George, a Utility will charge a meter charge as long as you are hooked up, even if you don't use any water, gas, or electricity you'll get a bill. but 25 bucks seems high—did you or your wife sign up for one of their service plans for furnace or appliance repair?
Mine: Monthly Customer Charge 30 Days at 7.25000 $7.25
QUOTE
Customer charge, a fixed charge that does not vary with the amount of gas you use. The customer charge covers the cost of providing safe, reliable gas service. It includes the cost associated with owning, maintaining and reading meters; maintaining equipment; and providing service programs and communication services. The customer charge is the minimum amount you will be billed each month.
How much is the customer charge?
$5.00 per month $9.50 per month
http://www.minnesotaenergyresources.com/home/mn_rates.aspx
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History is no more than the lies agreed upon by the victors.
~NAPOLEON BONAPARTE
