Got a client in Cleveland with FirstEnergy who hasn't had an actual meter reading in 8 months. They've been estimating the whole time and the bills keep climbing. Customer tried calling multiple times but keeps getting the runaround. Last actual read was July 2012, now it's March 2013 and they're estimating $340/month for a 1200 sq ft office that used to run $180. Is there any legal limit on how long utilities can estimate? This seems excessive even for Ohio.
FirstEnergy estimated bills for 8 months straight - legal?
Frank, I'm in Youngstown and see this with FirstEnergy all the time. Ohio Admin Code 4901:1-10-22 requires actual reads at least every 6 months for commercial accounts. 8 months is a clear violation. File a complaint with PUCO immediately. I've had success getting backdated corrections when they violate the 6-month rule. Document everything - dates of estimated bills, attempts to contact them, the works.
Had a similar case in Pittsburgh with Duquesne Light. They estimated for 7 months and when they finally read the meter, customer owed an additional $890. The scary part is they can demand immediate payment for the whole amount. Pennsylvania has the 4-month rule for commercial, 6-month for residential. Ohio might be stricter.
Check if the meter is accessible. Sometimes utilities will estimate repeatedly if they can't access the meter, then blame the customer. I've seen cases where the meter reader marks it as 'dog' or 'locked gate' month after month without actually trying. If access isn't the issue, you've got a strong case for negligence.
Meter is completely accessible, no dog, no locked gates. Building manager confirmed multiple times that nobody has been out to read it. Jim, thanks for the PUCO reference - filing the complaint tomorrow. The worst part is they're estimating based on winter usage from last year, so the estimates are way high. Customer's cash flow is getting killed.
FirstEnergy has been terrible about this lately. I represent several small businesses in Louisville that have properties in Ohio, and we've seen the same pattern. They seem to be understaffed on meter readers. When you file with PUCO, request a formal investigation of their meter reading practices. Individual complaints are one thing, but a pattern investigation could force systemic changes.
Connecticut has really strict rules on this - CL&P can only estimate for 2 consecutive months without special permission. The key is documenting actual damages from the estimates. If they're overestimating and your client had to pay higher amounts, that's real monetary harm you can claim in the complaint.
Update on this? I'm curious how PUCO responded. I've got three similar cases brewing and want to know if they're taking these seriously. The 6-month rule should be black and white, but sometimes they try to make excuses for the utilities.
PUCO came down hard on FirstEnergy. They ordered immediate actual readings for all customers on extended estimates and a $1,200 credit for my client. Turns out they were 40% over-estimating usage. The formal complaint process works - just takes persistence. Thanks for the guidance everyone.