LEXINGTON, N.C. — Voncille Aubry is not one for change, at least when it comes to houses. She has lived in the same Lexington home for 43 years.
“The youngest was about two (years old) when we built it,” Aubry said.
The house has served Aubry well through the years, and while there has been the occasional repair, the home has been great.
Aubry decided her next big upgrade would be an electric water heater when her old gas heater finally died.
“I knew gas was going up. So, I thought when the hot water heater leaks, I’ll replace it with an electric,” Aubry said.
Sure enough, a few months later, the old hot water heater broke, and Aubry replaced it. After it was installed, she contacted the gas company to cancel service and have the giant propane tank removed.
“He said, you have 45% left of propane and should be getting a refund,” Aubry said.
The refund was around $900. So, as you can imagine, Aubry was eager to get it. Aubry waited about a month but never got a check. So she gave the company a call. The company told her it was being processed and not to worry. About another month went by and still no refund check.
“I’m beginning to think, I will never see a refund,” Aubry said.
After about four months, Aubry was convinced the gas company was never going to send her a refund. By now, Aubry had given up - but she happened to tell a friend her story.
“I had been telling a close friend, I’m getting nowhere. She said, 'Why don’t you get in touch with WFMY News 2 - 2 Wants To Know?',” Aubry said.
Aubry contacted the 2 Wants To Know team a few days later, explaining her situation.
We then reached out to the gas company a few days later and spoke with an executive in the corporate office. We explained the case and were told the company would investigate. About a week later, Aubry received a phone call.
“She said, we are going to handle this and send you a refund check,” Aubry said.
Aubry had heard this before - but the company stuck to their promise this time. A week later, a check for $944.33 arrived.
“Well, I feel great,” Aubry said.
Now and then, Aubry will walk by the spot on her property where the propane tank used to be. You can still see the faded outline of the tank. What once was a thorn in her side, is now money back in the bank.