PUC reviewing Central Maine Power's bad-debt write-offs
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The review was triggered by mounting sums that CMP has been unable to collect from non-paying customers. If the utility is able to write off that bad debt on its books, ratepayers would pick up the tab. In the ongoing case, the PUC staff argues that CMP shouldn't be allowed to charge off a total of $10.6 million.
PUC reviewing Central Maine Power's bad-debt write-offs
Central Maine Power Co. shut off electricity last year to 29,554 homes of residents who didn't pay their bills, an apparent record number that also reflects the condition of the overall economy.
I couldn't agree more Gaffer.
We are also paying for the rising number of accounts receivable that are being written off each year by oil, LP,natural gas companies. You won't see it directly like CMP's issue but the write offs become part of the rising costs of fuel.
Couple that with a small claims system that basically is a joke,if you've ever "won" a judgement in small claims against these deadbeats you understand exactly that the chances of recouping your money are pretty slim.
Courts urge that companies make payment arrangements and then "mediate " how much the debtor can pay...... "how about $5 a month on a $600 bill?"
It gets better.When they don't make the payments you can take them back to small claims for "disclosure" and possibly you'll get a favorable judgement ....... but it costs you more money to file ............ and finally you may possibly get a civil order of arrest for their failure to make payments. And on occasion they do toss a deadbeat in the slammer. But the bottom line is it costs time and $$$$$$ to chase these people through the system and that is the reason many companies have stopped pursuing their small claims and moved directly to writing off the debt and giving the accounts to collection agencies.
Fortune shines on the deadbeats who target the oil and LP business because there are plenty of companies ,they move from one to another until they find one that is willing to take the chance and extend them credit. The professionals know that free oil and LP is there for those who want it.......ouch.
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Per the article in liberal MST CMP has about $10 Million in bad debt from their 600,000 subscribers, and noted that was pennies being picked up by the people who pay. Well that $16 would be better in my pocket and I resent having to pay extra so some can get away with not paying. It is not just the electric bills, it is darn near everything that these loafers use and need, plus we are saddled with providing them with food, rent, transportation and all kinds of other stuff. I am tired of it! Being poor is one thing, being a loafer is quite another.