CLARENCE, NY (WKBW) – 7 Problem Solvers continues to receive emails from NYSEG customers frustrated with an increase in their bills that they believe is due to the installation of smart meters.
I have been researching the topic for more than a month and have spoken to several clients.
Shelby Cohen, communications manager for NYSEG, told me there is no connection between the smart meters and higher bills.
Because we received so many questions and concerns from viewers, we forwarded them directly to NYSEG for an explanation earlier this week. You can read more here and view our report below.
Bring your questions and concerns about smart meters directly to NYSEG for an explanation
On Thursday, I was in Depew and spoke with Cathy Sunderlin. She said her bills have also been higher since NYSEG installed a smart meter at her home.
“Someone needs to get to the bottom of this because the bills are outrageous,” Sunderlin explained. “How can I pay that much?” You can watch our report below.
More NYSEG customers are confused about higher-than-usual bills after installing smart meters
On Friday, I visited Alex Efthemis at her home in Clarence. She lives there with her husband and NYSEG installed a smart meter in the couple’s home this summer.
On July 24, her NYSEG bill was $108. Just 29 days later, on August 22, the bill rose to $327.
“There’s no way that’s right,” said Efthemis. “We’ve never received a bill this high before.”
Efthemis said her husband has had to be put on an oxygen machine since the fall, but she doesn’t think it should add more than $200 to his bill.
“A solution must be found for everyone,” explained Efthemis.
I spoke to Cohen, who insists there is no link between higher bills and smart meters. She said there could be many reasons why a bill could be higher, from energy usage to rising energy prices.
In the fall, NYSEG and the New York State Public Service Commission agreed to a 62% delivery rate over three years. Because of this, you may notice a higher delivery price on your bill, but Cohen said that depends on the customer because NYSEG has different energy plans. Cohen said delivery prices increased in November and last May and will increase again this May.
Click here to find out when you can get a smart meter from NYSEG.
NYSEG charges an opt-out fee of $13.47 per month. For those who already have a smart meter and want to switch back, NYSEG charges $47.63. If you have a gas and electric meter that you want to switch back, NYSEG charges $65.51.
National Grid will soon launch its own smart meters and told me it expects to start installing them for customers in 12 to 15 months.
