I am a contractor so I am away from home a lot. In anticipation of that - and never really knowing what the charges will be for 400 gallons of LP, I pay money, steadily, ahead of time. There have been times when Amerigas has been sitting on as little as $200-$300 of my money, and other times that even AFTER a charge of $1100-$1200 to fill up my tank, they have had to send me back a check for $500!
Keep in mind, that Amerigas has a automated "billing" system, where together you (the client) and they determine how much you'll use during the course of the year (read: "WINTER!") and they take that figure and divide it by 12, and charge you that each month - even during the summer months. Well, let's say that you anticipate refilling your tank 3 times - that's 3 x $1200 or $3600 or $300. You will be seeing that EACH month - even in the heat of August.
Now, MEANWHILE, in the background, another local utility for my electiricity, has the same "service" (anticipate your annual bills, and pay a flat fee monthly.
Well, recently, I was behind on paying my entire electrical bill. Late charge assessed? Less than $2.00!
Recently, I was waiting to get my LP bill from Amerigas to ensure that they had credited $20 to my account that I had coming to me. I didn't see it.
WHAT I DID SEE was a $35.00 LATE FEE for charges amounting to $101.00!!
What would the Public Utility commission have to say to that!
I protested it, and got it reversed. (I asked them why they don't pay me $35 every month I have money as a credit balance in my account!!??) They - She - made me feel like I was a nuisance and unreasonable.
I am thinking of turning in their paint-chipping tank, and buying my own, and buying from friendlier, more consumer-sensitive people!
Josh in Story. read more
