Andrew Shain of the Charlotte observer reports:
"The N.C. Utilities Commission will fine Piedmont Natural Gas Co.(PNY) Inc. $100,000 a month if the Charlotte company fails to improve customer service next winter.
"Piedmont faces another $100,000 monthly fine for exceeding limits on the number of bills based on estimated use instead of meter readings."
Some of the problems came from a shortage of workers that would read the meters, which caused the company to estimate bills based upon the previous months bills.
In response to that major problem the company is instituting an automated meter reading system that will should elminate all estimated bills.
I have to admit that managersrealm.com doesn't back any type of forced government regulations in this setting. We will fine you because you didn't have enough workers or answer phones fast enough. The government is now concerned about customer service issues? They don't have better things to do?
While I don't in any way, shape or form justify government action in this situation, nonetheless, the company and how they handled their customers is also inexcusable. At times customers had to wait a half hour to get someone to talk to on the phone, plus the shortage of workers.
But to respond to customer issues based upon government threats is the lowest reason and level to respond to. What's your take on this?
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Why not meet and talk about a mutual resolution to the problem instead of making threats? Doesn't that make more sense?
If your employer threatened to fine you $100 for ...
[Read More]Tracked on: April 25, 2006 7:54 PM | Permalink to Trackback