Electricity provider issue

Guess what happened to me today???

I haven't got my bill yet and should have so I call my electricity provider to find out why my bill hasen't arrived only to find out that "I" changed service to another provider and my electricity had been switched over to said provider as of Oct the 7th.

The only thing is that "I" have done nothing to change my electricity.

It seems like someone decided to change their electricity and gave my address by mistake, I know I know you would think as I did that the person doing this would have to at least prove they are the person on the old account.....ya know provide some sort of identification or verify some personal information.

But they told me this can happen to anyone, all your neighbor has to do is mistakenly give the wrong address and presto you have changed electricity providers without knowing it, aint it cool?

I guess I'm just lucky like that.

Sounds great, Does that mean they are paying the bill for you?

It's not just your neighbor. There's a practice that originated with the long distance companies that's called "Slamming" where they switch you themselves without your approval.

RJ

Unless you established your account long before the utilities required SSN's and a phone number, I don't see how this could happen just by someone calling in a wrong address.

If you google "slamming" and "texas attorney general" you will find all the info you need. powertochoose.org is a good site to compare rate plans. So who is the new provider?

actually it's their new provider, TXU.

TXU said they would eventually figure it out...lol I just know it's gonna be a PITA to get it all straight and am fully expecting them to double bill me from both providers.
This kind of crap always happens to me, even my post office delivers my registered mail to other people without having them show id.

I am looking to switch elec. anyhow but don't want a freakin contract, which seems to be what they are trying to make everyone do these days.

I don't plan on moving anytime soon but hate to be under obligation to anyone.