Which of your regular bills do you think is the most unfair?

Question

For me, it's my quarterly water bill. We do a lot of gardening and the usage goes up in summer. Water and sewage charges on the same statement. Water is metered, and of course sewage isn't. But the late-winter bill, which should be tiny for me, is an ESTIMATE based on summer water usage, and the sewage charges are jacked up out of sight. I've called the water utility and NO ONE understands how their own estimates are calculated. I asked them to send some kind of explanation to me, and received a silly note with no helpful information at all.

Remember, I'm talking about unfairly calculated bills. A high bill that is reached fairly and documented properly would not qualify.

Feedback? Similar stories? What's YOUR "demon-bill?"

Franco - I thought I was clear. I WANTED to check the calculations. The utility was not able to answer my question when I asked how the estimates were arrived at. I asked for the most basic information, several times, and they were not able to tell me what the calculations are. Someone at the utility must know, but I was unable to reach them.

Remember, the problem wasn't the water, it was the estimated sewer.

Answer 1

Hospital bills. Their detail is incomprehensible, most of it. You never know in advance what a "service" will cost, you have almost no ability to contest charges, and you have almost no ability to decline a service you may not need (I'm talking about things like being charged $25 for a plastic water pitcher, or a "consult" from a doctor you've never heard of or even knew he/she did anything for you).

Answer 2

For me it is the phone bill. They not only have a government protected monopoly but they spend millions of dollars to make sure you have virtually no rights. They screw you on the price and they have many ways to dip into your pocket that are neither fair nor ethical, but the goverment laws that they help to pass protect them in every way.

As far as your water bill, you should be able to go to the utility and ask for a refund or adjustment for gardening water. Many utilities will do that if you ask.

Answer 3

If your water is metered and the bill gives the rate per unit, why can you not check the calculations your self?

Any way you can take measures to collect rain water and the water from your sink and bath and so reduce your consumption of metered water.

Answer 4

For me it's the damn cable bill. All the channels and 80% of it is crap yet they charge alot. You never get it pro-rated for when your cable goes out but if I only sent 95% of the bill they wouldn't accept it.

Answer 5

Student loan. I don't mind paying on legitimate terms, but the system is a scam - 60 Minutes exposed it a few months ago, and now I'm pissed.

Answer 6

Its every bill that is taxed...AND has state fee this and federal fee that and low income charge this and facility charge that.

Its all the gouging BS that you find on every freakin bill!!!!!

Answer 7

College tuition.

Answer 8

Also, water.