Consumer's Energy Question!!

[COREYB]

I just received my new Consumer's Energy bill in the mail today. To my surprise it was for over $1300, much higher than the $55 bill I received last month. I called Consumer's to see what was going on, I ended up talking to a lady (who I now think worked for a collection agency) who stated that they believe the girl I live with, is the girl that owes them from a previous address. I would like to know how it is (which I believe it isn't) legal for me to assume her debt? We are not married, and I don't think that I am responsible for a balance that is not mine! Consumer's is saying that since we live together that's the way it is! They want me to send them proof that we did not live together at the other address and that they would review it and see if they take it off my bill! Shouldn't they be the ones to prove that I DID live there? (Which I DID NOT by the way!) What can I do to take care of this issue? Any advise is surely appreciated!

 

[army judge]

I just received my new Consumer's Energy bill in the mail today. To my surprise it was for over $1300, much higher than the $55 bill I received last month. I called Consumer's to see what was going on, I ended up talking to a lady (who I now think worked for a collection agency) who stated that they believe the girl I live with, is the girl that owes them from a previous address. I would like to know how it is (which I believe it isn't) legal for me to assume her debt? We are not married, and I don't think that I am responsible for a balance that is not mine! Consumer's is saying that since we live together that's the way it is! They want me to send them proof that we did not live together at the other address and that they would review it and see if they take it off my bill! Shouldn't they be the ones to prove that I DID live there? (Which I DID NOT by the way!) What can I do to take care of this issue? Any advise is surely appreciated!

You are not responsible for another person's debt.
She wasn't your spouse.
That isn't your debt, whether you lived with her or not.
The utilities were in her name.
She is the ONLY one responsible for the alleged $1,300 owed.

You don't have to prove anything.
If you, on the other hand, choose to prove; simply tell then you didn't reside at that address.

Your intuition is correct.
They need to prove you not only lived at that address, but had the utilities in your name.
In Michigan, here is where you file a complaint with the State of Michigan, Public Services Commission to assist you with complaints against utility companies.

Be forewarned, Consumers is notorious for CUTTING your service off, when they allege you owe them money!

You might try and visit a Consumers Office and express your concerns to a supervisor or manager in person.

Take proof of your address (maybe your parent's address or another friend's address), perhaps a letter from someone attesting to the fact that you resided with them during the time in question.


http://www.michigan.gov/mpsc/0,1607,7-159-16368_16415---,00.html

 

[mightymoose]

Look your bill over carefully... be sure to pay the portion of it that you actually owe and dispute the rest.