Psychotomy

The electric bill came in for July.

Average usage for June 09: 60kWh/day

Average usage for July 08: 70 kWh/day

Average usage for July 09: 225 kWh/day

Uh, wait, what?  1000$?  WHAT???

So I called on friday night after getting the bill, and the first reaction was “well, I don’t know how efficient your air conditioner is, and with the high temperatures” … average temp for the month? 75.  And we were out of town for a week.  ”Well, can you look at your meter?”  Turns out it’s in the back, so, no, not so much.

Looked Saturday morning.  Looks like someone wrote a 9 instead of a 4.  Or read, whatever.  Call again, first reaction? “Well, thats what the bill says, you must have used that much.” followed by “call back during regular business hours, M-F 9-5.  go away now”

MONDAY I called back around 10ish.  First reaction? “What’s your thermostat set to?  Could you raise it?”  *sigh* But this lady at least also made a comment about how much of a jump it was.  Then she asked if I wanted to have her put a request in for High Bill Investigation.  Uh, yes?  Duh?  ”OK, they should be in contact with you within 21 days” … what do I do in the meantime, because I am TOTALLY not paying a 1000$ bill!  Turns out I don’t HAVE to pay anythign right now, my account is on hold “under investigation” but I should pay something for good faith.  Or so I don’t have double payment next month.  Or something.  Makes sense, I can send what I should be owing.

But seriously?  I got two brush offs, and in the end all she had to do was mark it for investigation???  Also, 60 to 225 kWh, and this doesn’t trigger any auto monitors??  SERIOUSLY?  I’m not even sure that I can RUN 225kWh through the house in a day.  that’s 9kWh/h, and while I’m not clear on how to do the math to figure out everything, I’m fairly sure that’s a lot :o

Oi.

Posted in: general by attriel /