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notehead
Citizen
Username: Notehead
Post Number: 373
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, October 27, 2002 - 10:23 pm: | 
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I wonder if any of you have had an experience similar to mine...
A few months ago I was given an estimated water bill for over $500. It had been a while since my last meter reading, and while the water company figured that I had gone from X to Y, my meter had not actually reached X yet. Well, one reading later (and after waiting several weeks for them to finally process that reading), my balance was apparently adjusted and I was assured by someone at the water company that I wouldn't receive a bill for a long time.
Friday, a bill arrived. Estimated, of course. They estimate that since my last actual reading, I've used $700 worth of water. I guess I really should fix that drippy faucet, huh?
How poorly can a public utility be allowed to operate before they are forced to get their act together? I think I'm finding out! |
woodstock
Citizen
Username: Woodstock
Post Number: 34
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, November 2, 2002 - 3:12 pm: |
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Note,
We moved into South Orange about three years ago. We got our first water bill over the summer. it was for over $1000. The water company had been out to our house three times in those three years, yet never billed us. Then they sent us a single bill that was an overdue/final notice threatening-type letter. We called them, and they basicallyt admitted that their computer systems were all messed up, and that a lot of people either didn;t get any bills, or got bills for inaccurate readings. We paid about half, and will pay the other half on a month or two. |
fredsmom
Citizen
Username: Fredsmom
Post Number: 39
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, November 2, 2002 - 5:51 pm: |
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Notehead,
Similar experience. We moved here in March and got (what seemed to me) a huge water bill in August. I paid it. Then another huge water bill came last week. Because of your post, actually, I called them and gave them my meter reading over the phone. Turns out we are not even close to their "estimated" usage rate for August. In other words, they have about a $300 credit for us. I hope they're paying 5% interest. |
notehead
Citizen
Username: Notehead
Post Number: 375
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 6, 2002 - 11:06 am: |
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Well, the meter dude showed up, and he determined that some thingy connecting the water meter to the phone line wasn't working, which is why my bills have been estimated. Of course, that doesn't explain at all why the estimates are so ludicrous. I was told that sooner or later (I'm guessing it'll be months from now) they'll call me and try to arrange a time to fix the phone connection. I can't believe how poor their service is. I mean... compared with other utilities or major services, I'd guess that running a water utility is relatively simple. Arrrgh! |
dgm
Citizen
Username: Dgm
Post Number: 63
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 6, 2002 - 4:37 pm: |
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Is it still East Orange Water Commission that provides the actual services? |
notehead
Citizen
Username: Notehead
Post Number: 376
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, November 7, 2002 - 2:56 pm: |
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I believe so. When you call they ask you if you are an East Orange or South Orange account. |
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