Sioux City, IA asked in Civil Rights, Energy, Oil and Gas and Consumer Law

Q: Can a electric company be sued

For years my parents had been on a tight budget I never really understood why I felt like it was not my business but just recently iv learned the reasons behind why .for many years now my parents who only live off a small monthly check has been paying 500 to 700 dollars or more on their electric bill which had 12 additional charges on it .their actuall electric use charge is hardly ever over $100. The rest is additional charges for a program they are not even involved in or would qualify for even if they wanted to be . This one bill ,one company has kept my parents from having a life and to have a comfortable retirement they deserve after working hard their whole lives. I have done some research and have not found nothing my parents have agreed to that involves these extra charges . It blows my mind that this company has been able to rob my parents over these past years of having a life were they can travel or remodel their home or buy Christmas or to have the extra money in the bank

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered
  • Consumer Law Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA

A: Yes, an electric company can be sued if there are grounds to believe that they have engaged in wrongful or fraudulent practices. If your parents have been charged for services or programs they are not enrolled in or have not agreed to, this could potentially be a case of billing fraud or misrepresentation.

The first step is to carefully review the electric bill and identify the specific additional charges that are being questioned. It's important to understand what these charges are for and why they have been added to the bill. Sometimes, utility bills can include regulatory fees or other charges that are not immediately clear to consumers.

If the charges are indeed for a program or service your parents did not enroll in or consent to, you should first attempt to resolve the issue directly with the electric company. Document all communications and keep a record of any responses or explanations they provide.

If the electric company does not adequately address the issue, you may consider taking legal action. Consulting with a lawyer who has experience in consumer rights or utility law can provide guidance on the best course of action. They can help determine if there's a basis for a lawsuit and advise on how to proceed.

In situations like this, it's also possible that other consumers have experienced similar issues. A lawyer can help investigate whether there is a pattern of such practices by the company, which might strengthen the case or even lead to a class action lawsuit. Remember, each situation is unique, and professional legal advice is crucial in navigating these complex issues.

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