Southern Utilities in Tyler Texas
It’s been about a year and a half since I wrote my original article on Southern Utilities Water Company in Tyler, and still their service has not improved. Their unhelpfulness, and extremely poor customer service has made this company a source of real frustration for Tylerites like myself. Unfortunately, their lack of concern for customers is not limited to the company’s owners. Evidently the employees who work there are tired of the complaints of unhappy patrons and now make a point of maintaining a sarcastic and superior attitude.
So why am I returning to this topic? Because; I’ve had yet another disagreeable encounter with the business just today. When I arrived at the drive through window, (which by the way I did before four in the afternoon because that is when they close), I realized that I’d forgotten my bill. I explained to the girl what had happened and she responded with a blank stare and a “you’ll have to go inside for that.”
Now I realize that this in itself would not be a huge issue but I had my three year old with me, which was why I selected the drive through in the first place. I let slip a rye chuckle and asked “don’t you have a computer there that you can just pull it up on?” She responded with slightly more emphasis and a great deal more sarcasm: “You’ll have to go inside for that.”
So what she successfully communicated to me is that the kids working at Sonic have greater technology, and probably knowledge of that technology than one of the oldest utility companies in the Tyler area. I won’t detail the story of my encounter inside the building, but while I was not disruptive I did make it clear that I didn’t appreciate the company’s complete disinterest in the satisfaction of its clients. “As far as I can see there’s not a single thing this company is willing to do to make its patron’s lives easier.”
There are two ways to pay your bill with Southern Utilities: a check through the mail, or cash or check on location. There is still no website (which seems unheard of in today’s business climate), there’s no phone payment method, and they don’t even accept check or debit cards. The lady behind the desk didn’t care. Big surprise. Is there anyone in the East Texas area who wants to start a new business? I suggest servicing water to those who don’t qualify for city water. I can give you the names of numerous folks in our area who quickly sign on to your service.
With Christmas around the corner, and a three year old at home I thought it might be helpful for friends and extended family to express my feelings about new toy which will without a doubt make the list of the all- time most annoying gifts of Christmas past. In the tradition of Teddy Ruxpin and Tickle Me Elmo comes Disney’s latest assault on responsible parenting. Dance Star Mickey has the potential to be even more unbearable than either of its aforementioned predecessors, and that by the way is saying something! I don’t have to warn Moms and Dads that this is a gift other people give your child.
Of course this toy will find a huge market; kids will love it, especially if they see the rest of the family watching dance shows on television. But then kids will generally enjoy whatever you happen to get them, provided you do better than socks, or the notorious pink bunny of “A Christmas Carol” fame. My advice is this: skip the dancing mouse this year, and tell grandpa and grandma to do the same. Tell them… I know tell them you’ll leave out the mousetraps on Christmas Eve night. I’m betting you’ll have a much more peaceful New Year!