By marcos

July 3, 2011 9:48 PM | Link to this

I would like to file complaint with FPL utility company. i have been an upstanding customer for the last 1 years without missing any bills. Two months ago, when i arrived at my residence a notice was left to my attention declaring I owe $4119.30! And; if I did not pay this amount the service will be disconnected!!! FPL had come to my residence some time before to change the old meter to a digital meter after that much to my dismay an investigation opened! The Co. is claiming that I had tampered with the meter! I have never touched the meter nor would I have any intentions on doing so. My bills have been quite consistant averaging $95.00 a month!! Well as I have been true to my payments; FPL was true to their “word”. They turned off the power and my livelyhood was taken away from that moment. My wife and 2 young daughters had no choice but to leave the home as I was dealing with these unfair accusations as to which FPL disgarded numerous times. They are claiming it is my resposibility for something they cant even breakdown,clarify or analyze for me.FPL is to monopolized and unfortunetly we are the “risk takers” that in the end have to make the ultimate sacrafices: finding a way to pay this astonishing bill or having our families reduced in circumstance… I have lost EVERYTHING and FPL should be ASHAMED of themselves!

MARCOS santomarcoconstruction@hotmail.com

By marcos

July 3, 2011 9:48 PM | Link to this

I would like to file complaint with FPL utility company. i have been an upstanding customer for the last 1 years without missing any bills. Two months ago, when i arrived at my residence a notice was left to my attention declaring I owe $4119.30! And; if I did not pay this amount the service will be disconnected!!! FPL had come to my residence some time before to change the old meter to a digital meter after that much to my dismay an investigation opened! The Co. is claiming that I had tampered with the meter! I have never touched the meter nor would I have any intentions on doing so. My bills have been quite consistant averaging $95.00 a month!! Well as I have been true to my payments; FPL was true to their “word”. They turned off the power and my livelyhood was taken away from that moment. My wife and 2 young daughters had no choice but to leave the home as I was dealing with these unfair accusations as to which FPL disgarded numerous times. They are claiming it is my resposibility for something they cant even breakdown,clarify or analyze for me.FPL is to monopolized and unfortunetly we are the “risk takers” that in the end have to make the ultimate sacrafices: finding a way to pay this astonishing bill or having our families reduced in circumstance… I have lost EVERYTHING and FPL should be ASHAMED of themselves!

MARCOS santomarcoconstruction@hotmail.com

By Nehemias Lugo

March 7, 2011 5:09 PM | Link to this

Sorry for the double post!

By Nehemias Lugo

March 7, 2011 5:05 PM | Link to this

I am posting here because I am not sure what to do. My parents live in a single family home by themselves. My father has been home on leave from work for over six months first because of some blood pressure issues and the doctor made him take time off from work and now because he recently had a stroke this past January. While we were in the rehab center we started getting calls from someone claiming to be from FPL stating that they needed to come to the house to check our meter. My mother informed them that she was at the rehab center with her husband who is recovering from a bad stroke. We didn’t hear back from FPL until my mother receives a bill for almost $5,000 claiming she owes this. We immediately called FPL and they refer us to a Mrs. Lease whom we call and call and wouldn’t get a response from for about a week. We finally get through to her today and she informs my mother that they had conducted an investigation into her service and found there had been some tampering. They claims this dates back to some time in 2009! They want my mother to pay $2,000 in two weeks and then get put on some payment plan for the rest. They send her some pictures of an electrical unit outside the house and claim that this is not the one they installed. Thing is, my parents wouldn’t know the first thing about doing something like this and FPL had come out to replace the meter some time ago as well due to come issues they claim it was having. I see other people having the same issues with this company and being as though they are the only company in our area that provides power, they seem to be getting away with it. My father is still in bad shape after the stroke; he is running out of leave time and we are working to get him some disability but in the meantime, he is only getting enough to just barely get by. Now this company is pushing for money that they do not have but for something they did not do. Is there any way out of this??? Please let me know! My name is Nehemias and my email is nehemiaslugo@gmail.com

thank you for taking the time to read and know that any and all help and or information would be greatly appreciated!

By Nehemias Lugo

March 7, 2011 5:03 PM | Link to this

I am posting here because I am not sure what to do. My parents live in a single family home by themselves. My father has been home on leave from work for over six months first because of some blood pressure issues and the doctor made him take time off from work and now because he recently had a stroke this past January. While we were in the rehab center we started getting calls from someone claiming to be from FPL stating that they needed to come to the house to check our meter. My mother informed them that she was at the rehab center with her husband who is recovering from a bad stroke. We didn’t hear back from FPL until my mother receives a bill for almost $5,000 claiming she owes this. We immediately called FPL and they refer us to a Mrs. Lease whom we call and call and wouldn’t get a response from for about a week. We finally get through to her today and she informs my mother that they had conducted an investigation into her service and found there had been some tampering. They claims this dates back to some time in 2009! They want my mother to pay $2,000 in two weeks and then get put on some payment plan for the rest. They send her some pictures of an electrical unit outside the house and claim that this is not the one they installed. Thing is, my parents wouldn’t know the first thing about doing something like this and FPL had come out to replace the meter some time ago as well due to come issues they claim it was having. I see other people having the same issues with this company and being as though they are the only company in our area that provides power, they seem to be getting away with it. My father is still in bad shape after the stroke; he is running out of leave time and we are working to get him some disability but in the meantime, he is only getting enough to just barely get by. Now this company is pushing for money that they do not have but for something they did not do. Is there any way out of this??? Please let me know! My name is Nehemias and my email is nehemiaslugo@gmail.com

thank you for taking the time to read and know that any and all help and or information would be greatly appreciated!

By ned

October 11, 2009 3:29 PM | Link to this

this article needs to have better info. they weren’t getting a full bill the whole time. maybe the paper could do a full report on how fpl catches people, what they do when they catch people etc. this happens more than you think, and i’m confident that no matter what we think of fpl, they are following the letter of the law when this happens. i do know the law states that you can have an independent test done on your meter, wonder if the thieves have asked to do this?

By Blue

October 11, 2009 12:30 AM | Link to this

You know I get the budget billing idea & that they were paying monthly bill & the couple very well may not have had any idea someone was stealing electric. What I don’t get is how budget billing can vary month to month. In a previous article the daughter said: “They paid $355 in August, then received a $236 bill…” That doesn’t fit my understanding of budget billing.

And as for $355 being too high, my house is about 1100sqft, I heard the house in question is about 1300 sqft. $355 is much higher than I’ve ever paid but I set my temp at 82 in summer & don’t use AC/heat in winter/spring. I know of a family people living in my area with around 2000 sqft that keeps their temp around 76 & have lots of electrical toys that pays around $350-$450/mo yet it’s gone as high as $650/mo in the summer. It all depends how cold you keep your house, how many electrical devices are in use, & even how airtight the windows/doors are.

Something most of you seem to ignore is that FPL only found their was a problem when the meter reader heard the AC was running yet the meter showed no use of electricity. At that point it could have even been a problem with the meter not tampering. I’ve known other people whose meters stopped working right & I even had to have 2 meters replaced in 1 year. The thing is, this could have been going on for years. FPL probably checked its records that no doubt go back for years to see if there was a point where a major reduction in electricity started. The fact that the replacement meter was also tampered with shows it was not a 1 time problem but an ongoing theft.

As to who did it… The random stranger idea is highly suspicious. I know someone who works at an electrical company. They said most electricians won’t work with live wires - the ones that do work live make a lot more money. Anyone can get a book at the local library or buy one that shows how to make common house repairs including replacing outlets, but they tell you to make sure that the electric is off before doing it. There is a major difference in working where there is no electric & tampering with a meter because the meter is live - you’re dealing with the all the electric coming into your house. I doubt an amateur electrician would even attempt it. Either someone is an electrician or works with electric, has a friend that works with electric or hired someone to do it. Regardless, it is clear that it was an intentional & ongoing theft of electricity. After all, the first tampering could have been done years before - but someone had to be told the meter had been changed in order for it to be tampered with again. That’s deliberate theft!

By tdub

October 10, 2009 11:26 PM | Link to this

I want to just say Thank you to the Palm Beach couple for taking care of the situation. It showed me that there are people in South Florida that care. To some of the other posters my question is this do you not have anything better to do with your time? I dont even know this family and yet I’m willing to side with the eldrly couple. Really?FPL knew about it since 2008 and didnt do anything? They were on a payment plan and PAID!!! Yeah that really sounds like someone trying to screw FPL. But I da agree check the neighbors.

By Judge Diana lewis

October 10, 2009 7:37 PM | Link to this

I am a case fixer an an idiot.I should have never been elected in the first place.I am a fat slob who eats vertical tacos.Total lesbo looking for the right hottie.I should be in jail with my lover Mary McCarty.We could make beautiful music together.Maybe Mary Brandenburg could join us for a 3 some.We could do a bunch of hail marys together.

By Heather

October 10, 2009 6:23 PM | Link to this

FPL is so clearly in the wrong here for so many reasons.

1. $11,491 in back bills? The article says the meter started reading 0 in Sept. 08. So in one year, $11,491 ($957.58/monthly) on top of the monthly $300 they paid each month? That’s clearly wrong

2. I don’t even buy the $300/month. We live in a bigger house than these people, run the ac cold all year have computers, multiple tvs, etc. Ours doesn’t get to $300 even in the hottest months.

3. It’s not right for FPL to say this started going on a year ago and try to send a massive bill now.

4. If the meter is registering zero, how does FPL come up with a $300 bill each month? The average of 0 is 0

Thank goodness for the good samaritans. It makes me so happy to know people like this exist still. I do hope someone pursues a lawsuit to FPL to get the Abramson’s money back.

By James

October 10, 2009 6:13 PM | Link to this

Why were they using all that power if they didn’t intend to pay for it.

Theft is wrong.

By Tameka

October 10, 2009 6:07 PM | Link to this

God bless the Ppl in Palm Beach that help this couple….

By Martin

October 10, 2009 4:22 PM | Link to this

Very nice that someone stepped up to help this elerly couple. A nice story for a change.

The only thing that would have made the story better is if the Executive Board of FPL were “accidently” electrocuted. FPL is a monopoly that needs to be brought down.

By Correction

October 10, 2009 4:12 PM | Link to this

Mallory - they do not live in Riviera Beach, they live in DELRAY BEACH! READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE BEFORE YOU PROCEED TO INSERT FOOT IN MOUTH……….and they did pay their electric bills on time!

By set the record straight

October 10, 2009 4:06 PM | Link to this

MESSAGE TO MALLORY: They DID pay their monthly bill. They were on “budget billing” and paid every single month. READ THE ARTICLE, YOU STUPID IDIOT!

By LRT

October 10, 2009 3:24 PM | Link to this

I AM AMAZED AT THE INSIPID NITWITS…THAT CAN’T READ!!!! THESE PEOPLE PAID A BILL EACH MONTH…THEY ARE ON BUDGET BILLING.

THANK YOU AGAIN MR AND MRS ABRAMSON!!! YOUR MY HEROS!

By LRT

October 10, 2009 3:12 PM | Link to this

MALLARY…You are an idiot!! Why do you open your big mouth before reading the story? These people paid every month!!!! There are so many ignorant people here. THEY WERE ON BUDGET BILLING YOU GET THE SAME BILL EVERY MONTH!!!! THEY PAID IT!!!

Thank God for people like the Abramson’s…It will come back to you 10 fold!! I wish more people could be like you!

By Mallary MacGilf

October 10, 2009 2:36 PM | Link to this

Wait Wait Wait…So Ma and Pa Kettle are livin’ life and not gettin’ an FPL bill. Did they think that God was Smillin’ on them? These people are thieves. Rich people paying their bill, bailing them out will set a precedent and cause more electrocutions in Riviera Beach this week than Old Sparkey has caused in the last decade. Take responsibility for yourself and quit hustling the system and playing the victim card.

By tony

October 10, 2009 1:44 PM | Link to this

This is a hear-warming story. It’s nice to know that humanity still exists.

I think it’s interesting that FPL routinely “estimates” electrical usage and bills customers - supposedly truing up the next time a meter is actually read. I wonder how often this “true up” never occurs? Surely the 11k bill in question here pales in comparison. Seems they are legally allowed to play meters games but not so the other way around. Hopefully FPL will finally be forced to “true up” as a new day dawns at the PSC.

By SUSAN

October 10, 2009 12:57 PM | Link to this

I wonder in the attorney/donor has plans to sue FPL for false claims against the elderly couple.I think more is to come on this story.

By Kroll & The Kase Fixing Kronies of Korruption

October 10, 2009 12:47 PM | Link to this

Kathleen Kroll and her corruption and case fixing with Weiss and Handler needs to be investigated by the feds.

By barb

October 10, 2009 12:19 PM | Link to this

Do the math, FPL is comprised of a bunch of money hungry scumbags, such a shame that there is no other choice

By Really?

October 10, 2009 12:19 PM | Link to this

FPL is nothing but a bunch of bullies. They have TWICE now shut my power off a week after my payment was made ON TIME! I called the Public Service Commission and my power was back on within 45 minutes.

Call the Public Service Commission if FPL pulls any crap with you…they’re the only ones that can bully FPL right back.

By LH

October 10, 2009 11:28 AM | Link to this

Something tells me there is a marijuana grow house near the elderly couple.

By Good People

October 10, 2009 11:07 AM | Link to this

God bless Mr. and Mrs. Abramson for paying the FPL bill and allowing this elderly couple to live in their home again! It is refreshing to hear of compassionate people like them. What a wonderful, heartwarming act of kindness!

By UncleDick

October 10, 2009 10:17 AM | Link to this

Let me understand this:

The meter registered zero from September 208 to February 2009. I count 6 months, yes?

FPL replaced the meter they found to be tampered with.

They found that to be rigged as well until September 2009.

That’s another 6 months for a total of 12.

With average usage, by FPL’s estimate, to be $236 per month, that would be a total of $2832.

If it were based on $355 (was that an annual true-up for budget billing?), that would still be $4260.

I agree aith all those who questioned the time it took for FPL to replace the meter and look at the situation in more detail, particularly when it reoccurred after the replacement.

But my real question is, based on the numbers above, how does FPL come up with $11,491 and then “graciously” offer a $6,000 settlement?

More like audacity. They do it because they can. You have no choice. They cut you off. I hope this incident raises awareness and affects the utility’s reputation in the eyes of the public and shareholders as being a non-caring 1000lb gorilla.

I would also hope the PSC will look into the math. It just doesn’t add up.

By Todd

October 10, 2009 10:06 AM | Link to this

The benefactor got conned just like FPL. Tampering with the electric the first time might have been an unexplainable incident but the second time is just fraud. Shame on you.

By Todd

October 10, 2009 10:06 AM | Link to this

The benefactor got conned just like FPL. Tampering with the electric the first time might have been an unexplainable incident but the second time is just fraud. Shame on you.

By Todd

October 10, 2009 10:06 AM | Link to this

The benefactor got conned just like FPL. Tampering with the electric the first time might have been an unexplainable incident but the second time is just fraud. Shame on you.

By Todd

October 10, 2009 10:06 AM | Link to this

The benefactor got conned just like FPL. Tampering with the electric the first time might have been an unexplainable incident but the second time is just fraud. Shame on you.

By Todd

October 10, 2009 10:04 AM | Link to this

The benefactor got conned just like FPL. Tampering with the electric the first time might have been an unexplainable incident but the second time is just fraud. Shame on you.

By Rianna

October 10, 2009 9:44 AM | Link to this

For those of you that think the bill is high, I pay $286 a month on budget billing for a 2bdrm apartment.I conserve as much as possible.

By Jacob

October 10, 2009 9:40 AM | Link to this

The big question of this mystery is “Who Did It?

1. The old folks (not likely).
2. Their kids.
3. The Butler.
4. FPL.
5. A neighbor (as Kathy suggests.
6. Miss Scarlett (a suspect in Clue)
7. Colonel Mustard (a suspect in Clue)
8. Mrs. Peacock (a suspect in Clue)
9. Mr. Abramson, the benefactor.
10. The Postman.

Surely The Post will help solve this mystery and let its poor readers know what happened.

By Suspicious

October 10, 2009 9:29 AM | Link to this

In September 2004, I didn’t live in my house for 3.5 weeks because I had no electricity after Hurricane Frances. Yet when I received my bill, it was nearly the same amount as the previous month. When I called FPL, I was essentially told “it is what it is.” Explain that to me. How can I use electricity that isn’t even being sent through downed power lines?

By tony

October 10, 2009 9:20 AM | Link to this

This is a hear-warming story. It’s nice to know that humanity still exists.

I think it’s interesting that FPL routinely “estimates” electrical usage and bills customers - supposedly truing up the next time a meter is actually read. I wonder how often this “true up” never occurs? Surely the 11k bill in question here pales in comparison. Seems they are legally allowed to play meters games but not so the other way around. Hopefully FPL will finally be forced to “true up” as a new day dawns at the PSC.

By Tony

October 10, 2009 9:16 AM | Link to this

This is a hear-warming story. It’s nice to know that humanity still exists.

I think it’s interesting that FPL routinely “estimates” electrical usage and bills customers - supposedly truing up the next time a meter is actually read. I wonder how often this “true up” never occurs? Surely the 11k bill in question here pales in comparison. Seems they are legally allowed to play meters games but not so the other way around. Hopefully FPL will finally be forced to “true up” as a new day dawns at the PSC.

By Hmmm

October 10, 2009 8:58 AM | Link to this

Odd…my meter was broken for months, and I continued to get bills for $0. It took more than 5 calls to finally get the meter replaced. Why would these folks tamper with the meter if they were paying based on average usage anyway?

By Kathy

October 10, 2009 8:51 AM | Link to this

I think someone should check around the exterior of their house. Maybe one of their neighbors is hooked into their electric. That’s the only thing that makes sense. Why would the owners tamper with the meter if they are paying a set monthly bill, but the neighbors may have thought that the owners would never notice because they are older. It happens more often then you might think.

By Kathy

October 10, 2009 8:49 AM | Link to this

I think someone should check around the exterior of their house. Maybe one of their neighbors is hooked into their electric. That’s the only thing that makes sense. Why would the owners tamper with the meter if they are paying a set monthly bill, but the neighbors may have thought that the owners would never notice because they are older. It happens more often then you might think.

By Kathy

October 10, 2009 8:30 AM | Link to this

FPL should give these people advice on energy saving tips. I can’t image having a $300 month power bill. Doesn’t appear as though they are living in a big house. What do they have plugged in?

By sheila

October 10, 2009 8:22 AM | Link to this

you know what who cares if someone did or didnt steal from a billion dollar corp. for something that is a necessity for everyone in this country.does n any one realize fpl is raising our rates again to fill their pockets? so if i knew how to do it i would too. and i am a sucessful working woman in this horrible economy. these are elderly people and need to survive like everyone else. all im gonna say is think about if you had nothin and couldnt pay your bills. you would do the same and you know it.

By mp

October 10, 2009 7:30 AM | Link to this

they were on level billing, which means they received a bill and paid it every month. Sounds like FPL made a mistake with the math and undercharged, then blamed them…

By gloria

October 10, 2009 5:55 AM | Link to this

y do some people always got talk about people

By gloria

October 10, 2009 5:52 AM | Link to this

y do some people always got talk about people

By Check the family's meters

October 10, 2009 5:46 AM | Link to this

FPL should check the meters of their relatives. I’ll bet some unknown person tampered with them also.

By Just like they rig court cases

October 10, 2009 5:33 AM | Link to this

Just like they rig up court cases in Palm Beach County.They are all doing it.Then when they get caught at it,nobody knows who did it.Kathleen Kroll Is good for that.Just ask Diana Lewis.

By Just like they rig court cases

October 10, 2009 5:14 AM | Link to this

Just like they rig up court cases in Palm Beach County.They are all doing it.Then when they get caught at it,nobody knows who did it.Kathleen Kroll Is good for that.Just ask Diana Lewis.

By Leon

October 10, 2009 4:10 AM | Link to this

Looks like a smart attorney wouldn’t let the FPL bullies get away with their BS this time…amounts were not disclosed because

fpl settled for far less….trust me. And if so WHAT was so news worthy about this?

The guy did it…obviously..ederly or not..and the attorney intimidated FPL into submission because of neg publicity….any questions?

By Blue

October 10, 2009 1:31 AM | Link to this

I think it is wonderful someone took care of that bill. Hopefully whoever tampered with the meter won’t try it again. I doubt the homeowners did actually tamper with the meter but I find it too convenient to say that a total stranger walked into their backyard twice to tamper with their electric meter. I could see the meter going bad & needing to be replaced. That doesn’t explain why they found it was tampered with instead of faulty reading. Especially when the replacement meter was also tampered with. An unknown stranger story sounds really fishy to me!

By Josias

October 10, 2009 12:24 AM | Link to this

May the lord bless the donors.Its funny to me that none of these so called ” Community Laders/Politicians” in the city of Delray Beach failed to speak or mention anything but let some folks from another town to help these poor senior citizens. Now Mack Benard no longer there. I wonder who will speak or look out for the poor folks in Delray.

By SUSAN

October 9, 2009 11:41 PM | Link to this

I’m happy the elderly couple are sleeping in cool comfort tonight.Its gratifying to hear we have good people left in our community.May God bless the donors.

By Angela

October 9, 2009 11:16 PM | Link to this

FPL should have contacted the couple as soon as the meter registered 0. How the hell can they let that go for months? If they thought these people were stealing electricity they should have turned the power off immediately. I wouldn’t doubt it if the neighbor rigged the meter and stole while the poor old couple took the heat. Praise God for sending someone to help these people.

By Fed Up

October 9, 2009 11:16 PM | Link to this

FPL needs to do something about the 15-20 people that live in the trailer behind me. It was once a 3 br 2 bathroom mobile home now all of Honduras and Guatamala lives in there. Anyway… they have been caught several times stealing electricity from FPL and NOTHING has been done about them…WTH???!!! Also the illegals that live next door to them were tapping into my comcast cable line and I called and reported them effers… Comcast came out, CAUGHT them with their illegal set up and did nothing… I have NO pity on ANYBODY that steals… Get a job…

By Fed Up

October 9, 2009 11:15 PM | Link to this

FPL needs to do something about the 15-20 people that live in the trailer behind me. It was once a 3 br 2 bathroom mobile home now all of Honduras and Guatamala lives in there. Anyway… they have been caught several times stealing electricity from FPL and NOTHING has been done about them…WTH???!!! Also the illegals that live next door to them were tapping into my comcast cable line and I called and reported them effers… Comcast came out, CAUGHT them with their illegal set up and did nothing… I have NO pity on ANYBODY that steals… Get a job…

By GOD GRACE

October 9, 2009 11:03 PM | Link to this

COMMENTS TO HOOK A BROTHA UP, AND JOE, YOU NEED TO HAVE A HEART,AND WHO ARE YOU CALLING A SCUMBAG. YOUR BLESSINGS WILL NOT OVERFLOW, AND IF FPL WERE DOING THER JOB ON A MONTHLY BASES, MAYBE THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A BETTER OUTCOME ABOUT THE SITUATION.AND LIKE SOMEONE REPLIED” THERE ARE SOME PEOPLE WHO CARES” FPL GUESTIMATE PEOPLES METERS. AND I’M SURE YOU KNOW SOME OF THOSE THEIVES, THAT DO HOOK A BROTHA UP. LOL THE JOKE IS ON YOU.

By GOD GRACE

October 9, 2009 11:03 PM | Link to this

COMMENTS TO HOOK A BROTHA UP, AND JOE, YOU NEED TO HAVE A HEART,AND WHO ARE YOU CALLING A SCUMBAG. YOUR BLESSINGS WILL NOT OVERFLOW, AND IF FPL WERE DOING THER JOB ON A MONTHLY BASES, MAYBE THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A BETTER OUTCOME ABOUT THE SITUATION.AND LIKE SOMEONE REPLIED” THERE ARE SOME PEOPLE WHO CARES” FPL GUESTIMATE PEOPLES METERS. AND I’M SURE YOU KNOW SOME OF THOSE THEIVES, THAT DO HOOK A BROTHA UP. LOL THE JOKE IS ON YOU.

By yacn

October 9, 2009 10:56 PM | Link to this

Let’s see they were paying the bill every month yet fpl felt shorted. heres one did you know fpl has there “own” investigation department…

Congrad to the one who donated!!

By god grace

October 9, 2009 10:53 PM | Link to this

comment to “HOOK A BROTHA UP”

YOU NEED TO GET A LIFE, MAYBE UR ELEVATOR DON’T GO ALL THE WAY UP TO UNDERSTAND, IF THEY WERE RECEIVING A BILL EVERY MONTH, HOW WOULD THEY KNOW IF THERE METER WAS BEING TAMPERED WITH. IF FPL WERE DOING THERE JOB ON A MONTHLY BASES AND STOP GUESTAMATING MAYBE THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A BETTER OUT COME. YEAH AND LIKE SOMEONE SAID “IT’S NICE TO KNOW THERE ARE PEOPLE IN THE WORLD THAT STILL CARES” AND I WANT TO SAY TO YOU, YOU NEED TO A LYFE AND STOP TRYING TO PUT PEOPLE DOWN. THE JOKE IS ON YOU, LOL!

By Hook a brother up

October 9, 2009 10:21 PM | Link to this

God protects children and fools…

By Natalie

October 9, 2009 9:37 PM | Link to this

I am appauled at the comments I am reading. The elderly couple paid their bill every month-they were not cheating anyone. I think it is shame on FPL for not being proactive when they noticed the tampered meter. I am glad that someone assisted this couple. He has a wonderful heart and actually cares. The people who are negative need some therapy to find out why they automatically think the worst in people, or are you just jealous that someone did not tamper with their meter.

By Idiot

October 9, 2009 9:16 PM | Link to this

What a jackoff bailing out a thief???? WTF. These people stole the electricity and this moron bails them out!! HA HA

By against govwaste

October 9, 2009 9:15 PM | Link to this

I had neighbors that tapped into my electric and water. and, I paid a budget billing. So, you can be screwed. Thank God for those donors…that is a great heart.

By Idiot

October 9, 2009 9:14 PM | Link to this

What a jackoff bailing out a thief???? WTF. These people stole the electricity and this moron bails them out!! HA HA

By Idiot

October 9, 2009 9:13 PM | Link to this

What a jackoff bailing out a thief???? WTF. These people stole the electricity and this moron bails them out!! HA HA

By Idiot

October 9, 2009 9:13 PM | Link to this

What a jackoff bailing out a thief???? WTF. These people stole the electricity and this moron bails them out!! HA HA

By against govwaste

October 9, 2009 9:10 PM | Link to this

I had neighbors that tapped into my electric and water. and, I paid a budget billing. So, you can be screwed. Thank God for those donors…that is a great heart.

By nemo

October 9, 2009 8:54 PM | Link to this

They got away with grand theft because of the misplaced kindness of some liberal jerk.

By Mr. Jay

October 9, 2009 8:30 PM | Link to this

Two crooks don’t make one right. FPL and it’s merry customer.

By usaims@yahoo.com

October 9, 2009 8:26 PM | Link to this

Shame on that lawyer for bailing them out; it’s obvious the old people cheated into getting free ice cold AC. The lawyer should have donated that money to charity. Just because they are old, it doesn’t mean they can get away with this. I have no pity for people who break the law—young or old, white or black, male or female.

By chileplease

October 9, 2009 8:10 PM | Link to this

FPL is just way too exspensive every since that hurricaine in 2005 they just keep going up up and up but God bless the man who steped forward and help the elderly no matter what the case was I WISH MORE PEOPLE WOULD BE LIKE THAT!!!

By NicolasNaranja

October 9, 2009 8:05 PM | Link to this

I’m a little confused here. Over the past 2 years they were paying nearly $300/month which equates to $7200 over 2 years. I live in a 3000sf house and my bills haven’t even added up to that much over the past 2 years. How can they possibly owe anything to FPL

By The other utilities suck!

October 9, 2009 6:27 PM | Link to this

I can honestly say im lucky to have FPL because I used to have Lake Worth Utilities and they are theee worst. How FPL will re-read your meter for free if you feel a problem, LW UTilities charges over $40. Their KWH per hr is more and their excess charges are worse!! If u get disconnected thats like an extra $50 on your next bill for reconnect! And im not saying im all for one with FPL, but man they are the only one’s regulated try Progress Energy up the road, they also charge what the hell they want. Just pay the damn bill cuz this family aint no different from mines

By cj

October 9, 2009 6:17 PM | Link to this

well some retired lawyer has paid their bill. Will be interested to see if the “problem” continues.

By ?

October 9, 2009 6:10 PM | Link to this

I know the true story of this. The meter was replaced a 2nd time and illegal usage was also captured the 2nd time. When they kept receiving bills for 0 kwh they didnt complain about it but as soon as they were red flagged is when it became an issue & if they were there 50 years they were 1 of the 1st customers most likely and no one else had that meter but them. Now all of a sudden they get an outrageous bill and there is a problem. FPL may screw up from time to time but when somebody steals from any where even a retail store that means the inncoent people would end up paying for it. And just bcuz they are older doesnt mean they cant do any harm. All everyone is looking at is that they are elderly, come on be serious they are human and them and their family are suffering from he economy so no one knows who did it. FPL should not have taken so long but they also should have said something when each month they used 0 but they knew they’re a/c was blasting

By ?

October 9, 2009 6:09 PM | Link to this

I know the true story of this. The meter was replaced a 2nd time and illegal usage was also captured the 2nd time. When they kept receiving bills for 0 kwh they didnt complain about it but as soon as they were red flagged is when it became an issue & if they were there 50 years they were 1 of the 1st customers most likely and no one else had that meter but them. Now all of a sudden they get an outrageous bill and there is a problem. FPL may screw up from time to time but when somebody steals from any where even a retail store that means the inncoent people would end up paying for it. And just bcuz they are older doesnt mean they cant do any harm. All everyone is looking at is that they are elderly, come on be serious they are human and them and their family are suffering from he economy so no one knows who did it. FPL should not have taken so long but they also should have said something when each month they used 0 but they knew they’re a/c was blasting

By ?

October 9, 2009 6:07 PM | Link to this

I know the true story of this. The meter was replaced a 2nd time and illegal usage was also captured the 2nd time. When they kept receiving bills for 0 kwh they didnt complain about it but as soon as they were red flagged is when it became an issue & if they were there 50 years they were 1 of the 1st customers most likely and no one else had that meter but them. Now all of a sudden they get an outrageous bill and there is a problem. FPL may screw up from time to time but when somebody steals from any where even a retail store that means the inncoent people would end up paying for it. And just bcuz they are older doesnt mean they cant do any harm. All everyone is looking at is that they are elderly, come on be serious they are human and them and their family are suffering from he economy so no one knows who did it. FPL should not have taken so long but they also should have said something when each month they used 0 but they knew they’re a/c was blasting

By SCOTT E

October 9, 2009 4:12 PM | Link to this

They had a 200 to 300 bill on budget billing and the ac was hotwired before the meeter?how is this so??

By SCOTT E

October 9, 2009 4:12 PM | Link to this

They had a 200 to 300 bill on budget billing and the ac was hotwired before the meeter?how is this so??

By SCOTT E

October 9, 2009 4:11 PM | Link to this

They had a 200 to 300 bill on budget billing and the ac was hotwired before the meeter?how is this so??

By karen

October 9, 2009 3:58 PM | Link to this

whatever went on, it took a year to address it!

By Jon in PBG

October 9, 2009 3:23 PM | Link to this

Maybe someone can explain it to me but from what I was told, Budget Billing is the same every month which, in theory, makes it easier to pay. So if these people were on Budget Billing, why did they get a $355 bill for one month and a $236 bill the next? That’s not very…budgety.

I’m sure that if they really did receive a bill every month, someone would be able to prove it. I say take FPL to court and let a jury determine who was in the right.

By Debbie

October 9, 2009 2:08 PM | Link to this

This problem should have been addressed within 60 days of the problem, not a year and more. This happned to us once and FPL backcharged us for years! worth of electricity. We paid it because we couldnt afford the legal bills to fight it and we needed the electricity on in the house. But if you call FPL, apparently there are only 8 people in the office that reviews these issues. It took us weeks just talk to anyone. When we finally did speak with someone, they said “pay it or else”. FPL is out of control.

By Heather

October 9, 2009 1:26 PM | Link to this

How can you sit here and acuse this poor elderly couple of theft when FPL KNEW that they had an issue with the meter in the first place?? If every company operated as shady as FPL then we would all be dead broke. I am unsure why we are still paying such a large monthly amount for THEIR fuel when our fuel costs have all gone down. This is the reason this elderly couple’s monthly bill was so high. It’s the same on my monthly bill!! This is how Corporate America is destroying our lives. If any person can change the way we are treated its US as a whole. We must stick together and fight for our rights as Americans.

By Darlene

October 9, 2009 1:26 PM | Link to this

FPL should have addressed this 2 years ago. Umm where is the meters that were tampered with? Also, lets all check our meters and make sure fpl is billing everyone correctly and not OVERCHARGING all of their customers. Forgive their debt..you waited too long FPL and these people were paying on their bill and you cashed those checks/took the payments. Let it go!

By Heather

October 9, 2009 1:25 PM | Link to this

How can you sit here and acuse this poor elderly couple of theft when FPL KNEW that they had an issue with the meter in the first place?? If every company operated as shady as FPL then we would all be dead broke. I am unsure why we are still paying such a large monthly amount for THEIR fuel when our fuel costs have all gone down. This is the reason this elderly couple’s monthly bill was so high. It’s the same on my monthly bill!! This is how Corporate America is destroying our lives. If any person can change the way we are treated its US as a whole.

By JimC

October 9, 2009 12:09 PM | Link to this

I don’t know what size house this couple owned but $355 seems like a big bill to me- especially if they were on the buget billing where bills are the same each month. Somebody’s lying.

By JimC

October 9, 2009 12:04 PM | Link to this

I don’t know what size house this couple owned but $355 seems like a big bill to me- especially if they were on the buget billing where bills are the same each month. Somebody’s lying.

By Biggie

October 9, 2009 12:03 PM | Link to this

Me I have not looked at my meter since it was installed and I autopay my bills most of the time I dont even know what it is. So if FPL came to my house and suspected tampering or something amiss I would expect that they would notify ME the FIRST TIME and show me the evidence of the alleged tampering. Not try to set up a way to trap me!

Lastly to all you FPL loving law and order types, do you think FPL would send you a refund if their meter is malfunctioning in the opposite direction “showing higher usage than actual”? Because this also happens all the time. have you ever heard of them sending a refund for this? I’m sure you all think FPL is above using rigged meters to boost revenues but who is checking the accuracy of the millions of meters they have out there?

By MRSGarvin

October 9, 2009 11:39 AM | Link to this

**Joe Kenadee: Do you know how to read? They DID pay the bill - read the article again - or see this quote from the article:

The Jones did not know anything was amiss, their daughter said, because they received a bill each month. They were on what’s known as budget billing, where a customer’s monthly electric bill is based on average usage. They paid $355 in August, then received a $236 bill with no mention of the thousands owed.

THEY WERE PAYING A BILL EVERY MONTH.

This issue is from 2008, almost two years ago, and FPL knew there was a problem almost 2 years ago and did not inform them until now when the past due amount is much higher.

FPL is in the wrong, here, and should exercise some good PR and just forgive the bill completely.

How much DOES one FPL commercial cost? THOUSANDS, maybe a hundred thousand dollars or more, and the head of PR for FPL should really think about this and how much GOOD publicity the company would gain by simply forgiving the bill along with a public comment of “FPL takes electricity theft very seriously, but due to addressing this issue so late and after-the-fact (which they acknowledge they DID do) we are willing to make a concession.”

Even if they agree to let these people pay $10 a month more to help address the issue would be better than saying, “Pay $6,000 now please.”

AFTER ALL, FPL KNEW THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM ALMOST 2 YEARS AGO AND NEVER SAID ANYTHING OR DID ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THAT IS JUST WRONG.**

By Joe Kenadee

October 9, 2009 11:09 AM | Link to this

Are you guys crazy this is what is wrong with America today! These people were Stealing power!!! They were caught charged the average rate of usage for the period they were not paying and now want people to feel sorry for them because they don’t have the moeny to pay for it. Who cares if they are elderly if they didn’t do it they paid someone to do it for them. I can’t see someone walking through their yard risking death by electric shock to hack their meter without being compensated for it. If they are so innocent why didn’t they call F.P.L. when they got the first zero electric bill? I would check their daughters meter too her husband probably rigged the meter for them. If you read the article you would know the electric industry loses 6 billion a year due to theft oddly that’s the shortfall of the industry so if you think this old couple is being treated unfairly you should not complain about rate increases because that is how the companies make up for theft they charge the people who do pay. What a horrible article what’s next sex offenders who complain because they can’t enjoy holloween like everyone else.

By Joe Kenadee

October 9, 2009 11:08 AM | Link to this

Are you guys crazy this is what is wrong with America today! These people were Stealing power!!! They were caught charged the average rate of usage for the period they were not paying and now want people to feel sorry for them because they don’t have the moeny to pay for it. Who cares if they are elderly if they didn’t do it they paid someone to do it for them. I can’t see someone walking through their yard risking death by electric shock to hack their meter without being compensated for it. If they are so innocent why didn’t they call F.P.L. when they got the first zero electric bill? I would check their daughters meter too her husband probably rigged the meter for them. If you read the article you would know the electric industry loses 6 billion a year due to theft oddly that’s the shortfall of the industry so if you think this old couple is being treated unfairly you should not complain about rate increases because that is how the companies make up for theft they charge the people who do pay. What a horrible article what’s next sex offenders who complain because they can’t enjoy holloween like everyone else.

By MRSGarvin

October 9, 2009 10:51 AM | Link to this

**Everyone please email Governor Charlie Crist so that you can tell him to please step in and put a stop to the harassment of elderly people just because FPL ignored the problem for so long - letting the bill rack up and become outrageous and then seizing the meters so that they cannot have an independent company evaluate for fingerprints and evidence - by contacting him here:

Charlie.Crist@myflorida.com

PLEASE EMAIL GOVERNOR CRIST ABOUT THE FPL HARASSMENT MACHINE STRIKING AGAIN**

By JACK

October 9, 2009 10:29 AM | Link to this

I have read all of these comments that accuse this elderly couple of being crooks it makes no sense looking at the facts.They have been paying monthly installments which FPL agreed too and on average over the course of time was supposed to be their appropiate amount for their usage.These payments reflect a paid in full monthly account if not paid in full it is up to FPL to adjust the monthly installment in a timely manner not years later therefore I don’t think they owe anything. As for the meter issue assume Robin Hood tampered with meter since we don’t really know and cannot prove who did.FPL gave up any recourse by ignoring the problem for an inordinate amount of time.This is a classic situation of a monopoly coming down on the little guy because they can.Where are our politicians who regulate FPL.An additional thought when was the last time any of us looked to see if our meter was working or for that matter reflected the usage on the bill.

By Cookie

October 9, 2009 10:26 AM | Link to this

I hope this poor elderly couple can prove that they did not tamper with the box, and hire a good lawyer and sue FPL big time for all the misery that they put them through.How many consumers is FPL overcharging? Yeah right, you never hear anything about that do you? Do they send out letters saying sorry we overcharged you by $6,000 last year, hear is your rebate check? I have no pity at all for FPL, Bell South, or any of these utility companies, they are all thieves.

By neli

October 9, 2009 10:25 AM | Link to this

Retain a lawyer. A whole year they allege this has gone on and did or said nothing? I believe fraud is occuring but on the side of FPL. They immediately removed the meter(evidence) where as it can not be independently checked to see if their claim is verifiable. The meter is now in their possesion and they know how to riggit to prove their point. I say sue, add deformation of character.

By MRSGarvin

October 9, 2009 10:19 AM | Link to this

**”FPL attributed the lag time between the company’s detection of the tampering and the back billing [time lapse] to ‘a lack of resources’.”

So it is NOT okay for a customer to be late on a bill and it IS okay for FPL to go back and request payment for issues in the past - no matter how long ago - simply because they do not have anyone to do the job?

WHAT A FARCE!

“FARCE POWER & LIGHT” IS WHAT THEY SHOULD BE CALLED!

FPL continues to attempt to raise their rates - not because they need the money but because they want their stocks to look attractive to stockholders - and they have no compassion for an elderly couple?

DISGUSTING.

If someone wants to help me raise money for these people email me at cloudninerescue@gmail.com and let’s see if we can help these poor folks. We can set up a Paypal account in their name to help settle the ‘generous’ $6,000 debt FPL wants them to pay because FPL did not notify them long ago that there was a problem and waited until the bill was so high that there was no way they could repay it.

GOVERNOR CRIST, ARE YOU PAYING ATTENTION?

People need to stand up to the FPL bureaucracy!

Mrs. Garvin

By camille

October 9, 2009 10:03 AM | Link to this

Seriously, the real question is, who used $12,000 worth of power? Does FPL really think it’s the old couple? Obviously someone else has rigged the meter and is stealing power from unsuspecting elderly folks. Start by investigating this, there probably is a grow house next door. And FPL, if you provide tamper-resistant meters and meter readers and it still takes you over a year to react, then too bad for you - you’re out $12,000.

By c

October 9, 2009 10:00 AM | Link to this

I have no Love for FPL because they are the real crooks…Our bills have doubled and I truly believe they estimate from your HIGHEST bill and continue from there. I wish to God that we had another Option rather than FPL I believe 90% of the people would leave them.

By Bo

October 9, 2009 9:47 AM | Link to this

Evidently SOMEONE was tampering with the meter. Maybe it was someone in the family, but it could have been someone else in the neighborhood too. I’ve seen it happen where another neighbor taps into someone else’s line without the home owner knowing about it.

To be fair, FLP should have conducted a neighborhood investigation and trace. I’m willing to bet they would,indeed,find a grow house close by. And, the culprit is someone who knows they’re on a billing plan.

FPL’s ;ack of urgency to set the problem straight for a year is certainly questionable. If FPL’s equipment is faulty or broken, they need to get in there and take care of business STAT. But why rush when the bill increases with each passing day, right?

By Exnjcop

October 9, 2009 9:30 AM | Link to this

An enemy sneaks into their backyard twice to save them money? ” I didn’t see nothin’”. “I don’t know nothin’”. ” Who you sayin’ stole sumptin?”