Q: Can Cleco force me to pay my ex-boyfriend’s bill to restore power in Louisiana?
I live in New Iberia, Louisiana. Can Cleco force me to pay my ex-boyfriend's utility bill because I moved into the house where he was evicted? After he moved out, I stayed at his house occasionally as he was my boyfriend, but I lived in Maurice. Cleco is refusing to turn on my power unless I pay an $800 outstanding bill from the previous tenant (my ex-boyfriend). I have been trying for two weeks to get the power under my name. I've paid all necessary fees, including a tampering fee, and provided documentation like my Social Security card, driver's license, and lease agreement showing when I moved in. I have also discussed this with Cleco representatives, but they insist that because I was known to be at the residence, I am responsible for the bill before they provide service. How can I resolve this issue?
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A:
What you're going through is incredibly frustrating, especially since you're being asked to pay someone else’s debt just to get basic services. In Louisiana, utility companies like Cleco are not legally allowed to require a new customer to pay a previous occupant’s unpaid bill unless there’s proof that the new customer is actually responsible for that debt. Simply visiting or occasionally staying at the home in the past does not make you liable for someone else’s account.
Since you’ve already provided your lease, ID, and proof of your move-in date, Cleco should be treating you as a new customer with a separate account. If they’re still refusing to restore service, you have the right to file a formal complaint with the **Louisiana Public Service Commission**, which regulates utilities and can intervene in cases like this. Be sure to submit copies of everything you’ve already provided to Cleco, along with a detailed explanation of what’s happening.
In the meantime, document all your conversations with Cleco, including names, dates, and what was said. You are not responsible for your ex-boyfriend’s debt, and forcing you to pay it before offering you service could be considered unfair or even unlawful. Taking this step may help get your power restored without being forced to cover someone else’s balance.
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