Latest news with #utilitybills
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Pennsylvanian gets $12K utility bill after months of silence — and thousands more in the state face problems
Posiey Brown of Norristown, Pennsylvania, was floored when she opened her PECO energy bill in April — totaling $11,723.93 in charges. 'There's no way,' she recalled thinking to CBS News Philadelphia in a story published May 30. It was the first utility bill she had seen in months and much higher than anticipated. Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 6 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) Brown says she called PECO after not receiving a statement in August and was told the company had trouble accessing her bill. She continued to seek answers and tried to make partial payments in the meantime, but felt her concerns weren't being taken seriously. As it turns out, Brown wasn't the only PECO customer to experience billing problems. Ann Palladino of Whitemarsh Township also reached out to CBS News Philadelphia about her PECO billing problems, and says she'd gone nearly a year without receiving a bill. 'My daughter told me to contact you because she was tired of me complaining about it,' Palladino told the local broadcaster. 'For people who are used to having their bills fully paid and on time, it's disconcerting' PECO confirmed to CBS News Philadelphia that up to 8,000 customers have been impacted by billing glitches since last year after the utility company transitioned to a new billing system. PECO admitted it has not been able to explain why certain accounts were affected, but says it has taken steps to fix the problem, including hiring more staff and setting up an email address dedicated to billing complaints. 'Many of these issues have been resolved, and we continue working daily to address remaining concerns,' a company spokesperson told the broadcaster. Even so, frustration is mounting. The Southeast Delegation of Pennsylvania House Democrats sent an open letter to PECO accusing the utility of not acting quickly enough to solve these problems. Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says — and that 'anyone' can do it CBS News Philadelphia reports, after it got involved, that PECO determined Brown's shocking balance was caused by a meter programming error that calculated her usage incorrectly. The company corrected her bill and waived late fees, reducing the total balance to around $900. Brown is now on a payment plan. Palladino told the broadcaster she started receiving statements for previous months, but her bills were not yet current. Brown says PECO should have been more proactive and forthcoming about its billing problems. 'They should've notified the customers they were having a billing issue,' she said. If you're a PECO customer — or dealing with a billing error from any utility — here are steps to protect yourself: Document everything: Save your bills, note when they stop arriving or if you feel there's a major error, and keep a log of your payment history and any communication with the utility company. Write down the time and what you discussed in phone calls, and try to reach out by email so there's a paper trail. Contact the utility right away: For PECO customers, use the dedicated email (PECObilling@ and ask for a written explanation. Make sure to document any attempts at communication, whether you reach someone or not. File a complaint: If you're not getting a resolution, file a complaint with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission or your state's equivalent. Contact your local representative: Sometimes outside pressure makes a difference. Your county commissioner, mayor or other lawmakers may be able to help. Local media might also be interested in telling your story. Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now This tiny hot Costco item has skyrocketed 74% in price in under 2 years — but now the retail giant is restricting purchases. Here's how to buy the coveted asset in bulk Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Pennsylvanian gets $12K utility bill after months of silence — and thousands more in the state face problems
Posiey Brown of Norristown, Pennsylvania, was floored when she opened her PECO energy bill in April — totaling $11,723.93 in charges. 'There's no way,' she recalled thinking to CBS News Philadelphia in a story published May 30. It was the first utility bill she had seen in months and much higher than anticipated. Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 6 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) Brown says she called PECO after not receiving a statement in August and was told the company had trouble accessing her bill. She continued to seek answers and tried to make partial payments in the meantime, but felt her concerns weren't being taken seriously. As it turns out, Brown wasn't the only PECO customer to experience billing problems. Ann Palladino of Whitemarsh Township also reached out to CBS News Philadelphia about her PECO billing problems, and says she'd gone nearly a year without receiving a bill. 'My daughter told me to contact you because she was tired of me complaining about it,' Palladino told the local broadcaster. 'For people who are used to having their bills fully paid and on time, it's disconcerting' PECO confirmed to CBS News Philadelphia that up to 8,000 customers have been impacted by billing glitches since last year after the utility company transitioned to a new billing system. PECO admitted it has not been able to explain why certain accounts were affected, but says it has taken steps to fix the problem, including hiring more staff and setting up an email address dedicated to billing complaints. 'Many of these issues have been resolved, and we continue working daily to address remaining concerns,' a company spokesperson told the broadcaster. Even so, frustration is mounting. The Southeast Delegation of Pennsylvania House Democrats sent an open letter to PECO accusing the utility of not acting quickly enough to solve these problems. Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says — and that 'anyone' can do it CBS News Philadelphia reports, after it got involved, that PECO determined Brown's shocking balance was caused by a meter programming error that calculated her usage incorrectly. The company corrected her bill and waived late fees, reducing the total balance to around $900. Brown is now on a payment plan. Palladino told the broadcaster she started receiving statements for previous months, but her bills were not yet current. Brown says PECO should have been more proactive and forthcoming about its billing problems. 'They should've notified the customers they were having a billing issue,' she said. If you're a PECO customer — or dealing with a billing error from any utility — here are steps to protect yourself: Document everything: Save your bills, note when they stop arriving or if you feel there's a major error, and keep a log of your payment history and any communication with the utility company. Write down the time and what you discussed in phone calls, and try to reach out by email so there's a paper trail. Contact the utility right away: For PECO customers, use the dedicated email (PECObilling@ and ask for a written explanation. Make sure to document any attempts at communication, whether you reach someone or not. File a complaint: If you're not getting a resolution, file a complaint with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission or your state's equivalent. Contact your local representative: Sometimes outside pressure makes a difference. Your county commissioner, mayor or other lawmakers may be able to help. Local media might also be interested in telling your story. Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now This tiny hot Costco item has skyrocketed 74% in price in under 2 years — but now the retail giant is restricting purchases. Here's how to buy the coveted asset in bulk Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
CTV News
20-06-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Date determined for first public information session of NB Power review
The first public information session for the review of NB Power has been scheduled. The session will be held on Wednesday via Zoom and can accommodate up to 5,000 participants, on a first-come, first-served basis. First announced in April, the review will be led by energy infrastructure and investment executive Michael Bernstein, lawyer and former privacy commissioner Anne E. Bertrand and utility expert Duncan Hawthorne. The trio will be responsible for gathering and analyzing data, speaking with members of the public, and developing recommendations for the utility moving forward based on their findings. 'This comprehensive review is a great opportunity to truly learn a great deal more about NB Power and, specifically, how well it is positioning itself for the future,' said Bertrand in a news release from the New Brunswick government. The province says the session will be recorded and made available on the review website. 'While participants will not have access to audio comments or video during the sessions, people are welcome to ask questions via the chat feature. Simultaneous translation will be provided,' reads the release. Details about future sessions will be shared in the weeks ahead, according to the government. The call for the review comes as utility bills continue to rise steeply across New Brunswick. The team leads say any recommendations made following the review will be heavily influenced by the voices and opinions of NB Power customers. New Brunswickers can share questions or concerns related to the review by emailing NBPReview-ExamenENB@ Final recommendations and any decisions related to the review aren't expected until March 2026. With files from CTV Atlantic's Avery MacRae. For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
Yahoo
18-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Gov. Kotek signs POWER Act to shield Oregonians from Big Tech utility bills
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Gov. Tina Kotek has signed the Protecting Oregonians With Energy Responsibility (POWER) Act into law, effectively in the state. Now, thanks to , companies with facilities such as data centers or cryptocurrency operations will be held responsible for their utility bills. Woman dead, 3 teens seriously injured in Hwy 26 crash Kyle Herrig with Unlocking America's Future said the POWER Act is accountability. 'Hard-working Oregon families who earn their paychecks and pay their bills each month shouldn't have to subsidize the massive energy consumption of for-profit data centers through higher utility bills,' Herrig said. Kotek's signature means there will be a separate pricing system for energy users who demand more than 20 megawatts, or roughly the same usage as a small city, according to the Democratic Majority Office. Rep. Janelle Bynum questioned at town hall after 'gratitude to law enforcement,' ICE vote The Democratic lawmakers note that industrial users currently pay about eight cents a kilowatt hour, while households are charged more than double the rate at 19.6 cents per kilowatt hour. 'The bill helps protect everyday users, like families and small businesses, from paying the costs that big businesses are running up,' said , who co-sponsored the POWER Act. 'Household budgets are stretched far enough as they are. They shouldn't be covering corporate costs, too.' However, that the bill would discourage tech companies from growing their presence in Oregon. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
03-06-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Tips for lowering your energy costs as summer temperatures rise
Here's how the CBS News price tracker helps you save on everything from gas to groceries With weather forecasts showing above-normal temperatures throughout the country this summer, heat-weary Americans will soon likely be turning up their air conditioners for relief. But that comfort will come at a cost. Home electricity bills are expected to reach their highest average rate in 12 years, at $784 for the summer period, according to a recent analysis from the National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA). The elevated cost comes as a one-two punch for families already financially strapped after this winter season's higher-than-average heating costs. Those most impacted by higher summer utility bills will be lower-income households, which often lack the resources to cover monthly payments. About one in four households say they can't pay their energy bills, according to the most recent Census Household Pulse Survey. The stakes for keeping cool are high. "Heat is the leading weather-related killer in the United States, resulting in hundreds of fatalities each year," according to the National Weather Service. Higher temperatures can lead to heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Heat waves are already hitting parts of the U.S. like Texas. As Mayo Clinic points out, unexpected fluctuations in the temperature often catch people off guard. For those looking for relief from high temperatures and high bills, experts offer helpful suggestions. "There are simple things to do," said Mark Wolfe, executive director of NEADA. "You can do them now, and they pay off." Here are tips to reduce your energy costs as summer heats up. Low-hanging fruit As a starting point, Americans can tackle low-hanging fruit options, like using a fan in place of, or in addition to an AC. Fans use far less electricity than air conditioners and are priced more reasonably, whether you're looking for a box fan, a pedestal fan or another model. For those with ceiling fans there's a hack for staying extra cool. Experts recommend setting ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise during summer months, as doing so pushes warm air down and keeps a cool breeze going. In the fall and winter, rotation should be switched back to clockwise so that as warm air rises, it's circulated throughout the room, said Laurie Wheelock, executive director and counsel at New York's Utility Project (PULP). If you use an AC, make sure to change the air filter regularly. Wolfe recommends replacing AC filters monthly during the summer, to help units run more efficiently. For those who plan to keep their unit running during the day, you can set it to a few degrees higher before you leave your home to conserve energy. Wolfe advises setting your AC temperature between 70°F and 78°F when you are at home, and 78°F when the house is empty. Other small adjustments to keep your space cool include using indoor plants to create shade, keeping your curtains closed to block out the sunlight during the day, investing in reflective blinds or UV-reflective film for windows. Also, limit your oven use and make sure to turn it off right after using it, as it can warm up your space significantly, said Wolfe. For general energy conservation, experts suggest unplugging small appliances or electronics when you're not using them. Wolfe also recommends running your refrigerator and freezer at the regular temperature as directed by the manufacturer. "Running them at cooler temperatures might seem like a good idea in the summer, but that can drive up electricity costs and potentially wear out the electrical appliance," he said. Also, make sure nothing is blocking the airflow of your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Plant life or other obstacles in front of vents can make units less efficient, Wolfe noted. Look to your state or utility company for help While it may seem counter-intuitive, your utility company may be able to help you bear the cost burden of higher bills. "Some utilities run programs to help make your home more energy efficient in the summer," said Wolfe. "They'll offer rebates if you buy more efficient air conditioners, no-cost audits of your home, and they'll subsidize the cost of installing more insulation." In New York, for example, energy giants ConEd and National Grid have monthly discount programs that provide bill credits to low-income households. Wheelock said PULP has seen ConEd customers save $30 to $45 per month on gas an electricity as part of New York's Energy Affordability program, which is administered by the state's major electric and natural gas utilities. State governments can also be a useful resource. Depending on where you live, your local government may offer free home energy assessments, weatherization assistance or an energy efficiency program designs to help residents lower their electricity bill. For those struggling to make ends meet, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), a federally funded initiative with a network of state-run programs, provides financial assistance to low-income households. HEAP provides eligible households, including apartments, with air conditioning units or fans, up to a value of $800, according to WE ACT for Environment Justice, a New York-based environmental justice organization. "Anyone at risk of service termination who is low-income should contact their local Department of Social Services to discuss financial assistance programs including Emergency Energy Assistance," said Wheelock. Invest in long-term solutions With hotter temperatures here to stay, Wolfe said it may be worth investing in more permanent measures like improving your home's insulation or updating your ductwork. This will improve ventilation, keep cold air locked in and make your home more energy efficient overall. Another option is installing a smart thermostat, which allows you to remotely control the temperature of your space. They can also automatically adjust heating and cooling based on when you're home. Models like Ecobee's Smart Thermostat Essential or Google's Nest Smart Learning Thermostat typically run anywhere from $100 to $200. These investments may cost more upfront but will save you money over time, says Wolfe. "In making your home more energy efficient, the savings will pay for the improvements," he said. For those ready to make an even bigger leap, installing a heat pump, switching to central air or upgrading your HVAC or AC system to one with a high Energy Star rating are other long-term investments. Something to keep in mind before you make any of these purchases is whether electricity in your state is high enough to warrant the investment. "If you're in like the northeast using heating oil, heat pumps make a lot of sense," said Wolfe. Even before you buy a home, it's worth investigating what the energy bills will look like. You can do this by getting an energy audit from a utility company, said Wolfe.
