The service had been deactivated forty years ago. But the bills continued to arrive. Invoices for 2,500 euros but now everything is canceled: misunderstanding cleared up and debt cancelled. This was announced by Adiconsum, the association that assisted the user.
In 1985, a man from Cagliari had asked the water company at the time to terminate his account and had also duly changed his residence. The matter seemed closed.
In 2018, however, to his great surprise, the consumer discovered that Abbanoa was issuing invoices in his name for that utility, for a total amount of approximately 2,500 euros. Although 33 years had passed, he filed a first written complaint on August 6, 2018, attaching the documentation still available: the change of residence and a communication from the old operator certifying the termination of the utility. Adiconsum Cagliari then started the "Negotiated Solution" procedure. Now, forty years after the termination of the utility and seven years after the start of the negotiated solution, Abbanoa has provided official feedback.
After a technical inspection, it was found that the meter was not present on site. The company - Adiconsum reports - has therefore arranged for the full subscription of the disputed bills, the total cancellation of the debt, the retroactive closure of the user, effective January 1, 1985. "This story is incredible not only for its duration, but also for the obstinacy with which payment for a non-existent supply was demanded", says Simone Girau, president of Adiconsum Cagliari, "The credit also goes to the determination of the consumer, who chose not to give up. It is a case that demonstrates how urgent it is to improve the management systems of the users and guarantee citizens timely responses. No one should find themselves, after decades, having to defend themselves from illegitimate bills".
(Unioneonline/E.Fr.)
