Bill now totals $1,600+
ELMIRA -- Earlier this year a Flint man was found dead in his home after utility workers shut off his heat. Now, the family of an elderly Antrim County woman fear she could face the same situation.
"I think it's ridiculous what they're doing to her, it's sad," said Billie Jo Marrs, a friend and former caregiver to June Jackson of Elmira.
Troubles for the 88-year-old woman began late last year when Marrs says Jackson received a propane bill from AmeriGas for nearly $1,000. A big surprise for Jackson whose monthly bill was typically about $200.
"I said there is no possible way that lady used that much propane," Marrs said.
The bill now totals more than $1,600, so to keep warm Jackson is left with a small space heater and bundles up in several layers of clothes under an electric blanket.
Service to the stove and oven have been cut off so for food she must rely on a hot plate.
Jackson's daughter, Cheryl Jones, says they've been disputing the bill.
"I was told as long as that bill remained in dispute they could not deny putting any propane in the tank," Jones said.
Jones adds they have been working with area service agencies to pay the bill so the company would at least re-fill the tank; so far Jones says more than $800 in payments have been made, yet she says AmeriGas has still refused to re-fill the tank.
"It's shocking because I'm sure the corporate office would reprimand the coldness, it's just ridiculous," Jones said.
A manager at AmeriGas' Gaylord office told 7&4 News they were waiting for letters of intent from the service agencies that family members say were going to help pay for the propane. The manager said they received that confirmation Wednesday morning and will start the process of getting the propane delivered.
However, that could take up to 7 days. Billie Jo and Cheryl say they hope to see a delivery made sooner rather than later.
"I just don't understand," Marrs said. "What is it going to take, her literally freeze to death in her house?"
In the state of Michigan there are no regulations that oversee the propane industry.
UPDATE: Billie Jo Marrs tells 7&4 News that AmeriGas did contact June Jackson late Wednesday afternoon following this story and said they would be out Thursday to re-fill Jackson's propane tank. Marrs adds the Salvation Army of Petoskey has agreed to help pay for the cost of a leak inspection to determine if there is a propane leak in the house.
