why is it power and gas companies know you need them.....?

Question

so they can charge you whatever they want for monthly service, and deposits? and they know you'll pay it cause who can live without electric and gas? it's not like cable and phone you can live without...i don't want to take a cold shower, and sit in a dark house.....anyone else think it's a load of crap?

Answer 1

I think "load" of crap is a bit too small of a measurement. LOL

I keep getting all these "customer's choice" letters in the mail because my electric company got busted a few years back for running a monopoly in my area. So, they split themselves into a few different companies and promote each other so it seems like we actually have a choice in which company we want. Their pricing is pretty much the same across the board though, so switching won't get you a more competitive price. It's disgusting.

I won't even get started on the gas company. My winter bills still have me seething.

Have a good one!

Answer 2

I am very anti utility companies. What I have done to combat them.
1. I installed a wood burning fireplace(the cast iron type) If I am ever without electricity I can always lite a fire, warm water for a bath.
2. I converted my gas water heater to electric.
3. I purchased a power backup generator that can run basic appliances if needed.

What I am planning for: Solor cells installed on the roof to generate to batteries my own power combined with a better generator power plant. Install A backup water supply tank.

If you produce your own power and remain connected to the utility company you can recieve money back. If your producing more than you need the meter will run backwards pushing power into their lines and they have to pay you for it.

I know this seems like a lot, but you can remove your dependency alittle at a time until you can cut them off. Research alternative power. I am sure you could use the utility money in a better place if you did not rely on them..

Same with the car, an average electric car conversion cost $3000. Have one car for just local daily driving that is electric. You produced your own power for. Now cut your gas bill in half or less. Where could you spend that money Hmmm?

Answer 3

power and gas companies are regulated by the Federal Government. Thier policies regarding deposits are not. There are alternatives, if you have the funds, to live off the grid. I know a fellow who put a two inch pipe in a creek and created his own power generator that runs his house off 12 volts. A client of mine has his own solar panels that allows him to live completely off the electrical grid.

Answer 4

Honey, they can't charge you whatever they want. The public utilities commission regulates what they can charge you. They're allowed to require deposits because they get screwed by people not paying them all the time. If there were a lot of money to be made in the utilities industry, a lot of people would be doing it. There's not. They're not screwing you.

Answer 5

If you're really that upset, there are alternatives.
You could generate you own power (water or wind).
You could install solar panels on the roof.
You could burn wood or coal for heat.
Power & Gas companies can just do it cheaper.