Power company billing (estimated usage)

[QC]

Re: Power company billing (estimated usage)

Yeah, we have something similar. You can also get discounts for being interruptable at different levels i.e. a % discount if they can take you down for 1 hour if necessary, a higher % if they can take you down for up to 4 hours. Then they put a remotely activated switch on your meter and flip it of when they feel like it. Some people have gone for years without ever being interrupted. I pay full pop and lost power for 12 hours recently . . . Go figure.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Power company billing (estimated usage)

I pay an average amount every month and one a year the power company does a reconciliation and usually sends me a check. Our Winter rates are always higher than summer and the winter seasonal rates are that way for over 7 months...... go figure!

I consume a fair amount of power and my winter consumption is the highest.

Running my hot tub cost me about $35/month plus in the winter months the furnace fan is running..... we are home more and require more lighting hours too.

 

[MrBigStuff]

Re: Power company billing (estimated usage)

Well, DJ, I'm certainly confused by your responses!

Well, yea. What do you want them to do? Come out and look? That, you WILL defintely get a bill for.

As I read the posts, I see a number of people speculating about how the power company came up with the estimate. I know for a fact that they use the same period from the prior year in their estimate. For the life of me, I don't see how anyone could come to the conclusion that I was against that policy based on what I wrote.

It is higher because December is a high use month-duh!

Yes, December IS a higher use moth than November. Thank you for supporting my explanation as to why the bill might be 30-40% higher without needing to be some sort of conspiracy or other shenanigans involved. Exactly who are you saying DUH! to???

Pay it and go on. It will be balanced in the future. The utilities are too highly regulated to even THINK about ripping you off. Unless you think the government is all honest.

We won't EVEN go there.

I made no reference to anyone being ripped off or the power company being dishonest. In fact, I think I was more leaning toward their defense. Having had quite a few estimated months worth of usage over the years, I understand it all works out once they do an ACTUAL reading. I also understand some people do not like fronting cash to the power company for even one month, especially in these trying economic times. If you add on the frustration some folks have regarding the slow response time in certain areas, it becomes even more understandable. But I made no mention of it.

 

[SuzukiChopper]

Re: Power company billing (estimated usage)

Just wanted to post and say that I found it ironic that when I got my e-mail notice of a response to this thread I heard what sounded like someone going in to my garage... scared the carp out of me. Was the power meter reader dude in my yard. Got a good chuckle out of it. I guess I should maybe clear a path to the meter for those guys, the snow is a bit deep.

 

[OldePharte]

Re: Power company billing (estimated usage)

At our KC house, we have a "Level Payment Plan". They take last years total usage and divide by 12. We still get a monthly statement of usage that shows current usage along with last year's usage for the same month. The statement also shows if we are "ahead" or in the "hole." We been averaging $76 for the past three or four years.

At the lake house, we haven't opted for a level payment plan since we are there a week a month, year round.

 

[mthieme]

Re: Power company billing (estimated usage)

The utilities are too highly regulated to even THINK about ripping you off.

BG&E has been snagged on more than one occassion.
I just got a $170 check (along with all their other customers) due to mass overcharging. This latest escapade occurred after deregulation.

BTW, I'm afraid you're right. I am on the cynical side with many topics. Please forgive. But in this case, I've been through the ringer a couple times with our local outfit.

 

[joed]

Re: Power company billing (estimated usage)

Estimated billing will be corrected by the next actual reading. You will have a low bill the next month they actually read the meter.