Energy North Propane

I have been a customer since June 2002 on their budget plan. I always paid in more monthly and have a sizable balance each year. In December 2010, I skipped a payment, being 3 payments ahead from the carryover of last year's ending balance. Then Energy North cancelled my budget plan, filled the tank, and demanded my "prompt attention to this serious matter". That is, $600.00 to be paid in 10 days or shut off and tank locked. It is illegal during winter months.

In 2012, the tank was filled end of February ($300.00). It's the first time since 1/2011, and I paid half. Then in the end of March, I sent the balance and got another "bullying" demand letter, which was sent out the same day as the check was processed through my bank. I contacted them, and I'm waiting to hear an apology or oops, sorry.

I'm very unhappy with this company. The propane services my hot water heater only, which my family of only two uses conservatively. When I identified questionable charges on my invoice, I called and requested they show the meter reading on my statement which they continue not to do. I monitor my meter and my usage varies between 6 and 8 units per month; however, they bill me for 14.2 units every month regardless when I am not on any estimate program. I placed duct tape over the meter counter and thereby discovered upon my new billing for 14.2 units, and yet the duct tape has been undisturbed proving to me that they are not in fact reading the meter.

I also complained to them about the late charge of $4.00 which is applied when they do not receive payment within 10 (ten) days of the meter reading, plus an additional $8.00 for rebilling even though I do not receive a second invoice. It wasn't until I mailed my check by certified mail with the complaint in writing that they did not include the late charge and yet I paid within the same time frame. When I called I am left on hold or the office manager is conveniently in a meeting. I am compiling evidence that I plan to forward to the Attorney General's office, Public Utilities Commission as well as local media sources.

I have 100 pounds propane tank for Garage Heat. In the middle of the summer, someone contacted my wife stating that I would be charged a low-usage fee of $150. This is regardless of propane needs, unless I filled up. She had them fill up, and we got a bill for $336. I was furious when I heard of this, and I said it was extortion. Forcing people to fill up because business is slow in the summer. I told them to shut off the gas, and come get the tank. They haven't. Now it's gone to collection.

About 2 years ago, we contacted the Propane company, by letter and by phone call, letting them know that we were changing our status. We had purchased alternative heating systems; first a wood stove and later with a pellet stove. Last year, 2010, we had a delivery of propane and more recently, a delivery on Feb. 1, 2011. They delivered 300 gallons to top off the tank. We have a 900-gallon tank and we did not need the delivery nor did we ask for it. To our surprise, we then had a bill for over $1000. On Feb. 28th, they sent a bill.

On March 7, we received an urgent letter and a few days later, a shut off letter. There is no regulatory commission for propane companies, so they have the right to bully consumers in this way. We were so humiliated to have to beg them not to shut our tank off even though over 650 gallons in the tank is ours and fully paid for last year. We have had to take them a check for $250.00 and promise to pay the balance by the end of April. This presents a hardship for us. I don't know of any other company that would get away with sending you something you didn't order, charging top dollar for the product and then extorting money from you saying you have 10 days to pay up or else.