Utility...Always Late

[jemsvcs]

How should I approach this situation:

There are three separate electric utilities that I deal with in this area and on service upgrades one of the utilities is consistently late...and by that I mean LATE. I always put a contingency in my estimates that includes coverage for my time if the utility doesn't show on time, but that makes the property owner end up paying for the utility's faults. Not that we don't all mind making money, but does anyone have any ideas on getting the utility to be on time (or darn close!) without totally putting urine in their breakfast cereals (i.e., putting me on their fecal list)?

 

[jxofaltrds]

Re: Utility...Always Late

Did a fire damage a few years back. The utility company showed-up to give me power after the new service was roughed in.

Well I was installing the "last" light bulb on the finish when they connected power to the house.

It took 3 months to get them to come out.

Mike P.

 

[charlie]

Re: Utility...Always Late

Document, document, document, and then file a complaint with the utility regulatory commission. No, life will not be fun for a while but do not stop documenting. Address of infraction, date of call, to whom, what was said, what date was promised, was there any reason for a weather caused delay, what reason did they give for not showing up, etc.

After numerous complaints with documentation your life will change and they will become more responsive. This ain't going to be easy McGee.

 

[bwyllie]

Re: Utility...Always Late

I don't think the utlities know about deadlines, stress, meeting the client'demand..what a job and a scam they run!

 

[charlie]

Re: Utility...Always Late

Making a blanket statement like that is as bad as the utilities making a statement like, "The ECs don't care anything about giving us correct load information, customer names and information to get proper easements, enough lead time to order equipment, etc. They don't even have the service ready when we get to the job or even a clear area for us to work."

Generally speaking, there is enough blame to go around. Bottom line, if you have really been hurt, see my previous post.