Power Cut-off Threat Spurs Chain Reaction Rescue from Dad

A Florida man took drastic steps when faced with a $2,000 overdue utility bill that had the electricity company threatening to cut off his power: He chained himself to the meter.

Tony Duncan of Hiland Park says disconnection would be disastrous for his 5-year-old adopted daughter Makayla, who has various medical conditions that require electric feeding tubes and other equipment. With no other choice, Duncan chained himself to the meter in his front lawn last week in protest.

Duncan, who cares for four other children with his wife Kathy, claims he has been out of work for more than a year after suffering health problems of his own. A spokesman for Gulf Power, meanwhile, maintains the Duncans haven't made a bill payment since July and a 35-day extension was previously granted due to Makayla's illness.

Fortunately, with the 11 a.m. Friday cut-off deadline approaching, local residents rallied round the family and donated more than enough money to keep the power on. Now, let's just hope Mr. Duncan remembers where he put the keys to his padlock.