Xcel Energy Did not post payment to my account Minneapolis, Minnesota

I had lost my job and was not collecting unemployment in July of 2010. I was late on my Xcel bill due to lack of funds. I called and spoke with a rep. who said I need to pay a minimum of $264 and some odd cents.

The following day, I went to King Soopers and made a payment of $300.00. I had no problem paying the late fees due to me being late was my fault. Once that was taken care of, I called in to Xcel and gave them my receipt number. Obviously, it was reported somewhere because they did not disconnect my services.

I began work on a cruise ship Aug. 1. I left the remainder of the bill in the hands of someone who also had lived at my residence in good faith of them paying it on time. I come back early September and moved into my own place on September 11th. I called that same night and transferred the previous tenants name at my address into my name. It was late at night and the gentleman told me the computers were down so he would call to me that following day to confirm everything went through. I didn't receive a call. I called that Monday and spoke with someone who said everything went through and they waived my deposit. They also gave me a new account number. I was to be expecting a bill mid this month.

Two days ago, Xcel showed up at my door to disconnect my service. In order for me to not have them disconnect it, I had to show the person my lease stating what date I moved in. He gave me two days to resolve the issue. I look at the bill he had given me and it was from my previous address for $843.32. If I had received a new account number, why did they merge my old account to this address? Futhermore, why do they not have on record my new account number?

It gets better, I call to get a break down of the billing because I was screwed over from the person who was suppose to be paying on time. Not Xcel's fault, but what is their fault is that they DIDN'T post the $300 that I paid back in July to my account! If they didn't post is somewhere why was my services not shut off? Now all of a sudden they don't see it?

Now they are saying even if the $300 is posted to the current bill, I will still be disconnected. Not an offer to work with me paying the remainder $500 and some. Not an offer for a payment plan. I am still awaiting the Supervisors call back from seven hours ago. HORRID CUSTOMER SERVICE. Due to an incompitent idiot taking my call and not posting my payment to my account, I now suffer the consequences. Do I have other alternatives? Of course not.

I am not blaming Xcel for my bill my roomie had left me, nor am I complaining of the late fees. I am complaining of the lack of interest, help and work ethic.

I have a friend going to the legeslative in the Springs about Xcel. Unfortunately, she has cancer and her time is valuable. Does anyone know my options? I read about the Fair Credit Billing Act and it does include not posting payments to consumers accounts. I need to speak to someone in regards to breaking down Xcel so they are no longer a monopoly. I do not know where to start. I understand it will be a very long and hard process, but I know I am not the only one Xcel has done this to and I do believe there are enough residents within Colorado that will help with the process.