Nicor Gas didn't stop service new tenants rack up a $600 bill Aurora Illinois

I have just recently moved back to Aurora, IL after living in Georgia for 3 years. As I moved into my new home I called Nicor Gas in order to establish service from them and what I found out was jaw dropping. They proceeded to inform me that I had a past due balance of roughly $600.00 from when I previously lived in Illinois. So I asked them how this would be possible and they transferred me to another department. I get a new rep to speak to and she in turn tells me that the bill is for June, July, August, September, October, and November. Well I told her that was odd because I was living in Georgia during those months. She tell me that Nicor never received a shut-off notice which is complete crap because I called them personally remembering this distinctly because of the ridiculous wait time to speak to a rep. She then informs me that they did receive a service start up in November conveniently when the service in my name was shut-off. So when I asked what could be done if I could show proof that I was in Georgia would they drop these charges she replied "You can send them if you want but you will have to pay this bill if you want new service." I told her that that was ridiculous and I should not have to foot the bill for someone else and was told "Really sir there is nothing you can do about it. We are the only service provider for the area." Its absolutley insane that this is permissible and all I can do is dispute it with them to no end because they don't even care to listen, help, or acknowledge legitimate paperwork showing that I was not living at this residence.

Justin
Aurora, Illinois
U.S.A.