We lived in Benton city limits for 6 years. Our first home was 1300 sq. Ft. And our bill with Benton Utilities would reach 450.00 in the summer. It was crazy high! Our second home was 1600 sq. Ft and our bill reached 650-700. For three months during the summer! We had to move! Benton Utilities has a policy that they dont give extentions or any help to anyone with a balance of 500+. Anyways we moved into a 1300 sq ft home in First Electric service. Our bills have never been over 220. In the heat of summer. I refuse to live any where that has Benton utilities service and warn friends about it as well. The city needs to let First Electric provide its service.

What I don't understand is that when we paid our bill late , a late fee was paid at that time . How can they come back and double penalize us now? Which I am referring to the deposit that was put on my bill for being late in the past . Plus the fact that the only thing it has ever said on the bill is " An unpaid bill becomes delinquent after the due date and a 10 % penalty, not to exceed $25.00 is calculated and added to your bill". This has always been on the bill , I think after people complained about BU's practice of warning or should I say not warning their customers of their new practice of penalizing people for being late .Which should of been printed on the bill down in the Important Information section ! Like where the late penalty policy is posted . So why is there no mention of the additional deposits charged for multiple late payments ? Is it not IMPORTANT INFORMATION ?

$2800 deposit is ridiculous to charge anyone, business or not...

Kelly: Great story, but I think one important piece of the story was overlooked. Please address why Benton Utilities can raise the rate/fee and it does not have to be approved by the State Public Service Commission. The rules need to change. Thank you!