I am a handicapped senior citizen.

Due to the economic and unemployment situation in this country, I have been unemployed for 15 of the last 26 months and subsequently I have been forced to go on Social Security, and have lost my home as I can no longer afford the mortgage on my low, fixed income, the total of which is less than my mortgage payment alone.

I have had to find a rental home and in so doing I am trying to get my utility services transferred. Southwest Gas, with whom I have had open accounts since they first came to Tucson in the 70s, is refusing to transfer my service unless I travel 40 miles to their offices, to show some desk jockey my "identification". I assume they are afraid some 'fraudulent person' will be paying my monthly bills instead of me. This despite the fact I have an open account with them currently at my former home, and have had for many years.

I refuse to bend to this absurd requirement, incurring not only a loss of several hours of my waning lifespan, but the cost of fuel for this trip at almost $3.00 per gallon, neither of which SWG has offered to credit to my bills.

It is already unfortunate that these utility companies have the monopoly on services that allow them to treat their customers, whether new or like myself, 30+ year customers, like second-class citizens. What my Social Security number, my Driver's License or my Passport have to do with residential gas service escapes me. Perhaps as we grow more and more toward the totalitarian govt, run by the corporations, each company will issue its own "ID" badge, so we can prove that we are entitle to be blessed with the honor of paying their exorbitant fees for basic human services. "May I see your 'papers' please!"

With complaints rolling in from the management company and the rental homeowner, about the utilities still being in the latter's name, I am being told the SWG is telling these people that "your Social Security number does not match what they have on file". What my social security number (which is NOT supposed to be given to anyone but employers or lending institutions) has to do with my current service account is beyond me, let alone why this or any other private information about me is being shared with these callers! They must have high-ranking 'SWG ID Badges' that entitles them to private and privileged information about other customers.

In trying to resolve this issue over the phone with SWG, I get a recorded message stating, "you will NOT be able to speak to a representative. Please use our online services at www.swgas.com."

Below is the latest email communication after filling out their online request for transfer of service.

_________________________________________________________________________________
Not only have I replied to this absurd request multiple times, but I have also sent you a picture of my drivers license. The fact that SWG is sharing information about me with a realtor and/or the owner of my current residence, is a violation of my privacy and is not acceptable .

I am a current customer, Acct Number 361-0198743-028.
I did not, nor do not need "identification" for this account, so just switch addresses. I have requested a shutoff at the previous address and a transfer of service.
I am the same person who has had accounts with SWG or TG&E since 1975! The person you bill every month, without having to show ID for the honor of paying you!

I see no reason why I should have to drive 40 miles on my time and gas money, just to prove to you who I am, so you can continue to take my money. This is absurd!
Have your man came to my door when he reads the meter and I will show him my identification!!

I am a handicapped, senior citizen. If you are refusing to turn on my gas service, I will contact the Corporation Commission, AARP, PCOA and the local media, to let them know that
a current SWG customer with accounts dating back 35 years, to when SWG first bought out TG&E, is being refused service becuse I won't drive 40 miles just to show some desk jockey my driver's license! Should make a good story on the 6PM news!

I will not pay any further invoices (including the latest $101.30), until this account is transferred, as has been requested multiple times since March 1, 2010. Any charges at the service address, after the requested shutoff date of 3/22, will be disputed. If you do not shut it off, I will do so myself and lock the meter.


When and if you decide to turn on my service, I wish to apply for the low income residential discount!

Thank you for your continued lack of cooperation in this regard.

J. Douglas Noyce, Sr.


----- Original Message -----
From: SWGAS-SAZ SWGAS-SAZ
To: [email protected]
Sent: Wednesday, March 24, 2010 12:23 PM
Subject: Re: Doug Noyce 361-0198743-028.


Dear Doug Noyce,

Re: 361-0851258 <- (I have no idea what this is, as it is NOT my account number)


Thank you for visiting the Southwest Gas Corporation web site to request service at 10 W. Forrest Feezor St.

In order for us to provide you with natural gas service, we ask that you bring acceptable identification to your local Southwest Gas office before your service request can be completed.


Acceptable Identification:*Social Security number *Driver's License *State I.D. Card *Military I.D. * Passport *.


You can find your nearest office location on our website, www.swgas.com, by clicking on 'Contact Us', and follow the links for your service area.


Sincerely,

Customer Assistance

Southwest Gas Corporation

471-2


>>> <[email protected]> 3/22/2010 10:18 AM >>>
Customer Contact Form Information
—--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------:
First Name: Doug
Last Name: Noyce
Address: 10 W. Forrest Feezor St
City: Vail
State: AZ
Zipcode: 85641
Phone: 5208205923
Email: [email protected]
Account: 361-0198743-028.
SSN: 4745

Subject: Customer Service
Division: Southern Arizona

Comments:
I have been trying to get gas service turned on in my name for 2 weeks without success. My realtor tells me that SWG says my SSN does not match my name. SWG has no problem billing me every month for my current service without my SSN. Why are you talking to my realtor, but not to me? I cannot get through to SWG by phone so I need someone to call me ASAP! (520)820-5923. Thank you

J. Douglas Noyce