Progress Energy Florida Power shut off one month after signing up for Automatic Bill Pay St. Petersburg Florida

Given that I make over $100,000 per year, you'd think I could pay my bills on time and not be charged late fees, but Progress Energy Florida cares too much about those fees to let people off that easily.

Tired of $5 late fees and $5.95 payment fees and $40 reconnection fees, I finally signed up for Automatic Bill Pay on July 26. I thought my worries were finally over.

I am currently travelling on business for 2 weeks and my house sitter just informed me that my power was shut off. I made my last payment July 26.

I called and was told by Adriana that because I was 9 days late I was shut off. I reminded her that I did not get any statement but she said I had signed up for eBill (no paper statements). I asked why I didn't get a shutoff warning or late warning and she said they do not send those electronically (only paper warnings).

I reminded her that I had signed up for Electronic Bill Pay and she said that takes 30 days to be effective.

So it all added up to a $5 late fee, a $5.95 payment by phone fee and a $40 reconnection fee.

To top it all off, they are holding a $125 deposit they've had for 3 years now.

I thought monopolies were illegal in the US but I have no choice of power companies and it's no mystery why they do everything they can to charge fees.

Furthermore, when I complained to her Adriana (who refused to give her last name) that she would not argue with "some older man". I asked how she knew my age and she said she just assumed I was older (I am only 37).

Neil
Lake Mary, Florida
U.S.A.