Eversource is driving me nuts. They installed a new meter at a client's medical office in Hartford, then three months later claimed the old meter showed "evidence of tampering" and back-billed $28,000. The "tampering" was supposedly a loose connection that caused the meter to run slow. Problem is, the loose connection was on THEIR side of the meter, not the customer side. Their own service records show they tightened connections during the meter swap. How is customer-side tampering when it's utility equipment failure?
Eversource claiming meter tampering when it's their error
Vince, this is classic utility overreach. In Pennsylvania, PP&L tried similar nonsense until we started pushing back hard. The key is their own service records - if they documented loose connections during routine maintenance, that proves equipment failure, not tampering. Connecticut should have specific rules about what constitutes tampering versus normal wear and tear. File with PURA immediately and demand they prove customer involvement in any alleged tampering.
We see this in Ohio with FirstEnergy. They love to blame customers for their own equipment failures. Vince, the burden of proof should be on Eversource to show actual tampering, not just equipment problems. Loose connections happen naturally from thermal cycling and weather exposure. If there's no evidence of customer interference - cut wires, broken seals, unauthorized access - then it's equipment failure. Most state commissions require clear evidence of deliberate tampering before allowing back-billing.
Kentucky has specific anti-tampering statutes, but they require proof of intent. Vince, natural equipment failure isn't tampering even if it affects meter accuracy. The fact that Eversource's own technicians found and fixed the loose connection proves it was a maintenance issue. Medical offices don't typically have electrical expertise to tamper with meters anyway. Argue that back-billing should be limited to actual under-registration period, not punitive "tampering" penalties.
California utilities tried this exact scam for years until CPUC cracked down. The standard now is that equipment failure cannot be classified as tampering without evidence of customer causation. Vince, request all service history for that meter - installation records, maintenance visits, previous readings. If Eversource installed faulty connections originally, they can't blame the customer for subsequent failures. Also check if other meters from the same installation batch had similar "loose connection" problems.
Great points everyone. I've requested all service records and found three other meters on the same street with "loose connection" issues during the same time period. Clearly a systematic installation problem, not customer tampering. PURA complaint filed today arguing equipment failure, not tampering. The medical office has security cameras that show no unauthorized access to the meter area. Eversource is trying to cover up shoddy installation work by blaming customers.
Vince, that pattern of multiple meters with the same problem is smoking gun evidence. Missouri utilities tried similar blame-shifting until we started documenting systematic installation defects. If Eversource had installation problems across multiple meters, they can't claim individual customer tampering. PURA should dismiss the tampering charges and investigate Eversource's installation practices. Your client might even be entitled to compensation for the false accusation and billing stress.