We are at the mercy of utilities
Mahopac, N.Y.: New York State Electric and Gas Corp. is only obligated to read meters once a year. They often have multiple estimated bills between two actual readings. Last month, they took advantage of the rate hike to get as many actual readings as possible. They calculated the shortage created by the consecutive estimated readings and charged it at the higher rate. This caused consumers’ bills to double in many cases. The community blogs are full of people complaining of huge bills. I called NYSEG, who blamed it on a higher purchase rate and COVID usage increases. I didn’t like their answer so I contacted the Public Service Commission to lodge a complaint and sent an email to state Sen. Peter Harckham’s office.
PSC contacted me in a day and someone from NYSEG’s corporate office called two days later. Ultimately, they reworked my bill, reducing it by $125. Concerned for the community, the elderly on fixed incomes, people with lost or reduced wages and all others who will not know to call or investigate, I questioned the procedure going forward. They stated that they directed their customer service department to fix bills of consumers that call the company.
This is wrong! NYSEG knows that there is overbilling and is choosing not to properly respond. This is mass theft. I was luckier than others because in my case there were only two months in question. The legislator’s office said they are looking into this. We all know that this needs to hit the media to alert people of these shady practices.