Columbia Ultimate Utility Debt in Port St. Lucie, FL

Columbia Ultimate is collecting utility debt in Port St. Lucie. Average: $800. Florida SOL: 5 years. Garnishment: Head of household exempt.

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