My wife and I have resided at our property for four years now.  Within this time we have never failed upon paying our gas bill.  For over a year we have never received a paper bill nor a digital bill.  So my wife on a regular basis, out of a self-made routine, goes online to pay up. 

 

Our home utilizes gas at every level possible especially one important utility meaning hot water.  On Wednesday eve we learned that our gas was turned off and locked, explaining why we had no hot water.  Getting past our confusion as how it happened, we decided to move forward and get it resolved the following day during business hours.

 Upon my call I recognized that the representative whom I spoke with was extremely helpful and shared concern.  I immediately made the payment to expedite a resolve.  After the payment was confirmed I was informed that I would be charged for a re-connect fee as well as a new deposit.  I was told I will be billed monthly. 

 

My immediate thought took over as I decided to be a good customer and make those payments immediately .  After paying $65 for a re-connect fee and $70 for a deposit, plus roughly $160 for a past due I was given information regarding a reconnect date. As to date, we have to wait literally four days meaning Wednesday to Saturday before we have gas. And, to top off the biscuits with tasteless gravy, I was told someone will need to be home from the hours of 8:30 a.m. to midnight.  So, I have to give my time at home for 16 hours on Saturday.  I suppose no one has the modern device called a cell phone and if they somehow did occupy such a device it must be such a painstaking physical nightmare to call a few hours ahead.  I mean, think of the horrid attempt/task it must be to offer any kind of a fair notice after taking $300 to solve what was once a minute problem.

 

  In the meantime, we have to travel to Chester Frost Park in order to use the bath houses.  We cannot cook, even if we were able to cook, we cannot wash dishes.  Tonight my wife was hoping to use one of our fireplaces as it will be a tad cool, not happening. 

 

So I am lost for an understanding.  They took all of my payments, including a deposit and a re-connect fee.  Yet I have this type of customer service for a delay that is hands down an intended epic failure?  We are productive people in society and only hope that we be treated the same by those whom we do business with on a regular basis.  Having stated these frustrations I am now wide awake and my eyes are wide open.  Chattanooga Gas got my attention 100 percent.

 

  Effective November 2019, I will go to my shop and gather some heavy equipment.  I am going to dig the biggest hole in the county in my yard followed by the biggest tank I can contract to be installed.  I do not care If I have to order it and be delivered three states away. Upon completion, I will enjoy calling Chattanooga Gas to turn me off and remove the meter. 

 

I take responsibility for forgetting the bill.  But, guess what, I know how to run a business too, as I am a business owner.  The one key element is a fact, Take Care of Your Customers. My wife does not deserve it and it will not be forgotten.

 

Michael T. Castle