Is it legal for a utility company to refuse me service based off a bill that is not mine?
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Is it legal for a utility company to refuse me service based off a bill that is not mine?
I just got my first apartment after being harmless and living with friends and family for the past 3 years. I have moved into low income housing. When I called the light company to have service turned on in my name, they asked for a previous address so I gave them the billing address I had been using for years. It belongs to my brother. Now I have not physically lived at this address for more than 2 years. My brother has a past due light bill that is in disconnect status. The light company tells me they will not turn on service until I pay the bill.
Asked on November 21, 2011 under Bankruptcy Law, Missouri
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Unfortunately for you, the utility company can refuse to turn your utilties on based upon the apparent mistake in identity as to the past due bill of our brother from another property. I would try and work with the utility company advising its representative that you were not on the unpaid paid bill as the person responsible for it.
One option is for you to contact you state's public utilties commission to make a complaint against the utility company for its failure to turn on your uilities for your rental over a bill dispute in the name of your brother.
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