A number of residents in Pennsylvania have been caught off guard by large utility bills, after experiencing months of delays in receiving their statements. Among those affected is Posiey Brown from Norristown, who received an $11,723.93 PECO energy bill in April. This unexpected charge, which was the first statement she had received in months, came as a shock, as Brown had been attempting to get clarification on her bill for some time.
The billing problem stems from PECO’s recent transition to a new system, which has left thousands of customers without regular billing updates. Customers, like Brown, are now grappling with unexpectedly high charges, unresolved concerns, and the company’s slow response to the issue. As frustration mounts, affected customers are demanding a more proactive approach from PECO.
Billing errors linked to system transition
Posiey Brown’s bill was not an isolated case. Ann Palladino, a resident of Whitemarsh Township, also encountered significant issues with her PECO billing. Palladino, who had gone nearly a year without receiving a statement, reached out to CBS News Philadelphia to share her frustration. She explained that she had always paid her bills promptly, but the lack of communication left her unsure about her payments.
PECO confirmedthat up to 8,000 customers had been affected by similar billing issues after the company transitioned to a new billing system. While PECO has admitted it could not immediately explain why certain accounts were impacted, it has taken steps to remedy the situation. The company hired additional staff to address complaints and set up a dedicated email address for billing inquiries.
Impact on customers’ finances
For Brown, the sudden and massive charge on her account was alarming. After receiving no statements for several months, she was unprepared for the large amount on her bill. After contacting PECO, Brown was told the high charges were caused by a meter programming error that led to inaccurate usage calculations. PECO later corrected the mistake and waived late fees, reducing the final bill to approximately $900.
While Brown’s situation was resolved after CBS News intervened, other customers, like Palladino, are still facing difficulties. Palladino began receiving past due bills, but her accounts remain unresolved, leaving her in a state of uncertainty. The lack of clarity and the slow pace of the company’s response continue to frustrate those affected.
The role of government and consumer protection
The ongoing billing issues have caught the attention of local lawmakers. The Southeast Delegation of Pennsylvania House Democrats sent an open letter to PECO, expressing their concerns about the company’s slow response and lack of transparency. Lawmakers have called for quicker action to resolve the issues, as the problem continues to impact thousands of residents.
Consumers, too, have been left seeking ways to protect themselves from utility billing errors. Experts recommend documenting all communication with utility companies, including keeping records of payments and phone calls. If customers continue to face difficulties, they are advised to file complaints with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission or contact their local representatives for assistance.
