Equal Access?

Yesterday was my fourth time speaking with a representative of Enbridge Gas about the clause inserted into the Occupancy Agreement, which states:

Members are responsible for all gas and hydro charges during their occupancy. The members shall provide the Co-op with proof that their gas and hydro accounts are in good standing when they provide notice to vacate. In addition, and upon the written request by the Co-op, the members shall provide the Co-op with confirmation that the accounts are in good standing on an annual basis. If a member fails to provide satisfactory evidence of payment of gas and hydro charges, the Co-op shall have the right to request such information on the members account directly from the Utility Company and this agreement shall constitute authority to do so.

The representative, like the reps before her, stated that this action by the co-op is completely unheard of; that it goes against Enbridge's privacy policy; that the utility account is the responsibility of the occupant; that it is not tied to the unit as the Office Co-ordinator stated and that it is completely illegal to force a member to give the co-op access to their utility account, in order to allow them to rent a unit. She also stated that it is equivalent to giving the co-op equal access to your Sear's account. How about we ask the Office Co-ordinator if we can have access to her personal accounts?

We've been living in this co-op for 19 years and have never before been subjected to such a draconian demand. The co-op doesn't just want to view your account - there's more to it than that. Giving equal access of your utility account to the co-op is, in essence, giving them Power of Attorney to make decisions on your account, such as reversing charges upon move out.

More to come ...