Developer sues for late fee changes Boston Herald; Boston, Mass.; Dec 22, 1992; MICHAEL E. KNELL;
Abstract:
[Alphonse Mourad] blamed late penalties and compound interest - which are not charged to residential customers - for much of V&M's huge utility debts.
Mandela Apartments include 276 units and about 1,500 low-income tenants. Mourad has argued that the definition of commercial customer is too broadly interpreted.
Mourad filed a complaint with the DPU in February. He said he went to court because the DPU would not issue a decision on his request for changes.
Full Text:
Copyright Boston Herald Library Dec 22, 1992
The developer of the Mandela Apartments has sued state officials and local utilities, asking for changes in how late fees are assessed.
V&M Management Co. and its president, Alphonse Mourad, last week filed suit in Superior Court against the state Department of Public Utilities, Boston Electric Co. and Boston Gas.
The suit asked that interest rates be dropped from their current 18 percent, that utilities be forbidden from charging compound interest and be forced to read meters each month rather than issue estimated bills.
Mourad blamed late penalties and compound interest - which are not charged to residential customers - for much of V&M's huge utility debts.
Mandela Apartments include 276 units and about 1,500 low-income tenants. Mourad has argued that the definition of commercial customer is too broadly interpreted.
DPU officials declined comment.
The office of the Attorney General, which often represents state agencies, also washed its hands of the matter.
"We don't ordinarily represent the DPU in disputes against individual ratepayers," AG spokeswoman Elizabeth Hyman said.
Boston Edison spokesman Michael Monahan declined comment on the specifics of Mourad's case, but issued a defense of Edison practices.
"The procedures which we use are all in accordance with state regulations," he said.
"Most importantly, the procedures are in place so that customers who do pay their bills in a timely fashion do not subsidize those who choose not to."
Mourad filed a complaint with the DPU in February. He said he went to court because the DPU would not issue a decision on his request for changes.
