I paid my bill at a local 'pay station' Monday morning at 9. I was told by a very rude *customer service* (laughable) representative that I did not need to report the payment because it is automatically posted to the account when it is paid at such a location. -insert lots of sighing & smacking of lips-

My service was disconnected sometime late Monday afternoon.

I did not know that it was disconnected until the raw meat for dinner had already been prepared to cook, mixes were mixed, and batters were ready.

When I called to find out what had gone wrong I was informed that this was considered my fault, my negligence, and most importantly more of my money would be needed before we could get reconnected.

$20 service fee for them to come out and disconnect me.
$40 reconnect fee.
$20 service charge for them to come back out and reconnect despite the fact that I paid on time as promised and it was their own customer service that fell through.
$47 after hours overtime fee if I want it reconnected on the same day.

$127 total just in fees.

And my bill was paid in full on time, and I attempted to report the payment.

When calling customer service I am more often than not hung up on after listening to representatives laugh & talk for a few minutes.

I suppose they disconnect after enough time has passed for it to count on their calls received quota.

I am fairly certain that they do not even have their headset on, as surely they would respond to my direct cursing, screaming and name calling when I realize that I am hearing the exact 3 females that I heard the last time I called, waited in que for approx. 15 minutes and then was hung up on.

9 out of 10 representatives that I am forced to deal with (1-800-259-5544) are so completely and shockingly rude.

They seem to be very fond of eating while receiving calls. Taking no shame in making you hold while they chew.

That is, of course, if you can understand them.

I would have presumed that being able to articulate would be part of the job description in customer service.

There are no available alternative gas companies. The only option for getting rid of CenterPoint would be to convert my hot water heater, stove top, oven & central heating unit to electricity.

If this happens many more times that option may prove to be more economical.