UPDATE: Western Power Distribution - I can't believe I'm writing this opinion! (Western Power Distribution)

Member Name: nikkisly

Product:	Western Power Distribution
Date:	12/10/00 (350 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A utility company that cares.

Disadvantages: None

In general, I have very little respect for the suppliers of domestic utilities, whether gas, electricity or telephones. I've always seen them as heartless, uncaring, profit hungry, money grabbing...pick any nasty, unfriendly adjective you want.Today, my opinion has changed.

I suffer from Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome (a.k.a M.E,Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - call it what you will).For the past six years I have been studying with the Open University and, this year, was taking what I hoped would be my last course. Because of my illness, the Open University has allowed me to take my exams at home with an invigilator and today was it - "E" day. So, imagine my consternation when I received a letter from Western Power Distribution last week telling me that my electricity supply was going to be cut off for the day due to "planned maintenance". We live in a typical old cottage - low ceilings,small windows - and,without four 60 watt light bulbs burning, it's almost impossible to see your hand in front of your face. At least, it's far too dark to read, and we also have electric heating.

The letter I received gave me a telephone number to ring if I had any queries. Without any expectations, I rang and explained my predicament to a voice on the end of the 'phone and, to my amazement, was told "Don't you worry - get on with revising and we'll sort it out". A few hours later, I got a call back from an engineer saying that he would personally come out and inspect my property to see if it was possible to arrange the loan of a generator and, if not, they would make alternative arrangements for me to sit the exam at a local hotel.

He arrived, wandered round for a few minutes and again told me not to worry, he would sort it out.Lo and behold, at 8.30 am this morning, two very nice guys from the power company turned up with a generator in tow and fixed my electricity supply so that my entire house power was supp
lied by the generator. This meant that I not only had light (and heat) for my exam, but could use my computer for a bit of last minute swotting and also watch a bit of TV to take my mind off the coming ordeal.

I realise of course, that 'extra's' like this cost money and that that is a concern, but nevertheless, it's refreshing to know that there are contingency plans to help if necessary - plus, of cousre, this company now has a satisfied (if surprised!) customer for life.

Everyone concerned has been so unbelievably helpful, pleasant and cheerful and it's so nice to know that, even in big concerns, individual customer care has not been neglected.The only way they could have helped more is if they had sent someone to actually sit the exam for me....Now, why didn't I think of that last week?

Update: I passed! No more exams, ever!

Summary: