Allegheny Power / Terrible experience

First, they overcharged us thousands of kilowatt hours that was only found because we found it. Gee, they 'estimate' our usage many times higher than it is, consistently. I wonder why that is? They basically said 'Oops'!

That translated into a $350 reduction of our electric bill. (We KNEW they were wrong - we are frugal! Lights off, utilities unplugged when not in use, freezing our tushies off all winter NOT turning on the electric heat, hovering in front of a wood stove to stay warm!)

Here's the kicker. One week after we called them on their over-estimation, we get a letter the basically states: Our research has indicated you are under-secured. Therefore, you must pay an additional $351 security deposit (think the amount is coincidental? Me thinks not...) due with your next bill. If you do not pay this deposit in full with your next bill, your electric service may be terminated.

We have had this account for two years, paid a security deposit when we started it (which they still have), and we're managing to meet our obligations in spite of a rotten economy. So why do they want more at this time?

You know what their excuse for this additional security deposit is (besides the fact that the government has lifted the regulations on the industry so the pirates are free to rape and pillage at will?) They are doing it to offset losses from foreclosures where people are walking away from their final bills. Oh, THAT makes sense, put it on the backs of us who are barely surviving, push MORE people to the brink of foreclosure. How about your executives take a modest cut in pay instead?

I REALLY, REALLY HATE CORPORATE GREED! Especially in these times when we should all be looking for solutions together, not having to deal with Corporations grabbing all the loot they can while running to their off-shore hideaways in their corporate jets.

So, if you have your electricity through Allegheny Power, let them know you dislike their unfair practices. And look into other options for electricity providers. If you don't – stay as far away from this company as you possibly can.

All I can say to Allegheny Power is this - BAD FORM! Now, as to what I can DO about it - that is another story altogether. Filing complaints on websites such as this is merely the beginning of my perfectly legal and multi-armed attack against their corporate greed. I have also filed complaints with the Pennsylvania Utilities Commission, the BBB, and the President's Commission on Energy, to name a few.