XCEL ENERGY XCEL Deposit Scam Eau Claire, Wisconsin

The rep said that if I transfered the service that I would avoid any possible deposits, but there may be a $10-$15 transfer fee.

I went ahead and set up the transfer to our new place for both gas and electric.

Yesterday I got a bill that had TWO deposits on it, one for $90 and the other for $60.  I called and asked what was going on, and I was told that since we had a late payment in the past 12 months that we had to pay a deposit for electrical service, AND a deposit for the gas service.  I explained that I was told that since we did a transfer that we wouldn't be charged a deposit, only a transfer fee.  The CSR completely ignored me.  She went on to explain that if we were late even ONCE in the first 12 months that the deposit was forfeit.  I was in awe.  The money wasn't used to pay your bill if you skip out, they basically use it as a stick to make you pay your bill on time.  I'm sorry, but in this economy even the best person can be late ONCE.  Stuff happens.  Two months ago my parents left for vacation for two weeks and forgot to pay a few bills.  It was their fault, and they paid the late fees and things w/o any fuss... But XCEL is just TAKING people's money for being late, on top of whatever late fees they decide to impose!

I expressed my outrage at their policy and being charged a deposit, and she said she'd set up a payment play, if I payed half the bill at that time.  I refused, and said I'd call back when I felt like paying the bill and I'd talk to someone else.  She smugly said, "Good, cause I'm tired of talking to you and I hope the next person doesn't have to listen to you like I did."

This is completely asinine!  Something needs to be done about these unfair practices!  Where is the competition?!  I'm stuck using this horrible horrible company!