Faced with a complete deficiency of customer support numbers online, I decided to use my local electicity provider’s website to sign up for new service. Heralded as a convenient alternative to talking to a real person, I received this auto-reply within seconds:
The Electric Company has received your request for an application and/or discontinuance of Electric service. Your request will be completed within 2 to 4 business days.
If you recently moved to a new address and your Electric service has not been turned on, please contact a Customer Service Representative at 1-800-555-2000.
Thank you for contacting The Electric Company.
I guess by ‘convenient’ they meant that they will turning on my electric service at their leisure. I just don’t see why online customer service is so much harder than using a telephone.
overstated 