Complaint Review: Duke Energy

Duke Electric Company installed a new Smart Meter on our home on August 14, 2017.  This was just seven days from the date of the previous meter reading.  When the bill for the full month arrived, we were surprised that the electric use for the seven days on the old meter which was replaced was reported to be 832 KWH while the remaining three weeks of the billing cycle was only 724KWH.  Given local temperatures and checking daily useage on the smart meter, the maximum useage should not have exceded 400 KWH for the seven day period. 

I made several calls to the Duke Energy Customer Care line and was twice told that the old meter would be re-checked and I would be called back with the results.  I was also told that pictures were taken of the old meter at time of removal.  After hearing nothing I filed a complaint with the IURC.  I was contacted by phone by an investigator of the IURC who stated that no photographs are ever taken of the old meter upon removal and that the old meter no longer exists.  So, esentially The Duke Energy customer care reps lied to me no once but twice and provided false information. 

Their fall back position by e-mail and phone was always..."your monthly useage for past summer cooling period is conistant with your current billing amaount".  I was tol by the IURC has no power to require Duke Energy to do anything and the matter was closed.  The consumer is totally at the mercy of Duke Energy to charge whatever they want when changing out your meter and there is essentially nothing you can do about it.  And further, if you dispute the bill and refuse to pay it, you are subject to late charges and utility shutoff for nonpayment. 

They've got you and they know it!