We just bought this house a few months ago and we had to pay a connection fee but after that they have only charged us $4.90 a month, any idea why it might be doing that? What should I do?
We are going through hard times right now and we could REALLY use the extra cash, but I am worried about what might happen if I do not report this to them.
I’m not talking about never paying them back but if we could get away with just not having to stress over paying this bill until after the holidays when we are on our feet a little better it would be really great for us.
February 6th, 2010 at 11:09 am
You do not have to notify them at all but you will eventually have to pay the bill. There is no way though that they can force you to pay the whole thing at one time. They made the mistake. If they haven’t figured it out on their own after the New Year then I would call and ask them about it. Is someone coming to the house and checking the box for usage? That could be the problem. They may not be checking the box but just billing you for keeping it on.
Anyway, Good Luck and have a Merry Christmas!
February 6th, 2010 at 11:09 am
You must notify them of the error. They may make arrangements to pay for the electricity used, but they don’t have to. You must pay for what you used. It will be harder for you because you will have to pay for what you are currently using PLUS what you have used. That can be a hefty amount per month. Your financial situation would not have changed had they billed you from the beginning. You’d still be struggling to pay your electric (or other bills).
Your ability to buy Xmas presents will have to take a back seat. The electric company isn’t Santa Claus.
If you don’t report it, it’s tantamount to theft of services.
February 6th, 2010 at 11:09 am
It is best if you are honest and above-board. Notify the electric company that you have not received a bill. If you use the service, you are responsible for paying for it. It will cause more of a hardship if they notice the situation months later and send you an enormous bill that might break your budget.
February 6th, 2010 at 11:09 am
Wait a few more weeks and then contact the electric company. Otherwise, they will eventually discover their error and demand full repayment from you, and shut you off if you don’t pay.
If you go to them, explain that you are concerned about it and trying to be an honest citizen, they will more than likely work out a repayment plan for you that you can afford. If they have to come to you, they will not be nearly as sympathetic.
February 6th, 2010 at 11:09 am
Make sure you have the money when you do get billed. I wasn’t billed for 6 months because I lived in a new building and had no idea who was even supposed to bill me. No company could tell me I was on record with them. They caught up to me though like I knew they would and I owed for all 6 months. Luckily I didn’t expect them to overlook me sucking hydro from them for free so I kept the money in my account.
February 6th, 2010 at 11:09 am
Who is your electric provider? I have been overcharged for 5 months now. After Ike we were without power and my electric bill was higher than ever we didn’t even have power. I called and the just keep telling me it is estimation. I understand that but someone needs to start estimating better and giving people their money back. Your a good person and feel that you should let them know of their mistake but it was probably an estimation or pro-rated. Hopefully your bill stays down. Good luck
February 6th, 2010 at 11:09 am
I would let them know immediately. They will realize their error and bill for for all the electricity you have used up until that point. They will want their payment in full at that time.
At least now, you can advise them and set up some kind of payment plan.
February 6th, 2010 at 11:09 am
You are under no obligation to inform them of billing problems in your favor, but, like you say, they will come after you for the actual charges when they find out.
February 6th, 2010 at 11:09 am
You will eventually get a bill once they read the meter.
February 6th, 2010 at 11:09 am
When they changed my building over to smart meters last year, somehow they thought our unit was vacant and we didn’t get an electric bill for months. When we told them and finally got the bill, it was for over $900, of course payable immediately.
Better call them before the tab gets unmanageably high. Because it’s their error, you can fight for more time to pay, but believe me, it’s not worth it to stay quiet.