"Beat down by the Greer CPW"

The CPW has the monopoly over utility companies because there aren't any others to choose from. They control the electric, gas, water and sewer service. Yes, at first I was impressed with the "all in one" company. With two small children, convenience was always a plus. It didn't take long for the delusion to come clear. Just as soon as I ran into a financial bind I learned that even though the CPW does business as one company in one building when it comes to late charges, fees or fines they charge you as if they were 3 different companies. If a CPW bill isn't paid by closing of due date a 5% charge is added. On my bill it averages $15-$20 each month. They don't allow for even a 1 minute grace period. If a bill isn't paid by the tenth day after due date another $25 fee is added and disconnection is scheduled. There's also another $25 fee to reconnect. Many months I have paid $60-$75 in fees & fines. I've been a customer of CPW for over 12 years. The first ten as a single parent I was always struggling with finances, kids get sick, cars break down and unforeseen mishaps caused my to pay most of my higher bills late or in installments. It never bothered me that much til this last year. In October of 2008 my husband of 2 years was injured at work and we've been battling workers comp ever since without any compensation thus far. Of all our creditors, CPW was the only one that showed no understanding, respect or patience in the matter. They lack simple human compassion. I've been made to feel like the scum of the earth for suffering a hardship. They act as if the whole country is not experiencing financial crisis caused by the recession. The "beat down" came today after I spent several hours at the Greer Relief filing an application for assistance.In the mail was a letter from the CPW stating that since I've recently been struggling to pay my bill, which is almost as much as my rent, they're forcing me to pay an additional $400 deposit that must be paid in less than 15 business days. How can they do this you may ask? Easy, the services they provide are life necessities not luxuries and they're the only providers in our area. After all you can't run a home and raise a family without electricity, heat and water and they know it and use it to build their wealth.