Huge Electricity Bill - Plot Thickens
Original thread here Thank you everyone for the feedback on that thread. I have some updates and the topic changes a bit so figured I would start a new thread... 1. We have tested every electric...
Forum Discussion
While anything is possible, meters are very robust and will seldom fail. Furthermore, failures are almost always limited to failure to read usage, not run up some ridiculous bill. Do you know if the meter is read remotely or if there is a meter reader that visits the address. If someone physically reads the meter, it is possible for them to misread it or to transpose some numbers or for the data entry person to misread their writing. That can cause a temporary long or short reading that gets straightened out at the next reading.
Many older systems not on electronic reading estimate usage and only actually read the meters quarterly or less. This can result in a very large, unexpected bill if they have estimated low in the period in question. Then there is the issue in California of seasonal rates. Where my winter home is, the winter rate is around $.14 per kilowatt hour. In the summer that rate jumps to $.37 which is insane, but you pay what you have to pay. No wonder solar companies are thriving in the California Desert. Power companies generally give little leeway when it comes to adjusting bills, so hopefully it is an error. If it is actual usage, the best you can hope for is a payment plan if The $800 bucks isn't doable in one lump sum.
Many older systems not on electronic reading estimate usage and only actually read the meters quarterly or less. This can result in a very large, unexpected bill if they have estimated low in the period in question. Then there is the issue in California of seasonal rates. Where my winter home is, the winter rate is around $.14 per kilowatt hour. In the summer that rate jumps to $.37 which is insane, but you pay what you have to pay. No wonder solar companies are thriving in the California Desert. Power companies generally give little leeway when it comes to adjusting bills, so hopefully it is an error. If it is actual usage, the best you can hope for is a payment plan if The $800 bucks isn't doable in one lump sum.
