Exelon Commonwealth Edison Disregarded minimum paymets Chicago, Illinois

Due to the current economic crunch and my employer enforcing wage and benefit cutbacks, I wasn't able to pay my full electric bill.  Eventually the balance escalated to around$1000.

After picking up additional employment, I started paying my base bill plus 20% extra to reduce the balance.  Within 4 months, I reduced my balance by $600.

While precociously balancing my budget and still making additional payments, I had my power shut off (after a confirmed payment 5 days before shut off).  When I called ComEd's "consumer services division" I was informed that my payments were insufficient and they wanted the full balance NOW.

Having no other option, I paid in full, thus endangering my other financial responsibilities. Yet, my power wasn't restored for another 24 hours. 

When I called to complain, I was informed there was nothing I could do about the delay, and any problems I had were none of their concern.

With their exorbitant fees just for having the 'privilege" of having the service provided (even though they are the only company that provides the service), I think that it unreasonable that they cannot accept someone trying to do right and pay their bill.

The residents and business owners of Illinois and Maryland are at the mercy of this govermently supported monopoly, and it would be nice if the consumers had some rights.