Grandmother getting ripped off?

OK my grandmother lives in another town thats sorta rural. Her house is gas heated, and the gas comes from a 600 gallon tank she has next to her house.

The gas company has specific instructions not to fill the tank between May and September I believe.

The gas company came out and filled it anyway. 600 gallons coming to over $2500. She informed them of the mistake and they said they would lock the tank until September.

However, they told her they would charge her the September rate for the gas (it's cheaper now than then).

We're also concerned with the fact that the tank will be out in 100+ degree weather in direct sunlight, not to mention the fact that there is a risk of wildfire in the area.

What kind of action can we take? They refused to pump it back out and they refused to charge us the current price. My grandmother lives off of social security. Should we sue?

Capt she has electric appliances, including a stove. The gas is only used for heat.

You don't mention a state but here's the legal position. The gas is in the tank and is worth $2500 is she pays now. It will still be in the tank in September but it may be worth more then. The heat and fire risk have no bearing on the facts.

If you sue you are going to spend much more than $2500 for an attorney who basically has no case...good luck finding an attorney.

Pay now or pay later.

I imagine the gas company would be happy for you to make installment payments of $625/month so that when September or whenever she needs heat she'll have it.

There should be a State Agency on Ageing or some similar name to help intervene.

Legally however I see no cause of action. BTW how does she cook with no gas which is called LP FWIW.

If I were you, I would go to a lawyer and talk to them. Sometimes lawyers will give free advice on certain days. Look around and see if you can talk to one or even hire one to talk to for an hour or so. Ask them exectly what should happen and if you can sue or if some action can be taken. I wouldn't advise you to just up and try to sue then and then not win. Talk to a lawyer first and see what they think.

My oil tank stays full year round. It will actually harm the tank and the heating system for it to be empty. Also with it being full, less water will get into it.

And here, it is cheaper in Sept than it is in May, so getting chraged Sept's prices would be a bargain. Where are you? I find it hard to believe that the oil or gas was cheeper last Sept than it is now.

And beyond that, she will need a means of heat in the fall, will she not? Well, now it is there and will already be paid for by that time.