I am writing to express my profound frustration and disappointment (notwithstanding anger) pertaining to the unacceptable service I have experienced this past month with this company. Until now, I have always had satisfactory service from KAMPS, and it is with regret that I am giving serious consideration to terminating our association, for reasons I will outline herein.
As background, I have been a KAMPS customer for 14 consecutive years - since August of 2004, when our residence was in Cameron Park. In December of 2017, our family moved to Camino, and we continued service at our new address. The devastating fires that have decimated portions of California have resulted in PG&E's Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS), affecting many utility customers within PG&E's service geography. As such, the use of stand-by whole house propane generators has increased exponentially (mine included). Because of this increased use and demand for propane delivery service, I wanted to be proactive and allow for sufficient time when ordering my needed propane delivery. Despite my efforts to preclude any delays in delivery, I have been denied by KAMPS representatives on three separate dates this month. As a result, I am now facing a PSPS this coming weekend (October 26), that will last for an unknown duration, with limited propane (30%) on hand to run necessary utilities and appliances on generator power. This, despite the fact I have called for delivery on October 11, October 21, and October 24.
On October 11, following the October 9 PSPS, I requested to be placed on the earliest available delivery schedule, in order to ensure I had adequate propane supply for the next possible PSPS. The representative explained to me that it was KAMPS policy not to perform deliveries of propane unless the customer's supply was at 30% of tank capacity or less. At the time, the contents of my tank's capacity was near 40%. I explained that my generator's propane consumption was approximately 5% per day, and posed a PSPS scenario to her that would exhaust my propane supply. She responded by stating, in essence, that the company policy is the company policy. I pressed further, and posed a scenario that involved life-saving equipment malfunctions due to lack of propane for my generator. She responded with "...well, that would be a situation where you would need to call 911." I find her nonchalant response outrageous.
On Monday, October 21, PG&E announced a possible PSPS for the upcoming Wednesday and Thursday, the 23rd and 24th. Again, I contacted KAMPS. Although the representative on this call was much more assuring that KAMPS would not allow my supply of propane be exhausted, she was unable to guarantee a delivery. My tank's capacity at this time was approximately 35%. The representative did indicate she would place me on the schedule for a delivery "soon."
On Thursday, during the PSPS of the 23rd and 24th, I monitored my propane tank's capacity; it was at 31%. PG&E had already provided notice to my area that another PSPS was probable for the weekend of the 26th, for an unknown duration. Considering the the weekend was approaching, and deliveries were sure to be limited, I called KAMPS yet again, explained my concerns, and propane supply situation, and I was treated the the now-redundant explanation of KAMP's delivery policy and lack of ability to provide me delivery. Because I am aware of the tank capacity that is required to ensure adequate operation of certain appliances and devices, e.g. stand-by generator, I asked if there was any way I could obtain a delivery before the weekend. The representative denied me and then emailed me, requesting I sign a release of liability created for customers with generators. I can only presume this was done to indemnify KAMPS, should a malfunction or damage occur to my generator during a PSPS when I had insufficient propane supply - because KAMPS would not supply me.
I am angry and beyond frustrated, because despite my multiple good faith efforts to alleviate this situation in the first place, I am left in this precarious position. As a paying customer, I am not asking for favors, I am ordering service. If KAMPS is unable to provide that service, there are several local propane businesses that that will, at competitive prices. And, regardless of the expense of a new propane tank, the subsequent removal of the KAMPS tank, any termination fees, and installation of the new tank and equipment, I am seriously and viably considering doing just that. After 14 years as a KAMPS customer, I expect and deserve better that what I have experienced this month. read more