This is a dreadful message to get when you’re inquiring about your bill. I did that with NSTAR (Gas & Electric company). I cannot believe they use this horrid system. It’s not helpful, it’s not giving them competitive advantage, it’s not a disruptive technology, it simply annoys their customers. On the other hand, I guess fewer people actually bother to ask about their bill when they know what they must go through. Here’s my latest conversation with NSTARs automated assistant:

“Hello, I am an automated assistand. How may I help you?”

(I go “oh no, this isn’t happening! Oh well, I’ll give it a try”) “I have some questions about my electric bill from April”

(Pause) “I’m sorry, I don’t understand. Para Español oprima numero dos. Please give me a brief explanation of what you want to do.”

(getting a bit frustrated) “I have questions regarding my latest bill!”

(Pause) ” I understand your call is related to you bill. Please give me a brief explanation of what you want to do.”

(Just let me talk to a damn operator! Gawd!!!) “I want to talk to someone about my bill!”

(pause) “hold on until I transfer you call to one of our operators”

A sigh of relief. After that I didn’t mind spend the next ten minutes in the calling queue. Because NSTAR actually invented something MORE annoying than the calling queue.