Has anyone ever dispute an electric bill? I've been disputing my electric bill for the last 6-7 weeks. My electric bill was reasonable in November - about $110, but then quadrupled to $440 in December. I should mention that we don't heat with electric, and we didn't have Christmas lights going. There are only two of us in the house and we are very energy efficient and frugal with the electric.
I keep detailed records of everything, and it wasn't the rates that increased either, it was the kilowatt hours. All of the bills were based on actual readings, NOT estimated. So anyway, they are saying that they must have under-read the meter in November, so the December bill was making up the difference. So, if they made a mistake, do I have to pay the entire amount? I am going to file a complaint with the Public Service Commission, but was wondering if anyone has had this experience or has any advice.
I'm thinking that even $110 sounds awfully high for just two people. in our 1300 sq ft home and just two of us, our regular bill these past couple of monts has been around $52. Since we have converted to all fluorescent "penny pincher" light bulbs, I would contest even that much, if hubby would let me pursue it, because last winter, our bill was $39/month. I agree with the others who suggest badgering the electric company until they check for a faulty meter. Sounds to me as if that might be the case, if no one's tapping into your line.
I just wanted to leave an update. I just filed a formal complaint with the Public Service Commission - we'll see what happens. Thanks for all the feedback. I guess it is possible someone could tap into my electric, but this month the usage seems normal again. As I mentioned before, we heat with propane, and I do realize that a small amount of electricity is needed to run the fan, but the system is only about 5 years old and we have it checked every year or so by a friend of ours that does HVAC work for a living. I'll post again to let you know the final outcome - I have my fingers crossed.
I also have had a faulty electric meter and the company had to replace it free of charge! I believe it is a law that they must check for that if you request it but it might also be a good idea to call a couple of electricians and ask them if there is a way for you to double check it yourself for free or for a low fee if the electric company says it's not the meter!
Another time my water bill jumped from $100.00 a quarter to $600.00 a quarter :-o Water usage habits had not changed (same amount for four years) and there were no leaks (verified by a plumber) but I had to push the issue with a half dozen calls and a refusal to pay before the city came out to check on it. Ended up not having to pay any of the bill to offset the plumber's charge (lucked out there by demanding it to a supervisor).
I am embarrassed to have to say that my brother once did jail time for 'stealing utilities' but I am sharing that info so you know that it is indeed possible that someone might have tapped in to your power source :-(
Oh! One more thing. Even if you don't use electric for heat, your thermostat does and blowing system might in order to run so that might be part of the problem especially if it's an older thermostat/system?
This hasn't happened to me, but this sounds fishy! Expecially if they are getting actual readings! Is there a way someone could plug into your system? Stealing your power? I know people have done that with phone lines. If you dont use electric heat or portable heaters, there is no reason for such an increase. There must be a state number to call. Search engine? Best of luck!
Yes, we made the electric company check the meter and put a trace,(they have a machine they put on your meter that tells exactly where the electricty is going. 1. our meter was bad and their line had a surge in in. We didn't pay the whole bill they reduced it to the regular bill. In you electric company there is a man whose job it is to check this out keep calling till you find them.
Sometimes the meter reader can not read my meter because of a snow storm on the days he was to read the meter. When that happens I get an estimated bill which is always lower that the previous months bill. Then when the meter is read the following month the bill is always much higher. When I complain about the bill the electric comany suggests I go to an average cost plan based on the entire years usage. I decline. The other point is if you believe the meter is defective they will come out and test or replace the meter.
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