Jun 16, 2009 11:09 pm US/Pacific
Call Kurtis: Jolted By A Surprise Charge
WHEATLAND, Calif. (CBS13) ―
His cable box was fried back in February when the town of Wheatland experienced a power surge. He says Comcast told him he could exchange his box for free.
But then, he got charged.
Ask pretty much anyone in Wheatland. And they'll tell you what happened the night of February 2nd, Groundhog Day.
"It was all the colors like nothing I've ever seen," says Ray Nantes, Wheatland resident.
"When it went out, it was a frightening thing," says Eunice Wilson, Wheatland resident.
"It was just a real loud noise, something blew and the power went out," says Jamie Tinsley, Wheatland resident.
Wheatland officials blame a small animal... a cat or raccoon inside this substation. When PG&E turned the power back on, the power surged.
"Like an M-80 going off and I was standing right next to it, I was standing right next to it when it blew... scared the heck out of me," says Harold Stratfull, Wheatland resident.
Harold lost his computer and his cable box. PG&E cut him a check for the computer and he exchanged his cable box with the Comcast office in Yuba City.
"They just told me there would be no charge for the exchange box," says Harold.
But the next month, this showed up... a $50 equipment fee on his Comcast bill. Harold called Comcast but the charge stayed. He even got a notice. If he didn't pay, his service would be shut off.
"It's very frustrating. This company says they take care of their customers, well it sure doesn't look like you're taking care of your customers here," says Harold.
Three months later, Harold's charge was finally dropped. But he wasn't done fighting yet.
"My next door neighbor's been going through the same thing and they have got the DVR box," says Harold.
His neighbors, Cory and Johnna Bartholomew weren't home at the time but sent us a copy of their bill. Turns out, they were charged $370!
We contacted Comcast...
In an email, they tell us:
"Comcast credited the accounts... Although customers are responsible for equipment while it is their possession, this was an unusual situation and Comcast resolved it for these customers."
Harold says he called us not just for himself but for the entire town of Wheatland.
"I figure if I can fight and win this thing, they should pass it down to everybody else, Comcast should," says Harold.
If you have equipment damaged in a power surge, you should file a claim with the utility... in this case, PG&E.
In this case, PG&E and Comcast now have an agreement to take care of the damaged boxes.
If you've already paid Comcast, contact them for a refund.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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