P.U.D. - electric power company, Kelso, WA - power cut off due to payment problems

Complaints.com received the following consumer message on July 9, 2002:

From: Debb and Bruce [debb AT kalama.com]

RE: P.U.D. - electric power company, Kelso, WA - power cut off due to payment problems

To whom this may concern;

My name is Jeremy Bruner I live in Kelso, WA. My complaint goes to the P.U.D. On 6/6/02 my power was shut off with an outstanding bill of $1218.00, the P.U.D. told my Fianc'e that $900.00 would turn it back on. Now to explain why my power bill was so high, I was informed how to get help with my power bill by the CAP's company in longview WA.

The stipulation in order to get help is you have to be low income which I am, I have two young children with myself and my fianc'e. Both me and my fianc'e are unemployed right now, but I'm the only one collecting unemployment ($244.00 a week). The other stipulation was you need to have a 24 hour shut off notice to get any funds to help with your bill.

So on the sixth of june I get my notice the same time the power lady shut off my power. So I take my notice to the CAP office in longview,and they inform me that the funds have all been dispursed as of the first of May. It's now the eighth of July and I finally have the money to pay them in full $1218.00 CASH IN HAND.

They told me that I now owe $1600 something, But how can my power bill raise when there is now power running. I don't know if you can help me but I would appreciate a reply A.S.A.P. If you can't help but know someone who can please let me know.

Thank you for your time,

Jeremy J. Bruner