NV Energy estimated bills for most of my Reno clients during the Washoe wildfire evacuation last month. They claimed meter readers couldn't access properties due to evacuation orders, but evacuation was only 3 days and they estimated for the entire month. Seems like they used the wildfire as excuse for lazy meter reading practices. Anyone else deal with disaster-related estimation abuse?
NV Energy estimated bills during wildfire season
FirstEnergy did something similar during Hurricane Sandy recovery. They estimated bills for six weeks claiming "storm damage prevented access" but most properties had clear access after week two. I think utilities use disasters as cover for cutting operational costs. Did you challenge the estimates with NPUC?
Cliff that's exactly what TXU did after the 2011 drought wildfires in Texas. They estimated for weeks after access was restored. Frank's right - utilities exploit disasters to reduce meter reading costs. I always document when properties become accessible again and challenge any estimates beyond that date. Usually works if you have photos proving access.