I received my gas bill for the period of April 15 through June 12. During that period I supposedly used 236.25 therms (as much as I used from 12-15-07 to 2-14-08!). Seems quite excessive to start with which drew my attention to the actual bill.
Upon close review, I noticed of the 236 therms used, NICOR determined that I used only 29.5 therms during the 4-14 to 5-13 period and a whopping 206.5 during the 5-14 to 6-12 period. I also noticed that the cost of Natural Gas from 4-14 to 5-13 was $0.99 per therm but was a whopping $1.24 per term for the period of 4-14- to 5-13. How convenient that I "used" so much more during the higher cost period!
Also interesting was that I had a credit of over $273 as of my last budget payment. My total bill for this last "catch-up" period conveniently totaled over $329 using up not only my credit but leaving me with a balance due. Again, how very convenient for NICOR!
After noticing all these interesting facts, I called NICOR customer service. I asked first how I possibly could have used so much gas during this 2 month period. Their answer: we don't have a clue! They will be coming out to check the meter as "they are electrical items that do wear out and break". Well we will soon see what that appointment brings to light!
When I asked them how they could determine the number of therms used in one month versus another, I was informed that if they open the meter, inside it will tell them exactly how many therms were used during each billing period. WOW, is this cool! So I asked them, "Did you come out and do that?". Response: "Of course not." Next question, same questions again, "How did you determine how much I used each month?" Answer: NONE!!! The custoemr service representative has no idea how monthly usage is determined on a multi-month bill.
The REAL Answer: However NICOR can best improve their profits at the expense of their customers!
Everyone check you bills carefully! This may not be an isolated instance and if that is the case, we need to act NOW!
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