ConsumerWatch: Bay Area Family Left Without Power For 3 Days
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS 5) -- A Bay Area family was expecting a new power meter from Pacific Gas & Electric Co. Instead, they ended up without power for several days without notice.
When PG&E came to Grace Thomson's home to install a new SmartMeter, they found jumper cables used to steal power. But according to Thomson she was unaware of the cables and was left without electricity for three days.
As a result, Thomson said she missed an important doctor's call. "I don't believe they have a right to do that," she said.
According to Mindy Spatt with The Utility Reform Network (TURN), if PG&E believes there is a safety concern, it is legal for them to turn off a consumer's electricity. But Spatt adds that there are some exceptions.
For instance Spatt said the Thomson's were not at fault in this case.
PG&E told CBS 5 ConsumerWatch the jumper cables "creat(ed) a safety risk" and typically power is not restored until the utility "know(s) the illegal activity has ceased."
But after three days without power, Thomson said she can't believe PG&E did not give her the benefit of the doubt.
PG&E gave the Thomson's a $100 credit, but Grace Thomson wants PG&E to create a public service announcement encouraging people with medical conditions to inform their utilities.
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