Met-ED Security Deposit SCAM. Reading Pennsylvania

Met-Ed Security Deposit (Obscene Scam):  I am a homeowner who has been at my current location for twelve years, non-transient.  In July I was informed that Met-Ed decided to bill me an additional $1000.00 for a security deposit due to late payments (still current, but late).  I called the company to complain, they "waved" the deposit.  

 

August and Septmeber went smoothly - normal bills.

 

In October's bill I recieved the same $1000.00 security deposit on my statement. Only this time it was apparent that the payment I had made in the month of September did not go to my energy usage but to the $1000.00 security deposit that was now back on the statement.  This brought the security deposit down to $813.00, but left me with Septembers payment and Octobers payment now due in addition to the deposit.

 

Called them ASAP.  Spoke to a representive named "Mike" who basically said "Oh well, looks like you owe us and have to pay, let me set you up on a payment plan."  When I began to ask specific Security Deposit questions he offered to transfer me, but instead hung up.  Spoke to a second representive, name unknown, who basically said the same and offered to transfer me again.  Spoke to a third representitve, who transfered me to the General Supervisor "Lita".  Lita informed me that this was common business practice, they would hold my money for a year.  In a year if I wasn't late, they would credit my account.  In a year if I was late, they would hold it for another year, (24 months) and then they would credit my account.

 

No choice,reluctantly paid. This is a MONOPOLY. I understand that I am late bill payer, but I do pay-if I did not they would shut me off and charge the bill plus reconnection....they will get their money.

 

It just seems really ridiculous that they can be allowed to tact on a fee like this, out of no where and get away with it.  Who has this kind of money sitting around? What kind of logic are they using: "This customer is paying, but struggling to make it on time. Let's charge them more!