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One less way to pay PG&E
Saturday, July 05, 2008
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Dear editor, I received an automated phone call telling me that PG&E does not accept credit card payments anymore after June 30; the payments have to be made through the bank. They want to know my bank account number and my PG&E number. Then, they want you to know that a certain fee has to be paid for this payment method. If you want to check it out, here is the number: 1-866-707-0682. I have a feeling this is not kosher!

Evelyn Fielden / Napa
7 comment(s)

JimClark wrote on Jul 5, 2008 8:51 AM:

" PG&E is a monopoly. It is a mini Enron. They are also tuning "green" because it is more profitable than providing services The “executives” retire with humongous incomes off of your bills. PG&E does not demand the domestic acquisition of domestic resources. They have gone green like stale bread.
The Public Utilities Commission and you legislators cower to special interests as opposed to the will of The People. The People elect them and they fail us miserably. Why? The People are not a special interest group. We merely pay our taxes and do not seem to have the power of some special interest. The People ARE the most special interest. Our taxes do not enhance the income of a legislator.
The People are neither a political action committee nor a special interest lobbyist. The People are, first and foremost the entity our legislators are honor bound to protect. And defend
Honor bound. Very few warming the legislative seats in any level of government have the honor of considering that Constitutional concept. Corruption. Stupidity or treason; The People must decide. Take a night off from Monday night football and let you legislators know they are about to be fired. "

Dwayne wrote on Jul 5, 2008 9:41 AM:

" PG&E has been weird about credit cards for a long time. I think (according to their web site) they no longer accept credit cards.

But this: I would never give information to anyone who calls, including calling a number they suggest. Get a phone number from the web site or the phone book, so you know who you're talking to if you're going to give out any financial information. "

4gnapan wrote on Jul 5, 2008 10:34 AM:

" The scams never end, do they... "

SouthNapa wrote on Jul 5, 2008 10:40 AM:

" I would call PG&E directly and tell them you received a suspicious phone call. They can verify if the phone number you were given belongs to them. Chances are, it isn't. No legitimate company will call and ask for your personal info.

PG&E sent out notifications with last month's bills indicating this change. Sounds like you were targeted by a scammer, but PG&E can verify with you the legitimacy of the phone number.

Running the number through Google can be helpful as well! "

SouthNapa wrote on Jul 5, 2008 10:41 AM:

" I just Googled the phone number, it does in fact belong to PG&E. I would call them and ask them why they left you this message. "

John Richards wrote on Jul 5, 2008 11:35 AM:

" It's legitimate. I got an email from PG&E with similar instructions. I emailed them back to ask for clarification. They responded that they will continue to accept Visa payments pending a final ruling from the PUC. They have alternate payment methods. Just go to their website. "

glenroy wrote on Jul 5, 2008 2:23 PM:

" Jim…you’re right about being a monopoly…but PG&E is one of the more efficient utilities around the country… Southern Californians pay considerably higher rates, as do Sacramento residents…all things considered being a semi autonomous government agency, PG&E is one of the better managed agencies in this state.

As for credit cards…the bank takes 3 to 6% of the fee paid to PG&E….if the customer was willing to add the fee to their utility bill I’d guess PG&E would continue accepting credit cards…but why would anybody ask for a rate hike?

Just arrange a transfer from your checking account…it saves having to write a check to pay the credit card….or spend 20K and put a solar system on your roof and forget you ever knew a utility company in the first place. "

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