Today's Funny Story

So, for the last 3 months our gas bill has indicated that there has been no change in our meter reading.  In other words, they claim that we aren't using any gas.  As a result, our bill has been a $10 customer fee--that's it!  The first month this happened the bill covered the month of July and so I thought that maybe it could be right.  The second time it happened, though, I called.  The gas company promptly refused to talk to me as the account is in Reid's name.  I was a bit miffed.  Last week we just got our third bill reflecting no gas usage.  So, the minute that Reid walked through the door I handed him the phone and had him call and add me to the account and ask about the bill.  The response we heard was "Well, it's just that time of year where you don't use as much gas."  Ok, I get that we don't use as much, but we're still using some.  Reid handed me the phone so I could "argue" with the lady.  My points--

1.  I turned my furnace on full blast as off September 1st.  This most recent bill covers the entire month of September.  My furnace ran nearly every night that month.
2.  I have a gas dryer which I use to dry at least 6-8 loads of laundry every week.
3.  I have a gas range and while I can't claim to cook every day, my family does eat!
4.  We have a gas water heater and I promise we take a hot shower every day!

So, how in the world can you tell me that over the last 90 days we've used NO gas?!  The lady on the phone said "Well, if it'll make you feel better I'll send a tech out to check your meter."  Um....YES!  Seriously, she was stuck on the time of year thing even though it's October and snowy out here.

Last Friday the tech came out.  I didn't see him or hear anything.  Today I decided to call and ask about their findings.  I explained the situation again (for the third time to a third person at the company) and asked what the tech found.  She looked at my account and said that he came out and read my meter and there was no change.  Those were his findings.  You're kidding right?!  At that point I told the lady that if they want to continue to give us free gas then I will stop complaining, but I will not be paying the $1,000 bill that is going to be coming when they figure this out a year from now.  She told me, "Oh, we'll work with you if that happens."  But I called her now so that won't happen!  No one is taking me seriously.  So, as it stands our meter still reads the same number it did in July and no one seems to care.  She did say that she'll call our local office and talk to them.  I have a feeling I'm going to have to call again next week. 

Despite the fact that I sound exasperated (which I am a little bit), I find the whole thing rather funny.  I have to.  We've had too many mishaps with billing over the last 2 years that if I don't laugh, I cry.  Please, someone else tell me that they have billing mishaps.  Or is it just us?  Maybe I just look at my bills too closely.  I guess I should find something else to do......like be a mother!  :)