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May 11, 2009
ConEd meter access
I'm wondering how others arrange for ConEdison meter reading if they work full-time. We recently received a $100 charge for not allowing access to the meters for 4 months. When I called ConEd, they said that we can provide them with a meter reading by phone, but they still need to get periodic access to the meter. The fee is assessed based on an arbritrary time period(meaning you could get a fee after no-access for 3 months or no-access for one year - there is no standard). ConEd will not do an external reader unless you can prove a medical hardship.
I'm wondering how others avoid fees and allow access to meters in the basement if they work full time? Do you read your own meters each month and then have tenants call in their meter readings themselves, or can you do it for tenants without their account information? How often do you take time off work to stay home to meet the meter readers? I've stayed home from work in the past for this purpose and am frustrated whenn meter readers don't show. Thanks for the advice.
Comments
Nieghbors & I do it for one another. Ask someone on your block what time the reader usually comes - generally there's about a half hour window. On my block they recently changed the schedule because so many people were unavailable - guy came at 8 a.m. last time when it's usually around 11:30 - so be sure to ask someone who was at home for the most recent reading.
Posted by: Arkady at May 11, 2009 11:53 AM
I read the meter most every month and phone it in or submit it online. Once in a blue moon someone will happen to be home & let them in for a reading.
One time ConEd complained that they hadn't been able to get a meter reading for too many months, and I asked them schedule one, but canceled the appointment because they were going to charge some ridiculous fee for a scheduled meter reading.
If they get customer readings on a regular basis they seem to be satisfied. Never paid a penalty for "not allowing access". I'd think if you call them & give them a reading, you can also talk into canceling the $100 charge.
Posted by: Bklnite at May 11, 2009 12:02 PM
You can send the front door key to the meter reading company (through ConEd) so they can let themselves in, so long as the meters are in a public or common area that they can get to. That is what we did. Unfortunately, every six months or so they stop using it for some reason and start sending estimated bills. Then we have to call them - sometimes for a couple of months in a row - to remind them that they have the key and insist that they take an actual reading. It can be a battle, but we work during the day and can't be there to let them in (I was told a half-day appointment window would be $19 and change). But for long periods of time it has worked, in the past. If you trust them with your key...
Posted by: Violet at May 11, 2009 12:16 PM
We have a 3-family home and all of our utility meters are in the basement. Luckily for us, we're all family in our building. I work full-time too and used to allow access when they came, but just for my own personal sanity and safety (you never know), I made a decision to call the meter readings in when they are due. If someone else can't get the readings for me, I do it myself the night before I call them in. I just make of point of letting the utility company know when they were read. Doing it this way also ensures that the bills are accurate, instead of them using an estimated reading due to not having access. You also don't have to take time off or wait around for someone to show up. Hope this help...
Posted by: willowbee at May 11, 2009 12:29 PM
This was a frustrating problem for me too until recently. I was assessed $100 twice for non-access, but when I called in the reading (and complained) they removed it. So what's different now is that the meter reader (National Grid specifically) now comes in the AM before I leave for work. I forget exactly how this came about, but I believe I ran into the meter reader once by chance and mentioned that mornings before 8 were best to get access. He was happy to oblige which really surprised me because they're so inflexible and unsympathetic on the phone. Try leaving a note letting them know what time they can find you at home and maybe that will help? It's worth a try.
Posted by: herkimermaid at May 11, 2009 12:56 PM
I second what Violet said. We gave Con Ed a basement key over 10 years ago and the problem was solved. It's hard to believe they never lost it!
Posted by: cm at May 11, 2009 1:20 PM
rather than get stuck with the $100 fee - Try scheduling an apt for $19.
I do think this is pretty outrageous on ConEds part. I have been customer at same residence for over 20 years...bills are always paid automatic debit to checking acct and usage is minimal.
Maybe Schumer can hold a press conference and make them stop.
Posted by: Petebklyn at May 11, 2009 1:52 PM
Interesting....I get this notice every so often and I always call the readings in. I did notice that its a $19 charge to set up an alternative time appointment. I don't think they've been in the house in over a year and never saw anything about a $100 penalty.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at May 11, 2009 2:30 PM
Interesting... MANY utilities just have simple external read or even radio transmitting meters (they just drive by). It seems ridiculous that ConEd actually refuses to change their ways. Not to be all "conspiracy theorist" here, but I wonder if there is a reason for this.
Small investment... and you would need 1 meter reader for probably every 5 now. Hmmm...
Posted by: tybur6 at May 12, 2009 9:06 AM
call the reading in every few months. that will avoid the fee.
Posted by: pluvious at May 12, 2009 3:53 PM
We generally call in our readings - and we ask our tenants if they want us to do it for them, too. All you have to have is their account number, as long as you have access to their meter. One of my neighbors take a digital picture of the meter, prints it up, and tapes it to the front door on the day they're scheduled to come. It seems to work for her.
Posted by: twocats at May 13, 2009 1:23 PM
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