HI Everyone.....I hope today will be prosperous for everyone on Aidpage. I would like to share the latest regarding my natural gas bill and how I am handling it. I moved into my house in December. During the cold winter months my natural gas bill was insane. I kept my house like and ice box because I was afraid of what the bill would be. My fears proved to be correct. For that matter, I should have stayed toasty warm and "been in an in-home" tropical paradise. Anyway, I am currently 500.00 plus behind in my natural gas bill. I have noone to help and I am still unemployed. I have contacted 4 different agencies that assist in paying all or a huge portion of one's natural gas bill so that they will not be without heat, etc. These calls included Urban Ministries, the Salvation Army, social services, etc. Since I have not lived in my current house a complete six months, in this city, no agency could/can help me. I am caught between the proverbial "rock and a hard place". My gas has been scheduled for disconnection on 4-7. After numerous calls with Piedmont Natural Gas, it will still be disconnnected on 4-7 unless I can come up with 251.56. I do not want my natural gas to be turned off because when I am able to pay it I will have to pay a reconnection fee which will only add to the situation. I am receiving UI, however, it is not enough to cover my rent. According to the North Carolina Public Utilities Commission, a customer has the right to dispute the termination notice. First you must call your natural gas company. My provider happens to be Piedmont Natural Gas (which I have contacted numerous times in the past few weeks). If you cannot make progress there, you can appeal (informally) to the NC Utilities Commission by phone (919)733-9277, appear in person, or by writing the North Carolina Utilities Commission at the following address:
Consumer Services Division Public Staff-North Carolina Utilities Commission
PO Box 29520
Raleigh, NC 27626-0520
I have written and submitted correspondence to the commission to request assistance or guidance in this matter. I am also going to appear in person tomorrow to discuss options. I will let everyone know the outcome. I know that this posting is related to North Carolinians but that is where I live and that is what I know. I can only assume that most ,if not all states have a commission in which to contact. Please share if you have engaged in the same or similar scenario. Stay tuned for the results.