Friday, February 17, 2006

Frosty winds made moan

This is an actual series of email communications between myself and Nicor gas company yesterday after I received my online bill.
Enjoy.
>-----Original Message-----From: karynim@hotmail.com [mailto:karynim@hotmail.com]Sent: Thursday, February 16, 2006 8:52 AMTo: Customer CareI am concerned about the accuracy of my current gas bill. This past month hasbeen unseasonably warm-- warmer than the month before-- yet my bill has nearly doubled in one month. Could the usage be rechecked, please? Was I charged for both the upstairs and downstairs apartment when I only have the upstairs? If this is accurate, why did this happen? Should the landlord check for a gas leak? Thank you for your help. I would like to know before time to pay the bill so I can make arrangements. Sincerely, Karyn Heath

From: "Customer Care" To: Date: Thu, 16 Feb 2006 09:00:33 -0600Good morning. We put a very strong odorant in the gas so even very small leaks (like a pilot that has gone out) can be detected immediately.Your 1/17 bill was an estimate, and may have been underestimated. This bill is based on a reading of 1595 taken 2/14. The quickest way to verify if your bill is correct is to read the meter yourself. If your reading is lower than ours, send it to me and I'll rebill the account. Please let me know. Thank you for contacting Nicor Gas.KarenCustomer Care Services

From: karynim@hotmail.comTo: Customer ServiceDate: Friday, February 17th 7:30am
Thank you so much for your quick response to my emailed question. I have previously used electric heat in the winter and so was unfamiliar with the idea that a month could be estimated instead of an exact measurement. Now I do understand how this month's usage could have doubled if last month was a guess, and the remainder from last month had to be figured into this month's bill. Thank you also for sending out the bills a reasonable time in advance of the payment date so that people have time to sell their family heirlooms on ebay to pay for their heat. :-) Actually, that is a joke. I'm thankful that my bill is not as large as some other people's. The payment will be made on time. Thank you again.Karyn Heath