How to Challenge a Gas Bill - Please Help

[stlchiefs]

I need some advice on disputing a Gas Bill.

Long Story, big problem:

I move into my current place back in August 2007 and set up gas service in my name. The 1 bedroom apartment has a gas furnace and stove. My gas bills were around $50/month for the first few months and the suddenly doubled in November. I know it gets colder and the heater was used more, but I questioned this and while reviewing my bill noticed that my usage was estimated.

I called the gas company and asked for an actual reading and they said they couldn't give me an actual reading because they needed to change the battery in my meter because they weren't receiving a signal. I set up a time and had the battery changed, but the Gas Co. still couldn't get a signal and said they needed to change the meter. I set up said appointment and had a new meter installed. The Gas Co. said they could take the old meter in, take it apart and find out my actual usage since I moved in. The Gas Co suspended payments on my account while they recalculated my payments and now about 5 weeks later I received a gas bill for $650!!!

HOW DO I DISPUTE THIS? During the winter I kept my thermostat at 65 and used spaceheaters in the room I was in, this can't be correct.

I did talk to the tech who changed out my meter and he told me that he knows of no way to read a meter by taking it apart and if the dials weren't turning they don't know the correct reading. He said I should definitely dispute any charges they try to tack on. This is good ammo, but my problem is my estimated bill had climbed to $200+ for a 1 bedroom, I need these reduced as well.

Please Help with any advice as I don't have this kind of cash off hand. As a student I don't plan for $600+ gas bills.

[DaFace]

Originally Posted by stlchiefs

Alright, for those who followed or care, I settled everything with the gas company yesterday. I got them to admit they had no way of finding out usage from the broken meter. I also got them to agree to estimate my usage by looking at the 2 good months of usage they now have on the new meter, rather than on the usage from prior years when I lived here. It all saved me a little more than $200. They also agreed to set up a payment plan for the outstanding balance by taking the amount owed (since I haven't paid for gas since early December because of this dispute) and dividing it over a 5 month period.

Everything has worked out as good as could be. Thanks to all who provided helpful info, including blueballs for feeding my ego.

Good to hear that they weren't complete douchebags about the ordeal. Congrats!

[StcChief]

Call Laclede Gas.... that's outrageous.... was Apt empty for awhile and landlord should be getting that bill. or the meter wasn't read since empty.