Suburban Propane Unethical Practices Prince Frederick, Maryland

To: "Ex-employee/old propane guy"

FYI: There is NO "minimum usage" (corrected your spelling -- no "e" in "usage") in my service agreement!  If you'd read my complaint thoroughly, you would have seen that I have been with Suburban for years -- 8 to be exact -- which leads to my next point. Your question as to why I have "stopped using the gas" is not only presumptuous but also incorrect and irrelevant; however, I will answer it anyway in order to set the record straight:  I only use propane for a gas cooktop; therefore, I have NOT stopped using it. 

When you state "If you propane use has changed ....", I assume you mean "If your propane use has changed ...."  My usage has NOT changed through the years -- again, it is used only for a gas cooktop!  Prior to the 9/15 invoice, no "minimal" had ever been "automatically computed" (again, I corrected your spelling of "automatically"), and regarding your so-called solutions, why should I consider "eliminating [my] propane appliance" to avoid being the victim of unethical business practice?  Would you care to reimburse me for my Thermador gas cooktop? 

As for the "option" of buying my tank, never would I give Suburban the satisfaction; however, as soon as every drop of gas in this tank is used, they can come pick it up, as I have every intention of giving my hard-earned money to a reputable company who does not have legal charges pending against them!  After researching, I discovered something that may interest you:  A class-action lawsuit against Suburban Propane!  The legal charges, interestingly, are identical to the ones I (and clearly dozens of other victims) have experienced.  It would not surprise me if Suburban made these random tank-fills to multitudes of people whom they *knew* would most likely *not* meet the "Minimum Bill" requirement, thereby scamming an exorbitant amount of money for unreceived goods from unsuspecting consumers. (Oh, and by the way -- regarding your sarcastic comment about returning a 1/2 filled propane grill tank and not expecting a refund -- I have used an outdoor gas grill for most of my life.  I keep a back-up tank in order to ensure that the one I return is empty!)  

Secondly, I did not call Suburban to "come to [me]" and fill the tank (and yes, before you start, I am on a "when called" basis, as I have called them in the past). Next, I have paid the rental fee on my tank; therefore, Suburban has no right to disable it anymore than a landlord has the right to change the locks on the doors of a house when a tenant has paid his/her rent; additionally, just because the landlord may "own" the house, any of the contents the tenant bought and placed within the house *belong* to the tenant, and he/she has a right to his/her possessions!  

Regarding your weak analogy about getting a phone bill if I don't make phone calls, an electric bill without using electricity, and a cell phone bill regardless of the minutes I use, of course I expect a bill for the amount used and/or any fees of which I was made aware, and agreed upon, at the initiation of my service agreement!  At no time, however, has the electric company ever charged me for electricity I did NOT use, regardless of whether or not they thought I had "used enough." 

I suggest you examine the class-action lawsuit currently pending against Suburban Propane before you make assumptions, "old propane guy."     

When you signed your service agreement, the minimum useage was written on your agreement. Do you have a copy of it? Why have you stopped using the gas? Most often these minimums are tied to a price. The higher the minimum, the lower the price. When you signed up, you probably wanted to pay the lowest price, so you have a higher minimum. If you don't make any phone calls, do you still get a bill? If you don't use any electricity, do you still get a bill? If you have a cell phone, you pay for the MINIMUM even if you do not use all your minutes, and in most cases, your minutes do not carry over month to month. You talk about going to the gas station. Well you don't go to the propane station. You are using THEIR equipment and THEY ARE COMING TO YOU! The minimum was not indiscriminately applied. It was clearly stated on your agreement. The gas might be paid for, but it is in THEIR tank. THe minimum is figured on a daily basis, so if your minimum is $15.00 per month that equates to $.50 per day. It is automaticly computed at the time of delivery. You need to read your agreement. If you propane use has changed, you can also look into other options such as buying your tank, or eliminating your propane appliance. If you are using so little, you might want to look into getting a small grill tank and exchange it when empty at a convienence store. Just remember, if you take a tank that is 1/2 full to exchange it, you won't get any credit for the gas in the tank.