[Keith in Iowa]

In post #112, you said, and I quote: "Anyhoo, "Legal Tender" means the government forces us to use it, and requires everyone to accept it." That is clearly false as the treasury's web site says, and I'll quote that again for you...and "There is, however, no Federal statute mandating that a private business, a person or an organization must accept currency or coins as for payment for goods and/or services. Private businesses are free to develop their own policies on whether or not to accept cash unless there is a State law which says otherwise. For example, a bus line may prohibit payment of fares in pennies or dollar bills. In addition, movie theaters, convenience stores and gas stations may refuse to accept large denomination currency (usually notes above $20) as a matter of policy." Pay particular attention to the parts in the bold font, and see how what you said compares to the US Treasury...looks like you say one thing, while the Treasury Department is saying the opposite. I'll stick with the Treasury Department on this one.

[Freedom4US]

I don't think my definition of legal tender is at odds with Treasury, I really don't.

What is at issue here is "private business" and "payment for goods and services." Is the power company (in this instance) a public utility? I'm unclear on that. Second, what is the arrangement i.e. pre-existing contract - would the power company be amenable to taking cash, or is it only pennies that creates an issue?