Reporter Looking for High Heating Bill Victims
My name is Jose Martinez, reporter for the Daily News and I working on a story about heating oil costs for homeowners. I am posting on Brownstowner in hopes of finding a few homeowners who aren’t happy about their heating costs during this very mild winter. I’m writing this story on a quick turnaround, so…
My name is Jose Martinez, reporter for the Daily News and I working on a story about heating oil costs for homeowners.
I am posting on Brownstowner in hopes of finding a few homeowners who aren’t happy about their heating costs during this very mild winter.
I’m writing this story on a quick turnaround, so quick replies are appreciated!
I can be reached at 212-210-2347
JMartinez@edit.nydailynews.com
Damn! I thought ours was bad at $1000 (4 floors, Gas) last month. Which was RIDICULOUS anyway. Good luck with the story – it is needed.
yes, we always have to call and give them an “actual” reading– this goes both ways though. our tenant has an extrememly low bill because his apt was vacant last year, so the estimate is super low. i don’t think he’s going to call the with actual reading!
Ny gas bill for a 2 family hse was originally $2296.This was an estimated bill.. we called it in with our reading and the bill is now $1800. Please note that they never come to read the meter never ring the bell and never leave something saying they came. …. How are people suppose to live!!!!!!
same thing happened to me…when I called to complain, I didn’t even get the chance. they put me on hold for a minute, and when they came back, my bill was $350 cheaper.
My experience doesn’t hit the mark, but may help you with the story. My gas bill (we heat with oil, stove & hot water are gas) for December was based on an actual reading, the prior bills dating to Feb. ’05 were estimates. The price of gas from Feb. thru Oct. ’05 was about 40% cheaper than December. My estimates from Feb. until Dec. were very low (1 therm/bill) therefore the December actual reading was large (303 therms). I was billed on all 303 therms at Dec.’s gas rate. I complained to the Public Utility Commission and within 24 hours, Keyspan responded and adjusted the bill to ‘smooth’ the usage over the entire period. Their excuse was lame! I bet this maneuver is widespread!!!