Rented residence at **, NJ, on March 1st, 2011. Moved in on March 21st, 2011. On March 22nd, received a bill from Elizabethtown Gas in the amount of 313.45. Called them to inform them that there had been an error in billing. Was informed that I owed from November 2010 to February 2011. Asked them how can I owe a bill for a place I had not resided at during that time frame. I told them that I had scheduled a meter reading with them on March 8th, 2011, before my moving in to the residence. I was informed that as far as they are concerned that the bill was mine until I proved otherwise with a notarized copy of my lease with landlord information, as well, as a copy of my I.D. I told them it was unlawful to bill me for a service I had not used.
I was informed that last tenants had cancelled their services in November and Elizabethtown Gas didn't shut off gas or transfer billing to owner/landlord and it was now my responsibility. I now have received a shut off notice. I told them this is illegal and Aurora told me that they are State regulated and with in their rights. I'm a bit confused how this form of extortion is legal. A bill is yours until you prove otherwise, even though I resided in another town, my name has never been associated with this residence until March of 2011. I filed with BBB and now the case is being closed due to Elizabethtown Gas non-response. The Case #** contact person was Desirea **. Everyone tells me just send in your lease and I.D., but what about people who are paying these bills that they don't owe?? This goes on my credit report as well. This is not the first time Elizabethtown Gas did this to me. It happened back in 2002 and I didn't realize that it would be on my credit report, even though I did prove to a collection agency I didn't owe the bill. Now I'm fighting back! Thank you for any assistance you can give me on this matter.
