On Wednesday, we wrote about Consumerist reader Norma, whose family has been without gas service in Philadelphia — which means no heat — in their apartment for a few days. Since then, Norma says the local utility has demanded they pay $14,000 in order to get their meter returned and service turned back on. [More]
heat
‘Tis The Season For High Energy Bills: Tips To Keep Warm And Lower Costs
By 1.11.16
Unless you enjoy living in a dark icebox, the winter months can be a real drain on your wallet, especially if you’re still reeling from holiday shopping. But keeping warm doesn’t mean you might as well throw money on a bonfire (seriously, don’t do that). [More]
Would You Shop In A Store Hot Enough To Turn A Snickers Bar Into A Beverage?
By 7.3.12
For at least five days, the employees at a Family Dollar store in the St. Louis area claim they have been working without proper air-conditioning and that temperatures in the store have been in the triple digits. But that hasn’t stopped some customers from coming in. [More]
Health Care Fraud Prosecutions Up 78% Since Launch Of Affordable Care Act
By 5.8.12
It’s been more than two years since the Affordable Care Act was signed into law, and while the Supreme Court mulls over the reform’s future, a look back over the last couple years shows a sharp increase in health care-related criminal fraud charges. [More]
What Is Your Favorite Frozen Treat?
By 7.6.10
It’s apparently quite hot here in New York City. I wouldn’t know because I refuse to leave the igloo I’ve created around my air-conditioner. But if I were to venture out onto the sizzling streets, the first thing I’d do is get me a huge bowl of mint chip ice cream… not a cone because in this weather that’s just asking for disaster. [More]
Reminder: Amish Heater Is Still No Miracle
By 9.28.09
The supposedly classy New York Times Magazine had a 2-page ad for the Amish Heater this weekend, so with that and the cold times a-coming, now is a good time to remind everyone that the Amish Heater is just a standard space heater plus overpriced particleboard faux-wood mantle on wheels.
3 Ways To Get Help With Paying For Heat
By 10.23.08
If your wallet is naked and shivering this winter when it comes to paying your heating bill, here’s 3 ways to get help.
Firewood Is The New Hotness. Literally.
By 10.14.08
Heating oil prices got you down? Thinking of burning some wood to stay warm this winter? You’re not the only one. In fact, Consumer Reports says that firewood prices are through the roof this fall. It’s gotten so bad that people are actually stealing wood.
How To Properly Work Your Ceiling Fan. Yeah, You Read That Right
By 6.8.08
Ceiling fans aren’t just on/off affairs, and it’s possible you could be using yours incorrectly. According to Consumer Reports, people get tripped up by the ability to reverse the direction of the blades…
Landlord's Crappy Boiler Costs Us Big Time
By 4.25.08
Marcie writes:
I live in a 750 square foot apartment in Brooklyn, NY. Per the lease agreement, my roommate and I signed to pay the heat separate from the rent. The first gas bill we received was $750, and the following gas bill was roughly the same amount. We knew that the price of gas was expensive, but for two people who make great pains to use the heat only when absolutely necessary, and occasionally use the stove to boil a pot of water, this seemed ridiculous. For all of 2007, we owe roughly $2000 in gas costs.
Get 100 Gallons Of Heating Oil For Free
By 1.12.08
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez wants to give you 100 gallons of free heating oil to help survive the cold cruel capitalist winter. The hogshead of liquid warmth is available to anyone enduring a financial hardship who fills out a handy online form.
Budget For A 10% Increase In Heating Costs This Year
By 10.9.07
Colder temperatures and higher fuel prices are going to hit consumers in the wallet this winter, according to estimates from the government. Depending on your fuel of choice, heat could cost from 4%-22% more, though most households will see an increase of 9.5%.
Watch Out! It's Hot!
By 6.26.07
As you can see by some of the temperatures out there, it’s mighty hot in some places where it isn’t always hot. So, to keep senior citizens like Brett Favre from getting ill up there in 90 degree Green Bay, WI, here are some tips on staying healthy in the heat from the CDC.
A Cold Shower A Day Keeps The Gas Company Away
By 10.6.06
Erstwhile Consumerist guest blogger and Upgrade Travel editor Mark Ashley has been taking a lot of cold showers lately. Heck, his nipples protrude like fleshy awls. Yet unlike most men who take to basking themselves in an icy deluge, Mark is not trying to extend his life or cut down on his sex drive: the situation’s been thrust upon him by Chicago People’s Energy (as Communist a name for a gas company as I’ve ever heard).
UPDATE: Boiled Walmart Baby
By 8.8.06
Yesterday we spoke at length with Ritta over the phone. According to her statement these are the
UPDATE: Boiled Walmart Baby, With Pix
By 8.5.06
Dramatic photos of Ritta’s car in the Walmart parking lot after they broke the window to get her trapped baby. Note, these were taken a few hours after the incident occurred.
Correction: Boiled Walmart Baby
By 8.1.06
Rita, who had a baby trapped in the van in the Walmart parking lot in 104 degree weather, wrote in to make sure we got one detail straight:
