Stream Energy - SmartMeter
I live in a 750sqft apt. Just me and my dog. This past summer, I noticed my energy bill climbing. I chalked it up to a warmer summer than that of last year. Come October, I expected my bill to start decreasing as AC use did...
Oct 2018: $98
Oct 2019: $190
Called and asked ***. They said that I used 1100KW (don't remember exact number. Dont do the math). "I know that's what it says but it cant be right. No way i used more than double the energy than the same month in 2018!" I asked if there was any way the meter was wrong and they said no.
November: I took further measures to lower my energy bill. Unplugged remaining "vampire" appliances. Water cooler, dehumidifier, etc. Again expected the bill to go down. Quite the opposite. $225 Over double that from Nov2018. Called again and went through the same conversation. "Go to this website to learn how to reduce your energy consumption..." I KNOW! I used my AC 5 days that month and was unplugging appliances every day! Finally explained to someone that there is no way i am using 1600 kwhr of energy in a one bedroom apt with one person. Especially given the measures i'm taking to reduce energy consumption.
We filed for an in-house "re-read" (rather than centerpoint re-read) despite the fact that I'd be on the hook for the cost of "anywhere from $20-$200 on (my) next bill if it is, in fact, correct." Never heard anything from them so i assumed good news.
December: $245! I literally used the AC/heater 3 times all month and was gone the entire week of christmas!
What options do i have? My nextdoor neighbor has a wife and two kids in a 3br and his bill is a fraction of mine with the same provider. In 2018, when bills were low, I paid NO mind to energy consumption. So how am i using double now that I'm not using AC and taking these preventative measures?
Someone help a brotha out! When i call, they give me the stupid comments "Well your billing cycle is 28-28th. Not 1st-1st Maybe that is your confusion.... Have you tried unplugging unnecessary appliances?..."
Yes, I know I can lower my rate a bit by resigning my recently expired contract but why would I, given this experience? (moving in 2 months) My issue isn't cost. It's the amount of energy for which they are charging me. What are my options, if any? Something is obviously wrong!
I live in a 750sqft apt. Just me and my dog. This past summer, I noticed my energy bill climbing. I chalked it up to a warmer summer than that of last year. Come October, I expected my bill to start decreasing as AC use did...
Oct 2018: $98
Oct 2019: $190
Called and asked ***. They said that I used 1100KW (don't remember exact number. Dont do the math). "I know that's what it says but it cant be right. No way i used more than double the energy than the same month in 2018!" I asked if there was any way the meter was wrong and they said no.
November: I took further measures to lower my energy bill. Unplugged remaining "vampire" appliances. Water cooler, dehumidifier, etc. Again expected the bill to go down. Quite the opposite. $225 Over double that from Nov2018. Called again and went through the same conversation. "Go to this website to learn how to reduce your energy consumption..." I KNOW! I used my AC 5 days that month and was unplugging appliances every day! Finally explained to someone that there is no way i am using 1600 kwhr of energy in a one bedroom apt with one person. Especially given the measures i'm taking to reduce energy consumption.
We filed for an in-house "re-read" (rather than centerpoint re-read) despite the fact that I'd be on the hook for the cost of "anywhere from $20-$200 on (my) next bill if it is, in fact, correct." Never heard anything from them so i assumed good news.
December: $245! I literally used the AC/heater 3 times all month and was gone the entire week of christmas!
What options do i have? My nextdoor neighbor has a wife and two kids in a 3br and his bill is a fraction of mine with the same provider. In 2018, when bills were low, I paid NO mind to energy consumption. So how am i using double now that I'm not using AC and taking these preventative measures?
Someone help a brotha out! When i call, they give me the stupid comments "Well your billing cycle is 28-28th. Not 1st-1st Maybe that is your confusion.... Have you tried unplugging unnecessary appliances?..."
Yes, I know I can lower my rate a bit by resigning my recently expired contract but why would I, given this experience? (moving in 2 months) My issue isn't cost. It's the amount of energy for which they are charging me. What are my options, if any? Something is obviously wrong!
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