*(&*#! utility company

I had my heat and lights put on the budget program so I don't have to spend $500 a month in winter and $50 in summer. My budget amount had been $154. In October, they increased it to $174 a month due to impending weather patterns and gas increases. Today I get a letter saying they're raising it to $224 a month for the next six months because I used more power than their initial predictions.
Just when I thought I was going to start getting my bills under tighter control, I get hit with this.

this inflation is going to get us all!!

wi_fighter.. they did the same thing to me!!!!! i was furious!!!! but they see it this way... you have to have it so you will pay it

How dare they? Not fair!!!!!

It wouldn't be so bad if our company actually gave out cost of living raises. Instead, I just have to keeping worker harder and faster and longer to keep up with the bills.

I'm never going to get out of debt at this rate.

I have always preffered to control my own money, even if it means having an envelope to set aside money for the leaner months. These people don't know what your finances are, really! They Project and usually do it to benefit THEM.

I'm starting to think that's the way to go again. It used to make financial sense, but this is just getting ridiculous. I'd rather pay for what I actually use instead of getting hit with a surprise like this.

We have a pre-paid electricity unit in our home where we have to buy our electricity beforehand. This has proved to us that consumption is sooo much less than when we were billed on an "average" or even on an actual "reading". We always had to question where this reading came from anyway!

The whole system makes me mad. Bearing in mind that mine is probably very different from the US. Equal frustrations though, I am sure!

Oh, that sucks, wi. I'm so sorry. I think utility companies in the Upper Midwest are predators because they know they can be -- you can't live up here without heat!

I'll switch into alter-ego mode for you and give a big bear GGGGGGRRRRRRRRRRROWL to your utility company. BTW, my alter-ego is a Kodiak bear, the biggest bear on the planet. They can grow to be 9 feet tall and 2,000 lbs. And they're MEAN! Maybe I can arrange to eat the rude people at your utility company! LOL

Hang in there. Easier to say than do, I know.

Candy

I'm sorry that the increase in fuel costs is overwhelming you. I hope you can be easier on yourself about things we can't change.

Did you happen to see any of Oprah's debt challenge/programs?

I can't do anything about my electric bill. I need the a/c, and I need it colder than most (due to neuropathy.)

I'm sorry your efforts and budgeting seem to be conflicting with what's happening! GRRRRR.

shirley, our gas company raised our prices 26%!! i feel your pain! and i wear layers and layers of clothing.