Energy providers anger disabled widow
About a fortnight ago I received a letter stating “future electricity amounts would be based on a planned estimated reading.”
I was advised that if I wanted my next bill based on my own reading I had to ring ESB that very day “and follow the voice prompts” - otherwise I would miss the chance to ensure an actual reading on the next bill. No mention of when - or even if - an actual ESB reading would ever again be taken.
I’m a 76-year-old childless widow, disabled and living alone, so I resisted the temptation to clamber up on stool and chair to read the meter positioned eight feet above floor level over the front door. So I lost my big chance of a last real live reading. Then the inflated estimated bill arrived - as did an unexpected visitor who very kindly read my meter for me. Surprise, surprise! The bill was overestimated by 170 units.
The same postal delivery also brought my Bord Gais central heating bill. This told me that their meter-reader would only call three times a year in future. “The other times will be estimated scientifically using historical data and daily temperature patterns which gives a logical forecast of your gas usage.”
Any chance ESB and Bord Gais would train a few monkeys to read our meters? We are already paying dearly for this unsatisfactory service.
Rita Healy
19 Church Road
Blackrock
Cork
