Columbia Ultimate Utility Debt in Des Moines, IA
Columbia Ultimate is collecting utility debt in Des Moines. Average: $800. Iowa SOL: 5 years. Garnishment: 25% of disposable earnings.
Known Columbia Ultimate Violations
- • Collecting on debts discharged in bankruptcy
- • Failing to update credit reports after dispute
- • Adding unauthorized interest charges
Dispute Strategies
- • File complaint with state Public Utility Commission
- • Request billing audit and meter verification
- • Apply for utility assistance programs (LIHEAP)
- • Dispute estimated vs actual billing
- • Challenge reconnection fees if disconnect was improper
Tips
- • If you filed bankruptcy, send them your discharge papers immediately
- • Columbia collects utility and telecom debts — check final statements
- • Demand they remove inaccurate entries from all three credit bureaus
- • Utilities must offer payment plans in most states
- • Estimated billing can be challenged with actual meter reads
- • Many states ban winter disconnection for heat