Tuesday, November 13, 2012

FISCAL TIFF

That's what I've been having with the local gas board who have sent me an early Christmas "present" in the form of a truly enormous domestic gas bill.

Admittedly I am not Sicilian enough to pride myself on not using the heating during the winter months but, quite apart from the fact that I actually think one's home should be comfortable, I do have asthma, arthritis and Raynaud's disease, all of which are aggravated by the cold. 

I've been a good girl and have paid my bimonthly gas bills upon their arrival all year so this extra one, for such a large amount, was a real shock.  I am told it is a conguaglio or "adjustment" and have spoken to several other people who have received similar unpleasant surprises. Even though the gas company has agreed to payment in three installments, it is still an almost impossible amount to find in addition to payment of the new gas bills which will continue to come.

This conguaglio is a scandal and, although Italy does not have as many competing energy companies as the UK, there are some. What we need here is a scheme like this one in Belgium and I might just start one.

8 comments:

Whispering Walls said...

That's completely unacceptable - don't pay "the adjustment" - pass it on to your landlord.

Welshcakes Limoncello said...

I agree, WW but I don't think I can do that!

jams o donnell said...

The gas company are taking the p***

Lee said...

The cost of power here in this country is rising by the day...it's beyond ridiculous...and there seems to be no end in sight. It's scary, really.

Welshcakes Limoncello said...

Hi, jams. Yes, they are but everyone here thinks it's normal! Hi, Lee. It is really scary, as you say.

James Higham said...

Admittedly I am not Sicilian enough to pride myself on not using the heating during the winter months

[Smiles to himself, hoping Welshcakes won't see.]

Sympathy.

LindyLouMac said...

I guess this is mains gas, we have the bombala and wood burning stoves. Heating ones home is becoming a very expensive option. I am so sorry this is causing you difficulties it is so unfair.

Welshcakes Limoncello said...

I can just imagine you grinning there, James! Thanks for the empathy, LindyLouMac. I think the gas board should at least have warned us!

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