txu energy/oncor Increased the monthly cost of guard-lite 100%. Waxahachie Texas
Recently I received my electric bill for a guard-lite and was shocked to see that the price had increased by 100%. Previously the charge was $13.99 per month. This month it was increased to $27.24. I have been a guard-lite customer with TXU energy since 1975. The original cost was $3.83 plus tax per month. Over the next forty years it had increased to $13.99.
The guard-lite program was originally set up by TP&L and was marketed as a security light. Many farmers and ranchers and elderly people with dark alleys where no city lighting was provided signed up for this service. I cannot believe that the PUC allowed TXU Energy to increase this by such a large amount. I believe it is a rip-off. Thank you for listening to my complaints. I feel a large number of customers will have these units removed.
2 Updates & Rebuttals
TXU Energy
Irving,Texas,
USA
We're here to help!
#3REBUTTAL Owner of company
Tue, June 02, 2015
Charles - We appreciate your loyalty and are here to help in any way possible. Please consider emailing TXUECares@txu.com so that we can review your account.
Robert
Irvine,California,
USA
1975...Really
#3Consumer Comment
Mon, June 01, 2015
This may be a piece of news for you but it isn't 1975 anymore. In 40 years it has increased exactly $23.41. Hardly what one would consider a huge amount.
Also, while I commend you on your photographic memory of the prices in 1975, it is interesting how you didn't mention how long it has been $13.99. So I am curious, what price do you think they should only be able to charge? Should they keep it at $13.99 for another 40 years?
As for people leaving them. I would actually be surprised if the need for services like this exist in 2015 to any great extent. Yes, 40 years ago there were a lot of areas that were not serviced by city lights and something like this could be quite beneficial. But over time as the infrastructure is able to be built, there will be less and less of these people needing this service. Which while there might still be some areas, the fact that there are fewer could also be increasing the cost per person because of the expense to maintain them is spread over less people. To put it another way, if a pack of gum costs $1 and you have 10 people who want to buy it..each person puts in a dime. But if you then only get 4 people who now want that gum, each person has to now put in a quarter.