Legal Question in Consumer Law in Michigan

Consumers Energy Charge

I just purchased a forclosure in MI. Currently there is a gas meter in the basement of the home. Upon finding the gas was not working I inquired with Consumers Energy. The prior owner of the home did not pay the gas bill and Consumers came out and cut the gas line in the backyard. Now that I own the home, Consumers says I am responsible for moving the meter to the outside of the home which includes their moving the gas line. They want to charge me $709.75 to do this. Isn't this their responsibility since they cut the line in the first place? How can I get out of paying this charge and still get my gas turned on by Consumers?


Asked on 6/07/08, 11:41 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Audra Arndt Audra A. Arndt & Associates, PLLC

Re: Consumers Energy Charge

This should have been negotiated in the closing re: the status of the meter and who would pay to fix/move it. I take it you were not aware of the situation prior to the closing? If you cannot get the bank/seller to pay for it (it's worth contacting them about the problem and telling them that they didn't disclose it), it is your responsibility, unfortunately. Although you do not have to pay any unpaid utility bills - just the charges to have the meter turned back on.

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Answered on 6/09/08, 4:38 pm


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