TXU Electric Dishonest billing practices charging for services after vacating the premesis Dallas Texas

On or approximately July 18th 2002, I sent a final check to TXU electric for the amount of $237.38. This was a final bill for electric service at Quail Creek Apartments at 12223 Quail Drive in Balch Springs Texas for apartment #401.

On November 11, 2003, I acquired a letter from the apartment complex stating the move out date of July 19th, 2002 and that the same unit was reoccupied by another tenant on July 27th, 2002. I needed this letter because I was contacted by TXU electric stating that I owed an amount of $982.85, which excluded a deposit of $150.00 and the bill was transferred to my present home address since the bill was not paid.

TXU wants to bill me for service for that unit even after I showed them proof that I vacated the unit. They claim that a final bill was never received. They claim that the check for the amount of $237.38 was not the final bill. They continuously were billing me up until February 27th, 2003, when another tenant signed with them. They claim that since they did not get a final notice to vacate from me, which is not true, that the next tenant was using electriciy under my name. The facts are that I was not occupying the unit.

They want me to pay for service not rendered to me. They claim that the next tenant after me must have used a different electric provider, and that it legally right for them to charge me even though I have proof that I vacated the unit. This is unfair, and I am now to pay an amount of $982.85 plus loose my deposit. TXU attached this bill to my present address and claims that if it is not paid, my electric will be shut-off. I was told by TXU to deal directly with the apartment complex to get this resolved. The apartment complex is not legally responsible for anything regarding my bill.

I've been trying to correspond with TXU regarding this problem for over 6 months. I have been given a contact within their company called 'Off Services Collection.' They gave me several fax numbers to send information to, but then they claim they never got the information. It was resent and resent again. I was told that if proof of vacancy was given, I would be relieved of making payment. I did provide this and they now claim I still have to pay.

If and when I have to pay this bill, I will begin a campaign against TXU and I will actively help other customers of TXU change their service. In the future if enough complaints are heard and people affected by being overcharged unjustly by TXU are made public, my goal will be to open up a class action lawsuit against TXU so that it may be possible for us to regain moneys sent to them because of their unfair and unjust collections practices.

James
Dallas, Texas
U.S.A.