Centerpoint gas incorrect readings. (El Paso: rental, credit, new house)

[jaydes]

Wow I know i should have been reading my own meter all along,but never received a bill to outta control. My current bill says i used $120 worth of gas,compared to my normal $20 bill. I understand gas bills go up when its cold due to heater use, but unfortunalty my fan moter burned out about a month ago-no heat or a/c for me. So i called to dispute the charge and rep says i can read my own meter for her or wait a month for someone to come out. Well this is a new house for me and went kinda blank on where my meter was-I asked her and she says its on the left side of your house by your garage--I have NO garage. She says oh well its on the left of your house--NOTHING there. Come to find out its in the back patio area,LONG story short $120 down to $40. READ YOUR METER. LOL
No idea whos meter they have been reading!!!

[bluelion_ms3]

gas meters are commonly misread. for example, sometimes they can be read as a 2 instead of 1 cause of the dial's position.

[kmalone4]

I had a similar experience with my electric bill. It's definitely worth the time to call them so they can re-read. A lot of times they estimate and as such are way off.

[Oildog]

I had a couple months where they charged over $100, now I have a big credit that has paid my account the last 3 months, and probably 2 or 3 more.

[citizen_jane]

My gas meter was mis-read about 2 months ago. No big deal. I called and read the numbers to the rep over the phone. She adjusted my bill and I never paid the higher charge. It's been correct since then. Gas meters are hard to read so mistakes will happen.

[tstone]

Originally Posted by citizen_jane

My gas meter was mis-read about 2 months ago. No big deal. I called and read the numbers to the rep over the phone. She adjusted my bill and I never paid the higher charge. It's been correct since then. Gas meters are hard to read so mistakes will happen.

Happened to me, too and I did the same thing. It eventually balances itself out. Not a big deal for homeowners but can be nerve-wrecking for renters.

[jimboburnsy]

Originally Posted by jaydes

Wow I know i should have been reading my own meter all along,but never received a bill to outta control. My current bill says i used $120 worth of gas,compared to my normal $20 bill. I understand gas bills go up when its cold due to heater use, but unfortunalty my fan moter burned out about a month ago-no heat or a/c for me. So i called to dispute the charge and rep says i can read my own meter for her or wait a month for someone to come out. Well this is a new house for me and went kinda blank on where my meter was-I asked her and she says its on the left side of your house by your garage--I have NO garage. She says oh well its on the left of your house--NOTHING there. Come to find out its in the back patio area,LONG story short $120 down to $40. READ YOUR METER. LOL
No idea whos meter they have been reading!!!

What I've found is that Centerpoint will often (if not usually) read your meter about 4 times per year. The bills in between are based on averages and they make corrections at the actual time of reading. If they overbill they give you a credit. In lieu of all that you can call in your meter reading monthly for accurate billing.

Take home from this post: Everyone should know exactly where their gas meter, electrical meter, breaker panel, water main, water heater, air conditioner, air conditioner drain lines, telephone box and plumbing cleanouts are. No excuses. You need to know that stuff.

[jaydes]

Yes, being a new home owner i guess im learning LOL. I caught the error before paying the bill so she says they are just going to correct bill before i pay it. I noticed this "estimated Bill" thing alot during my home rental life-LOVED the large credit that payed for my summer bill. I understand i should know location of the meter, BUT wouldnt you think Centerpoint should know as well??

[piyf]

I loved the meters they had in El Paso for electric. DIGITAL!

[davidtk]

Mine was $100 higher a few months ago, which no made no sense because it was summer time and we were out of town for 2 weeks. The meter was misread, and the problem was adjusted on the next bill.