We have lived in our house for 26 years this year, and our electricity, water, and recently, especially our trash collection fees, have risen much faster than the prevailing wages in this part of the country. The city seems to think we all have money trees in our back yards.
During the years of living here, things have gradually gone up in price, but recently, we got quite a Shock by the outrageous bill we got for two months of service from the L.A.D.W.P(los angeles department of water and power). Normally, the two months of service costs about $330.00. Imagine our shock when we received, not one, but two separate bills for $5,251.45.
Since we received the first insanely large bill, and called to inquire how this could be, we were told that someone would be out to re-read the meter on the 12th of this month,(June). Today is the 11th of June, and we already received the second copy of the same crazy bill.
While talking with the help at the D.W.P, it was suggested that perhaps the meter was not readable due to dogs, or other obsticles that prevented the technician from reading the meter.
Recently,we did need to cut a neighbors tree that had grown between our two fences, and the access is clear, but how did this outrageous number come about? Is this amount punishment for not giving the worker what he Thought was what he needed?
In my mind, dealing with the D.W.P. is much like dealing with the I.R.S. If they say you owe it, and you don't pay up front, you may be cut off. I don't think they should exert that kind of extortion to get what they think they need. If this in Not the electricity we used, and I know it's not, then this size bill should Never have been sent. If there is not a law to prevent this, there should be. I have been worried about this obviously inflated bill for two weeks or so now, and that is why I am writing this letter. No customer should Ever have to endure this kind of Abuse.
Our bill by the way has never even reached $500.00(five hundred), Not anywhere near $5000.00(five thousand) for two months service. I hope this is aired, as maybe it will Stop these people from doing the same thing to others. Water and Power are two necceties in life, and No one should be able to manipulate this service as these people, or perhaps this one person, has done in this case.
We will be re-read tomorrow, I think, 6/12/2008, and I will keep this site informed on the outcome.
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