get us in good-standing, so we can have our loan reinstated. And we succeeded- our load was modified and reinstated a couple weeks ago. After paying the ComEd bill that was over $1000, a couple weeks later, I received a letter from ComEd, demanding that I pay them three down-payment's, because since my power had been shut off (let me remind you, just one time in eight years), I was no longer considered a good customer, but rather a high-risk customer; not even taking into consideration that the same day my power was shut-off, I paid in excess of $1000, the entire past due amount.
A month later, they shut off my power again (that was last month), because I was late to pay my bill; but more importantly, I was late sending them their new requirement of the down-payment. I admit that times are difficult for my family. We struggle to pay our bills on-time. Literally, we are living week-to-week.
Late last year and early this year, my husband and I lost two businesses. We have built our lives earning a six-figure income. For the first time in my life, I am collecting unemployment benefits. My husband now labors, and makes less than half of what he earned in his professional career. Between my husband’s income and my unemployment checks, we gross about $50,000 annually (that figure doesn’t even reflect taxes and medical benefit deductions). We are a family of five, and we don't qualify for welfare- It just doesn't add up.
Getting back to the subject of ComEd, when they turned my electricity off last month, the very same day I paid the bill PLUS the first installment of the required $108.33 down-payment, so that they would turn my electricity back on. And the following day, my power was on again. Twice they turned my power off; and twice did hundreds of dollars worth of food spoil in my fridge and freezer.
My current bill had not been paid on-time either. We are still trying to recover from putting all are money out to the mortgage company and the $1000 to ComEd. My electricity was scheduled to be turned off yesterday. I called ComEd few days prior, and I disputed the down-payment. I explained that I felt it was unfair to expect more money than my bill, and told them I would gladly pay them only my bill amount, and would do so that day (during the phone conversation). But they would not budge. They already had over a $100 of mine just setting in an account that I could not touch or use. These days, I just don’t have an extra $325 (total of three down-payments) to be setting in ComEd’s bank account. I had explained to ComEd... "That’s my money, which could pay my car note, my auto insurance, or even food for the family for a couple weeks".
This time, I paid only my bill portion (even though they still have an extra $108 of mine), and I also filed a complaint with the ICC - Illinois Commerce Commission. And to my surprise, since I filed the complaint against ComEd to the ICC, regarding the demand of the down payments as a condition I have to meet in order to have electricity come to house; ComEd cannot turn my electricity off while a complaint is open. I found that out from ComEd after I paid my only bill portion using my on-line banking. She (ComEd Rep.) was very rude when I called to let her know I only paid the bill-portion, and inquired if they were still going to turn my power off the next day. She would not answer any of my questions, only provided comments with a rude tone, that because I filed a complaint with the ICC, that my electricity would remain 'ON', until the dispute was settled.
There are no other residential power companies in Illinois to choose from, so ComEd has zero competition. Why should I or anyone else have give to give to ComEd $325 extra, to sit in a bank account of theirs? I think it is an unfair practice. I imagine that if ComEd did have competition, they would design a competitive plan, with competitive rates, and offer economical solutions to those that are facing hardships, in order to keep their clients, as well as keep us satisfied- Don't you think? The phone companies, wireless and LAN lines; the cable and dish companies; and internet companies all compete for our business. And some do a good job- by providing to us options to choose from; some customize their services to fit our budgets; and some offer really good customer service, treating us with respect and valuing us as customers. Even other industries, like lenders and insurance companies, provide us various options, as well as grace periods. But since our choices are limited to either, ComEd or candles, we are powerless- no pun intended. They tell us to jump; we ask "How high?" They tell us to bend-over, and we do. We have to, or they will turn off our electricity. And we have to OVER-PAY them, or they turn off our electricity. No grace period; no alternatives that are reasonable; no power!
What ComEd is doing.... it is unfair; it is not fair at all; it is a RIPP-OFF. They should be ashamed of themselves, by taking advantage of the poor, and even more so, because we are in a recessed economy. I've think I’ve been a pretty good customer of ComEd’s for almost a decade. Never in my life-time, have I been through a recessed economy like this. It's not just me, but millions of people (and businesses) are struggling- some already lost the battle; some live day-to-day; others live week-to-week; and most are living paycheck-to-paycheck. I am not the only person that is being demanded by ComEd, to pay more than I owe. ComEd is ripping us off!!! In times like these, we should be helping one another, not making a bad situation worse. Things will get better, in time. But, I don’t think we’ll see better-days anytime soon.
I am very curious, and would like to know how much money ComEd has collected, above and beyond, what their customer’s actual bills were.
They have the nerve to take advantage of...
1) having no other competition; and
2) forcing people to give them more money then what they owe- otherwise they will turn their electricity off.
Each time I called ComEd to dispute the down-payment (as well as pay my bill), they would referred me to an outside source- a utility assistance programs designed to help people through a hardship- L. E.A. P. (Low Income Energy Assistance Program) is the program I was referred to in Will County. Of course I called them, but L. E.A. P. has not been, nor will not be accepting applications for months, because of depleted government funds. And this funding problem that L. E.A. P. is experiencing, should be expected- As the economy continues to tank, more and more people are in need of help, and looking for resources to help them through their hardship. Not only is ComEd wrong, but the government should step-up, and provide the additional funds, to the programs that are designed to temporarily assist low-income families.
Furthermore, the day (first event) that ComEd turned off my power; they had the nerve to...
1) tell me that it could take several months before L. E.A. P. could provide assistance. That tells me that they already knew that the government program was lacking funds, and it really wasn’t an option for me at the time. And...
2) charge me a convenience fee while paying my $1000+ bill over the phone. There was absolutely no convenience provided to me. They could only process one payment per day. And my debit card would only allow me to spend up to $500 per use. So, I had to pay a convenience charge on the phone, and another at an authorized agent where I physically had to drive to, in order to process my payment.
I disputed the convenience charges, because I disagree that a convenience was not provided to me. I was told that a supervisor would call me to discuss within 72 hours- but I never received that call. My husband also talked to ComEd last week, regarding the shut-off notice, and again they said they would call back within 72 hours. Yet again, ComEd failed to call back.
Every customer of ComEd’s should know where to file a complaint against utility companies. If anyone else is being RIPPED OFF BY COMED, they should know that they can file a complaint with the ICC. (Every state has a government agency that handles complaints regarding utility companies). Filing the complaint stopped ComEd from being allowed to shut my power off (temporarily), and hopefully, it will stop them from unfair collection of money that is not due to them.
Surprisingly, a ComEd representative actually called me back because I had made an official complaint with the ICC- Wow! Illinois consumers can file a complaint online, by phone or mail with the ICC. Contact information and the on-line complaint form for the ICC is located on their website: http://www.icc. Illinois.gov/consumer/complaint.
Here I go again, protesting against a messed up problem that affects millions of consumers…
After eight years of being a consumer of ComEd's, our power was turned off (Prior to this hardship my family is going through, I had always paid my bills on time- I was a good payer). I rushed to pay my bill the day they shut my power off. On the next day, my power was turned back on. My bill was in excess of $1000, because I was facing foreclosure on my home, and I was giving most of my money to the mortgage company, to get us in good-standing, so we can have our loan reinstated. And we succeeded- our load was modified and reinstated a couple weeks ago. After paying the ComEd bill that was over $1000, a couple weeks later, I received a letter from ComEd, demanding that I pay them three down-payment's, because since my power had been shut off (let me remind you, just one time in eight years), I was no longer considered a good customer, but rather a high-risk customer; not even taking into consideration that the same day my power was shut-off, I paid in excess of $1000, the entire past due amount.
A month later, they shut off my power again (that was last month), because I was late to pay my bill; but more importantly, I was late sending them their new requirement of the down-payment. I admit that times are difficult for my family. We struggle to pay our bills on-time. Literally, we are living week-to-week.
Late last year and early this year, my husband and I lost two businesses. We have built our lives earning a six-figure income. For the first time in my life, I am collecting unemployment benefits. My husband now labors, and makes less than half of what he earned in his professional career. Between my husband’s income and my unemployment checks, we gross about $50,000 annually (that figure doesn’t even reflect taxes and medical benefit deductions). We are a family of five, and we don't qualify for welfare- It just doesn't add up.
Getting back to the subject of ComEd, when they turned my electricity off last month, the very same day I paid the bill PLUS the first installment of the required $108.33 down-payment, so that they would turn my electricity back on. And the following day, my power was on again. Twice they turned my power off; and twice did hundreds of dollars worth of food spoil in my fridge and freezer.
My current bill had not been paid on-time either. We are still trying to recover from putting all are money out to the mortgage company and the $1000 to ComEd. My electricity was scheduled to be turned off yesterday. I called ComEd few days prior, and I disputed the down-payment. I explained that I felt it was unfair to expect more money than my bill, and told them I would gladly pay them only my bill amount, and would do so that day (during the phone conversation). But they would not budge. They already had over a $100 of mine just setting in an account that I could not touch or use. These days, I just don’t have an extra $325 (total of three down-payments) to be setting in ComEd’s bank account. I had explained to ComEd... "That’s my money, which could pay my car note, my auto insurance, or even food for the family for a couple weeks".
This time, I paid only my bill portion (even though they still have an extra $108 of mine), and I also filed a complaint with the ICC - Illinois Commerce Commission. And to my surprise, since I filed the complaint against ComEd to the ICC, regarding the demand of the down payments as a condition I have to meet in order to have electricity come to house; ComEd cannot turn my electricity off while a complaint is open. I found that out from ComEd after I paid my only bill portion using my on-line banking. She (ComEd Rep.) was very rude when I called to let her know I only paid the bill-portion, and inquired if they were still going to turn my power off the next day. She would not answer any of my questions, only provided comments with a rude tone, that because I filed a complaint with the ICC, that my electricity would remain 'ON', until the dispute was settled.
There are no other residential power companies in Illinois to choose from, so ComEd has zero competition. Why should I or anyone else have give to give to ComEd $325 extra, to sit in a bank account of theirs? I think it is an unfair practice. I imagine that if ComEd did have competition, they would design a competitive plan, with competitive rates, and offer economical solutions to those that are facing hardships, in order to keep their clients, as well as keep us satisfied- Don't you think? The phone companies, wireless and LAN lines; the cable and dish companies; and internet companies all compete for our business. And some do a good job- by providing to us options to choose from; some customize their services to fit our budgets; and some offer really good customer service, treating us with respect and valuing us as customers. Even other industries, like lenders and insurance companies, provide us various options, as well as grace periods. But since our choices are limited to either, ComEd or candles, we are powerless- no pun intended. They tell us to jump; we ask "How high?" They tell us to bend-over, and we do. We have to, or they will turn off our electricity. And we have to OVER-PAY them, or they turn off our electricity. No grace period; no alternatives that are reasonable; no power!
What ComEd is doing.... it is unfair; it is not fair at all; it is a RIPP-OFF. They should be ashamed of themselves, by taking advantage of the poor, and even more so, because we are in a recessed economy. I've think I’ve been a pretty good customer of ComEd’s for almost a decade. Never in my life-time, have I been through a recessed economy like this. It's not just me, but millions of people (and businesses) are struggling- some already lost the battle; some live day-to-day; others live week-to-week; and most are living paycheck-to-paycheck. I am not the only person that is being demanded by ComEd, to pay more than I owe. ComEd is ripping us off!!! In times like these, we should be helping one another, not making a bad situation worse. Things will get better, in time. But, I don’t think we’ll see better-days anytime soon.
I am very curious, and would like to know how much money ComEd has collected, above and beyond, what their customer’s actual bills were.
They have the nerve to take advantage of...
1) having no other competition; and
2) forcing people to give them more money then what they owe- otherwise they will turn their electricity off.
Each time I called ComEd to dispute the down-payment (as well as pay my bill), they would referred me to an outside source- a utility assistance programs designed to help people through a hardship- L. E.A. P. (Low Income Energy Assistance Program) is the program I was referred to in Will County. Of course I called them, but L. E.A. P. has not been, nor will not be accepting applications for months, because of depleted government funds. And this funding problem that L. E.A. P. is experiencing, should be expected- As the economy continues to tank, more and more people are in need of help, and looking for resources to help them through their hardship. Not only is ComEd wrong, but the government should step-up, and provide the additional funds, to the programs that are designed to temporarily assist low-income families.
Furthermore, the day (first event) that ComEd turned off my power; they had the nerve to...
1) tell me that it could take several months before L. E.A. P. could provide assistance. That tells me that they already knew that the government program was lacking funds, and it really wasn’t an option for me at the time. And...
2) charge me a convenience fee while paying my $1000+ bill over the phone. There was absolutely no convenience provided to me. They could only process one payment per day. And my debit card would only allow me to spend up to $500 per use. So, I had to pay a convenience charge on the phone, and another at an authorized agent where I physically had to drive to, in order to process my payment.
I disputed the convenience charges, because I disagree that a convenience was not provided to me. I was told that a supervisor would call me to discuss within 72 hours- but I never received that call. My husband also talked to ComEd last week, regarding the shut-off notice, and again they said they would call back within 72 hours. Yet again, ComEd failed to call back.
Every customer of ComEd’s should know where to file a complaint against utility companies. If anyone else is being RIPPED OFF BY COMED, they should know that they can file a complaint with the ICC. (Every state has a government agency that handles complaints regarding utility companies). Filing the complaint stopped ComEd from being allowed to shut my power off (temporarily), and hopefully, it will stop them from unfair collection of money that is not due to them.
Surprisingly, a ComEd representative actually called me back because I had made an official complaint with the ICC- Wow! Illinois consumers can file a complaint online, by phone or mail with the ICC. Contact information and the on-line complaint form for the ICC is located on their website: http://www.icc. Illinois.gov/consumer/complaint.
Comments:
Posted by madconsumer on 2009-09-05:
50k per year sounds like a good income to me!!
if times are that hard, cut off the internet and cable.
if times are that hard, cut off the internet and cable.
Posted by PepperElf on 2009-09-05:
overpay your bill?
are you referring to the security deposit? You know the one you have to pay if your credit doesn't check out... or if you don't pay the bill, get shut off, and then try to get it back on?
are you referring to the security deposit? You know the one you have to pay if your credit doesn't check out... or if you don't pay the bill, get shut off, and then try to get it back on?
Posted by clutzycook on 2009-09-05:
In Will county, mad, 50k won't go to far. Especially if these people were previously making six-figures and are still in their original home. If they had economized and moved into an apartment, maybe.
Posted by Starlord on 2009-09-06:
Didn't you post a similar complaint not long aggo? Irecognize the misspelling of the name of the comapny from before. I corrected you then, and I do it again. It is not ComEd, as there is no such entity as ComEd. It is CON ED, as it stands for Consolidated Edison, and operates in many areas of the country. I find it interesting that so many power companies use the name Edison, when Edison championed Direct Current, while Westinghouse and Nicola Tesla supported Alternating Current. Today, the standard in the US is AC, not DC.
Posted by Eloise on 2009-09-06:
You were three months behind and ConEd had the audacity to turn off service? Unpaid bills means an increase in rates for everyone including people who make far less than $50,000 a year. ConEd needs a down payment in case you decide to not pay for three months again. How isn't that fair?
Posted by Ponie on 2009-09-06:
This is it, Starlord.
http://www.my3cents.com/showReview.cgi?id=56222
I think the reference is made to Commonwealth Edison.
Have to go back to read this complaint now. :)
http://www.my3cents.com/showReview.cgi?id=56222
I think the reference is made to Commonwealth Edison.
Have to go back to read this complaint now. :)
Posted by Ponie on 2009-09-06:
mad, that was my first thought, also. Unless she's using the Internet at the public library.
Since it's a family of 5, there are probably five cell phones with unlimited service being used. And of course there's the obligatory tap, ballet, and piano lessons. Clothing has to be bought at Talbot's or Nordstrom. Maybe apartment living is the thing for them.
Since the power company can't turn off the electricity while the bill is in dispute, the poster will probably be certain to keep the dispute going for the next two years.
'Never in my life-time, have I been through a recessed economy like this.' I don't think any of us have. But,I got a good education in handling finances from my great grandparents who *did* go through it. I've had to do drastic economizing a couple of times in my life. The first things to go were my 'wants' which helped me hang on to my 'needs.'
Since it's a family of 5, there are probably five cell phones with unlimited service being used. And of course there's the obligatory tap, ballet, and piano lessons. Clothing has to be bought at Talbot's or Nordstrom. Maybe apartment living is the thing for them.
Since the power company can't turn off the electricity while the bill is in dispute, the poster will probably be certain to keep the dispute going for the next two years.
'Never in my life-time, have I been through a recessed economy like this.' I don't think any of us have. But,I got a good education in handling finances from my great grandparents who *did* go through it. I've had to do drastic economizing a couple of times in my life. The first things to go were my 'wants' which helped me hang on to my 'needs.'
Posted by Ponie on 2009-09-06:
This is it, Starlord.
http://www.my3cents.com/showReview.cgi?id=56222
I think the reference is made to Commonwealth Edison.
Have to go back to read this complaint now. :)
http://www.my3cents.com/showReview.cgi?id=56222
I think the reference is made to Commonwealth Edison.
Have to go back to read this complaint now. :)
Posted by jktshff1 on 2009-09-06:
Well, you are going thru what many Americans are going thru.
Your utility company is in it for the money. Makes no difference how "good" a customer you were, ya ain't no more.
You are gonna have to learn how to deal with these matters.
There it is.
Your utility company is in it for the money. Makes no difference how "good" a customer you were, ya ain't no more.
You are gonna have to learn how to deal with these matters.
There it is.
Posted by Eloise on 2009-09-06:
Ponie, Are you suggesting that the OP should reduce costs and live a simpler (i.e. cheaper) lifestyle? How are the little darlings supposed to live with out cell phones and lessons? That is simply outrageous!
Posted by Ponie on 2009-09-06:
Eloise, too funnnny! Yep, there was a time some years back that I had to cancel cable TV for a little while. Thank goodness I still had the good ol' (un)dependable rabbit ears. Wonder what I did with them?
Posted by old fart on 2009-09-06:
50 grand...? poor poor baby!... I and my wife raised three kids on $10 K a year in the 60's and 70's... we did it by NOT spending money on unnecessary CRAP!...
Maybe you need to buckle down and do the same!
Maybe you need to buckle down and do the same!
Posted by Eloise on 2009-09-06:
Well Put, OF! We could learn so much just by studying our past.
Posted by C2O on 2009-09-06:
Account for inflation before you brag, brainiac.
Posted by Wally86 on 2009-09-06:
OF that was the 60's and 70's, things are way more expensive now. How the heck are you going to raise a family on 10k in 2009.
Posted by Skye on 2009-09-06:
You need at least $10,000.00 a month to raise a family of 3, with the cost of living these days.
Posted by old fart on 2009-09-06:
I cannot conceive of a situation where I had to spend 2500 a week to live even with three kids... what do you people eat for snacks, caviar?
I and my wife live with no loss of comfort on 2100 dollars a month!
Granted all my bills are paid, my car is paid for, my mobile home is paid off and Our entertainment is uncomplicated but even when the kids were young and into all the activity of youth and the expenses that entailed, we NEVER spent the kind of money you young folks talk about like you are absolutely entitled...
I and my wife live with no loss of comfort on 2100 dollars a month!
Granted all my bills are paid, my car is paid for, my mobile home is paid off and Our entertainment is uncomplicated but even when the kids were young and into all the activity of youth and the expenses that entailed, we NEVER spent the kind of money you young folks talk about like you are absolutely entitled...
Posted by old fart on 2009-09-06:
I am genuinely happy for you that your kids are well fed and clothed and cared for medically but I'll bet dollars to donuts that they all have the mandatory X-boxes and cell phones and laptops and the latest fashions in clothes and vehicles, whether its a car or bicycle.
Additionally I'm sure they go to summer camps and karate or dance lessons weekly not to mention the fees that schools require...
I know that because I and my wife worked our A$$es off to do the same thing 40 years ago..
Additionally I'm sure they go to summer camps and karate or dance lessons weekly not to mention the fees that schools require...
I know that because I and my wife worked our A$$es off to do the same thing 40 years ago..
Posted by MundoCani on 2009-09-06:
What the heck is going on in here? Did Obama write another letter about stealing my money to give to someone else?
Posted by old fart on 2009-09-06:
Mundo.. Did you read the thread?
Posted by C2O on 2009-09-06:
Old fart, don't be a hater just because you've been below the poverty line for 40 years.
Posted by MundoCani on 2009-09-06:
What the heck is going on in here? Did Obama write another letter about stealing my money to give to someone else?
Posted by old fart on 2009-09-06:
C2O... WE've never been poverty stricken... besides, It was a time years before you were an unaborted fetus...
Posted by MundoCani on 2009-09-06:
*retracting inappropriate question and its duplicate*
Posted by C2O on 2009-09-06:
Maybe not in the thriving confines of Saginaw, where you reside in your 950 sg ft. box on wheels, but out here in the real world you would be starving.
Posted by old fart on 2009-09-06:
LOL... What is the real world by your standards...I haven't lived 69 years without learning how to spot a phony and your attitude reeks of phoniness.. sort of a "hey look at me, I'm so clever"... I would bet that you've been through 15 mediocre jobs in the last 15 years...
Posted by C2O on 2009-09-06:
I would define mediocre jobs like such things as a milkman, making a gear shift knob, or maybe spraying poison on bugs.
I've never done any of those things, so I guess you'd lose that bet.
I've never done any of those things, so I guess you'd lose that bet.
Posted by old fart on 2009-09-06:
All honest profitable ways to make a living... I never had a job where I had to lie or con a client but I'll bet you have... it would fit your snarky personality to a TEE...
Posted by C2O on 2009-09-06:
So you went from betting I held mediocre jobs, until I defined them, to me being a conman now? Keep grasping there, as you are pretty entertaining.
Posted by old fart on 2009-09-06:
Con men display themselves without trying... you fit the pattern perfectly...
Posted by C2O on 2009-09-06:
mmmmmm. Okay. If you say so. At least you now know I didn't ever hold those mediocre barely gettin' by jobs.
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