Order 15666 - Narr. Electric Co.: Complaint by P. Goldstein

 

STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS

DIVISION OF PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS

100 ORANGE STREET

PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND 02903

REPORT AND ORDER

On October 7, 1997 the Rhode Island Division of Public Utilities and Carriers ("Division") received a written complaint from Mrs. Patricia A. Goldstein concerning an electric bill which she received from the Narragansett Electric Company.

Upon receiving her complaint, the Division scheduled and conducted a duly noticed public hearing on June 22, 1998. The hearing was held at the Division's offices located at 100 Orange Street in Providence. Mrs. Goldstein appeared pro se in support of her complaint. Raymond Brothers & Marie Bessette appeared on behalf of the Narragansett Electric Company.

Mrs. Goldstein explained the occurrence that triggered the complaint. On August 4, 1995 her condominium was struck by lightning and a fire was started resulting in considerable damage to her unit. They were not able to live there for approximately three months. It was also stated that their daughter lived with them prior to the fire but not afterwards, so they expected reduced electricity consumption.

In September of 1997, Mrs. Goldstein was informed in writing that prior electric billings were in error and that her account was in arrears $1100 due to a meter mix-up. Mrs. Goldstein realized that she would have to pay something, but wanted the assurance that she was being properly billed. She also questioned what was Narragansett Electric's responsibility.

The main concern was the consumption level that was indicated in September of 1995 immediately after the fire. Both the October and November 1995 consumption figures are in line with the testimony. It was stated that no one was in residence for the three month period and minor repair work took place during September 1995.

Narragansett Electric did not discover the meter switch until Mrs. E. Finn complained of a high bill in August 1997, two years after the fire. Mrs. E. Finn is the next door neighbor who was also effected by the meter switch.

Narragansett Electric have indicators in their billing process that has high and low checks for meter readings. An indication would be received for readings exceeding two and a half times a normal reading. Both accounts exceeded this trigger value and no action was indicated at the hearing relative to this protective measure.

I did a comparison of yearly consumption for years 1993-1997 and for 6 months of 1998.

[* Consumption was corrected for meter switch.]

Narragansett Electric testified that they were not aware of the fire and they received no calls relating to it. They verified the meter switch occurred, after Mrs. Finn registered a high bill complaint.

Analysis of each person's KWH usage clearly indicated that a switch of meters took place at the time of the fire. Nothing is on the record as to who removed and replaced the meters, however, the meter reader should have noticed the seals had been removed and it should have been evident that a fire had occurred as the Goldstein unit had a tarp over the roof in September 1995. It was apparent from the annual consumptions that the Goldsteins have seen a reduction in consumption coinciding with their daughter moving.

I had requested additional information after the hearing with notification to both parties to determine if any estimated readings were taken. Narragansett Electric responded in writing stating that all readings on Exhibits 1&2 were actual readings. The purpose of the question was to determine if the September 1995 reading was estimated.

The September reading of 499 KWH is the crux of Mrs. Goldstein's concern. Her testimony indicates that the family did not live there and that reconstruction was not active during this period.

Subsequent meter tests by Narragansett Electric on both meters indicate the readings were accurate.

Findings

The Division has carefully examined the record in this matter and finds as follows:

1. The evidence supports the fact that the meters were switched between #3 and #5 Ginger Lane, Narragansett.

2. The meters at both #3 and #5 Ginger Lane were tested and proved accurate.

3. The evidence supports that the consumptions billed were accurate and properly assigned to both #3 and #5 Ginger Lane.

4. No evidence was available to explain the cause of a 499 KWH reading in September 1995, however even though it was unexplained, two facts support that it was properly billed, first, that the meter tested accurate and second, that all readings were actual and not estimated.

5. Narragansett Electric was not notified of the fire at #5 Ginger Lane, Narragansett.

6. Narragansett Electric's meter personnel should have noticed the removal of the seals and fire damage to #5 Ginger Lane.

7. Narragansett Electric should have picked up the meter switch immediately through high-low checks in their system.

Conclusion

Independent of Narragansett Electric's error to promptly pick up the meter switch that caused this complaint, the bills rendered were for consumption recorded and were properly assigned to each customer.

In order to avoid future similar incidents, Narragansett Electric should develop a notification system with fire departments relative to multi resident buildings when meters are pulled for fire reasons. Both the Finns and the Goldsteins had no knowledge of the meter switch and had no agent of theirs involved in the meter switch.

Now, therefore, it is

(15666) ORDERED

1. Predicated on the findings and conclusions contained herein, the electric bill sent by Narragansett Electric to Mrs. Patricia Goldstein is correct.

2. As Narragansett Electric took two years to recognize this error, Mrs. Patricia Goldstein will have the same period to pay for these arrears. Payment of the arrears to be divided by 24 and paid monthly starting with the September billing.

3. No interest will be allowed on the billing arrears.

4. Narragansett Electric is to develop a method of notification from fire departments when fire departments' safety requirements cause the removal of ganged metering facilities. A status report to the Division regarding the development of such procedures shall be submitted to the Division no later than December 1, 1998.

Dated and Effective on August 5, 1998.

Division of Public Utilities and Carriers