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Home > Another (minor) Problem with Fuel Oil Budget Plan

Another (minor) Problem with Fuel Oil Budget Plan

July 25th, 2014 at 05:31 pm

I blogged earlier this month about how our fuel oil supplier increased our monthly budget payment amount, even though we finished the year with a credit. A quick call fixed the problem, and our budget payment was reduced.

Today I was looking through our checking account withdrawals, and saw that $220 was debited from our account on July 21. That's our normal fuel oil budget payment date, and our normal payment amount. The problem is that we weren't supposed to have the withdrawal made this month, and the amount withdrawn in August was supposed to be reduced, so that our Sept. 1 credit would be $0. That was according to a conversation I had with a rep from the company in May.

I made another quick call this morning, and the $220 charge will be reversed, and a reduced amount will be withdrawn in August. Problem fixed.

But, I've had two billing issues related to our budget plan this month! I'm left wondering if:

1) they were two honest mistakes
2) the billing person is incompetent
3) there is something more menacing going on, and they are trying to milk as much money out of the customers as they can, and if a customer catches on, and makes a call, they will only then fix the problem

Please convince me that option #1 happened.

3 Responses to “Another (minor) Problem with Fuel Oil Budget Plan”

  1. snafu Says:
    1406314071

    How did the person you talked to explain why they took $ 220.? Do they have a communication problem between Customer Service and billing platforms? In a great many other households that sum could cause a domino effect of NSFs + expensive service charges. Have you been happy with their service prior? Are they competitive in your district? Is it worth your time and effort to speak to VP Customer service to tell them they seem to have a problem and ask for a $ 25. credit since it had potential to cost you a similar amount? [or whatever you want]

    We have only one natural gas heat supplier and I am miffed that they charge a total of $ 36. in monthly administration fees with various names. In non heating months we use under $ 6. of product monthly primarily to heat water + the admin fees.

  2. PatientSaver Says:
    1406334911

    well, if nothing else, you're going to have to keep a close eye on everything they do.

  3. rob62521 Says:
    1406408676

    Sorry for your problems. I, unfortunately, tend to think #2 and #3 are more likely. I have become quite jaded!

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