Wednesday, December 27, 2000
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Wednesday, December 27, 2000 |
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PSC gets tough with gas firms If you've been frustrated by the billing practices of your natural gas provider, help may be on the way. The Georgia Public Service Commission has approved new rules requiring gas marketers to provide timely, fair and accurate bills. Thousands of consumer complaints over late natural gas bills sparked the action, according to a PSC press release. The rules require marketers to mail bills within 45 days after the distribution company reads the customer's meters. If the marketer fails to do so, it must allow the customer a "reasonable time" to pay the charges, at least as long as the period of time it took to send the bill. Marketers may not charge interest on any of the late bill amounts and can't disconnect gas service during this period. Customers are still responsible for paying for any gas used, though. The rules spell out required items that must be printed on each gas bill, including time of the billing period, cost per unit of the specific quantity of gas used, interstate capacity charge, exact amount of the base charge, any customer service charge and any credits or balance owed. Bills also must include a toll-free number for customer service "in a clear and conspicuous place." Marketers also have to give notice of any new customer service charges 25 days before they take effect, and the notice must be in "clear and conspicuous" language. The commission can levy fines of up to $15,000 for violation of the rules, and an additional maximum of $10,000 for each day the violation continues. A marketer that repeatedly or willfully violates the rules can have its license suspended or revoked.
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