The customer is always right, right?
Well it appears not when it comes to Powerco and some of its customers.
If there's one story that has left me surprised and shocked over the past couple of weeks, it's the one about how Powerco is going to turn off the power to local retailers - and let them suffer for it.
The planned power cut is set for this Sunday and will affect 280 customers in and around Otumoetai Rd, lasting from 8.30pm to 4pm.
The cut will have a huge effect on local businesses.
Suzanne Edmonds, the owner of Cherrywood restaurant RSVP, is furious, saying the cut will cost her $2000-$3000 in lost trade.
Other retailers are also upset.
The answer, of course, is simple.
If a giant corporation such as Powerco is going to cost other businesses money by cutting their power, you'd think it would help them by supplying another power source, such as generators.
But not so.
The company only provides generators in emergencies or to facilities such as schools and hospitals. It is happy, however, to help businesses arrange their own generators.
How helpful.
You would have read this week that these retailers then decided to bring in the big guns, in the form of Mayor Stuart Crosby and Tauranga MP Simon Bridges.
When I heard that, I thought perhaps a bit of pressure from our two city leaders might sway the power giant.
But, you guessed it. Not so.
Instead, Powerco's corporate affairs manager wrote to Mr Bridges reiterating the company's policy.
So the bottom line is these businesses will be left out of pocket unless they pay up for a generator.
I think that stinks.
Sure, routine maintenance is necessary but surely Powerco could do a bit more in this case.
Why can't it provide generators?
Why can't it even meet them halfway?
So far as customer service goes, Powerco has come up well short.
It appears to be the big, unfriendly corporate that does not care about the little people.
Perhaps Powerco isn't aware but many people are facing tough times at the moment.
I feel for local businesses trying to make a buck and then being unfairly penalised like this.
Come on, Powerco. Do the right thing.
And remember - the customer is always right.
Bryony Edwards has been recognised for her teaching efforts picking up a major NEiTA award