On August 15, 2017 Verizon sent a technician to my home for the purpose of upgrading my FIOS internet service. The technician proceeded to drill a hole through the side of my house and right through the center of main electric panel. The resulting electrical explosion/fire almost electrocuted the technician, and could have burned down my home. Thankfully, the technician was unharmed, although he was rightfully shaken.
While the fire damage to my home was minimal, my family and I were forced to endure two(2) days in the middle of the work week, during the heat of summer, without electricity; refrigeration; air conditioning; etc. This avoidable loss of electricity, caused spoiled food, and many other uncomfortable inconveniences for me and my family. Verizon’s insurance carrier -Sedgwick Claims Management Services, Inc. {edited for privacy}- did reimburse me the $2,000.00 I had to layout in order find an emergency licensed NYC electrician, willing to come the next day to replace the ruined electrical panel. Albeit fifteen(15) days later.
Today I received my first FIOS bill since this fiasco. Verizon had the unabashed gall to charge me a $90.00 FIOS speed upgrade fee. I contacted Verizon via their chat interface{edited for privacy}, as there is no Verizon Custmoer Service email. After twenty(20) plus minutes: The agent finally told me there is nothing she could do; no, she cannot email me a copy of the chat(I guess Verizon wants nothing in writing, which also explains no email); and that I should try to contact customer service by phone, M-F, as there are no customer service agents available on the weekend that have authority to apply credits to customer bills.
After more than seventeen(17) years as a loyal Verizon(Bell Atlantic) customer, to say I am disappointed and disheartened would be an understatement.