Can my utility company disclose my billing information to a third party without my consent?
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Can my utility company disclose my billing information to a third party without my consent?
The builder/developer of my subdivision also owns the neighborhood septic system and is trying to double the cost of waste water based on the amount of water each house is using. The water company is giving him our records without consent from anyone. This seems wrong or illegal on many levels.
Asked on July 5, 2012 under General Practice, Indiana
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
Under the laws of all states in this country, the billing information of a person with respect to his or her utility charges is subject to one's expectation of privacy as to the person who pays the bill.
From what you have written, the water company should not have provided use and billing information with respect to your water use to a third party absent your written consent to do so and/or a subpeona issued and served upon you in conjunction with a lawsuit.
You might consider making a complaint against the water company with your state's department of public utilities.
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