How Satisfied Are You With Your Electricity Utility Company? Leave All Complaints Here.

photo by Michael Penn

I have said this before and I still believe it to be true, that until people start getting fed up with the politicized, monopolistic ways of electricy utility companies we won't see real change in the consumer market for renewable energy products.  I think we are now starting to see some movement in this area.  As can be expected utility companies haven't taken the opportunity during this recession to build good will with their customers by avoiding costly add-on charges, rate increases and other dubious practices.  This might just be the spark needed for people to realize they can get off the grid and take control of their energy spending. 

One such example is presented on the blog Fire Progress Energy.  Billed as "Your Voice Against a Powerful Monopoly", Fire Progress Energy has solicited feedback from many people in the Tampa Bay area about Progress Energy, the dominant electricity utility in that part of the state and elsewhere.  Progress Energy's activities are overseen by the Florida Public Service Commission.  Apparently they haven't been doing their job very well.  Some of the comments by Progress Energy customers:

Robert Ridings

They all are in the pocket of this and all other utilities . PSC stands for PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION not PRIVATE SERVICE TO THE UTILITIES . This is the only utility that the stochholders are 100% protected by our psc. Not a chance to lose a penny.

Lorine

I find it hard to believe that as bad as the economy is that they are asking for an increase in rates. There will be soon on fixed incomes that will have to choice between paying the electric bill or eating or getting their medication.

Dr. Brad

Progress Energy is a monopoly that should be government run, but instead is free to run rampant, impose price increases with little more than a token hearing by the PSC who is in bed with the utility companies. Now Progress Energy (who uses more costly natural gas to generate the majority of this countys power, instead of cheaper alternatives) wants to raise prices during a depression to cover costs of their construction of a nuclear plant, even though that plant will generate vast income for Progress Energy. We are essentially paying for them to make money!

John Dufek

As a landlord, I am very concerned with the egregious rate increase Progress Energy is proposing. All of my tenants are of modest means. They are unprepared for, and unable to budget for, this shocking proposed rate increase.

Traci

I just losted my mother due to cancer and been struggling since January. She past on Sept 13 and less than 1 month I paid over 500.00 at the beginning of the month and not behind but owed a 300.00 bill in 2 weeks afterwards and they would not let me make payment arrangements. That is over 800.00 in less than 1 month and a single parent.

Judi Zachar

My husband died an accidental death in February of 2008. I am living alone, now, on social security disability. For progress energy to increase my light bill by 25%+, in this economy, is unbelievable.

Michelle

My bill went up by $100.00 for January. Our bill is almost $300.00 in January. That is ridiculous! My children and I have been cold all winter trying not to run the heat and our bill is still high. What happens if people decide not to use their air all summer long in the Florida heat. Maybe a few deaths this summer will get someone’s attention.

What about you?  Are you satisfied with your electricity utility company?  I would like to take an informal national poll about customer service and business practices of the electricity utility companies.  Send me your comments in detail and let me know how you feel about your utility company.