Why does the electric company have the right to estimate my bill?

By Kirk Mason (mason@wsbt.com)

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The Indiana Regulatory Commission says NIPSCO is required to read 90 percent of meters each month. (WSBT photo)

By Beth Boehne

Story Created: May 27, 2009 at 1:04 PM EST

Story Updated: May 27, 2009 at 1:04 PM EST

If you have a beef with your electric or gas company, you can complain. Sometimes it might actually work.

Crystal Price of Rochester has a Good Question: Why does the electric company have the right to estimate my bill?

Snow and trees — two things you may want to consider the next time you’re not happy with your power or gas bill.

Your gas or electric company can't just estimate your bill whenever they want, and you can take steps to prevent it from happening.

The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission oversees utilities. According to their law a public utility can only estimate a bill if they have good cause.

Good cause includes inclement weather, for example a really bad snowstorm that prevents workers from reading a meter. Good cause can also be if workers can't reach a meter because trees or bushes are blocking it.

If a utility does estimate a bill, the regulatory commission says it must clearly say so on your bill.

If you have a dispute over your bill because it was estimated you can file a complaint with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission.

For more information, click on the link in the Related Content box, or call 1-800-851-4268.

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