Power Shut Off After Woman Owes A Penny

Jacqueline Williams of Flint, Michigan had an electricity bill of $1,662.08 and paid all of it, except for one cent. But seemingly that wasn't enough. The power company cut electricity to her home and kept her in the dark for seven hours for not paying her bill.

The company, Consumers Energy, told Williams the power would not be turned on until the penny was received.

What did she do? "I went down there, paid my penny and got a receipt", Williams said. Shortly after, the electricity was turned back on.

A Consumers Energy spokesman said that the utility had no choice in the matter, though he was not aware of any similar incidents where service was stopped for one cent. "This was the first one I've heard about", said Terry DeDoes.

Williams said she doesn't want to find herself in the same situation again. "All of this for one penny... I'm praying to God I stay on top of my bills", she said.

 � Copyright 2004-2015 The News Vault. All rights reserved.