Around February, my in-laws cracked the gas-pipe in my backyard while trying to dig a tree root out. I immediately called CenterPoint Energy (the gas company) and taped the crack part of the pipe. A service tech came over and fixed the problem. Everything was fine and I was really happy with the service then. But a couple of months later, I was a little shocked to get this bill: Labor 85.23 Material 7.6 Transportation and Equiepment 88.50 Construction Overhead 59.84 Loss of Gas 34.22 Total $318.00 Here are the problems I have with this bill: 1. I don't even know they will charge me for the repair service. They did not mention the fees at all and I did not sign anything. 2. I have no problems with Material and labor fees. But transportation and Equipment fee? I had services from cable and plumbing companies and they never change me on transportation. 3. Shouldn't Labor already include Construction Overhead? There was really not much construction other than shovelling some dirt aside to expand the existing hole more. 4. My monthly gas bill is under $40 on average. Now I got really confused as how they came up to that calculation on "Loss of Gas 34.22" on a heavily taped little crack (taped to the point I could not detect any leakage) 3 or 4 hours. What would you do in my situation? Any input would be really appreciated.
You really need to read the contract that you signed when you singed up with the gas company. They probably have some sort of clause stating that if you damage thier line, you pay the repair costs. Otherwise, call their customer service line and ask for an explanation.
