Power bills update: Estimated meter readings cause concern

First, there were numerous reports of outrageously high power bills. Now, Pacific Power customers have another concern. Many say they’re being charged without their meters even being checked.

“I don’t see footprints to any of the meters,” Bend resident Shawn Pensinger said Friday. “Because of the weather, I can understand that. But at the same time, why are (they) charging us more? Are (they) guessing at what the meters are going to be? I mean, (they) can’t charge me for something that (they’re) guessing about.”

A spokesman for the company said Pacific Power does have to estimate some readings, but the percentage is low.

“About 1.8 percent of meters can’t be read on a given day,” said Tom Gauntt.

He said things like locked gates or animals can keep meter readers from being able to get to a meter. He also said the recent snowfall had increased that number a little.

“During the (bad) weather, that came up to about 2.7 percent of reads. So (it) increased, but still not to a huge amount,” he said.

Still, it could affect several hundred Central Oregonians.

“If you can’t send a proper meter guy out, then find some sort of balance to balance that scale out,” Pensinger said. “Maybe use last year’s bill, and maybe they do that — I don’t know for sure”

According to Gauntt, Pacific Power will take a three-year average if a meter can’t be read. Not everyone is happy with this strategy, though.

Bend resident Manuel Ortiz said, “There could be big factors like somebody moved out of their house, like a roommate or a kid, and they’re using far less power than they were.”.

Gauntt said anyone who believes their bill and usage aren’t adding up is encouraged to call (888) 221-7070, and someone will be able to help.

Whatever the reason for the high bills, Oregon Public Utility Commission Chief Operating Officer Michael Dougherty said they have been getting a ton of calls lately.

“It hasn’t stopped, and I have eight people constantly taking calls,” he said. “And at one point we had to put it on answering machines, just so people can get lunch — it’s been that bad.”

The agency investigated the issues, looking at month-to-month usage and cost, and said the numbers do add up.

“We have looked at bills, and what we’ve seen, we’re not seeing anything unusual except for the usage,” Dougherty said. “The usage has been much higher than it usually would.”