From: Kim Darwin Sent: August 28, 2014 To: Commission Secretary BCUC:EX Cc: Smart Meters; [email protected]; Sharon Noble Subject: Dispute - Failed Meter Installation Charge Dear Ms. Hamilton: RE: Meter No. Location: Sechelt, BC Account No. I wish to dispute a $65 Failed Meter Installation Charge included on my latest BC Hydro invoice dated August 20, 2014, based on the following information: Ø May 5, 2014, (Schedule A) I received a form letter advising me that the Measurement Canada seal on my meter had expired. Ø May 5, 2014 (Schedule B) I responded with a letter which I sent via email asking that the record on my meter be rechecked. I also asked to be provided this information before they send an installer to replace the meter Ø May 10, 2014 (Schedule C) I responded with a letter which I sent via Express Post. In this letter I requested clarification and retained the right to seek legal action if they charged a failed installation fee without first complying with my requests Ø I received telephone messages from the Smart Meter Department, but I chose to respond to the email Ø May 27-14 (Schedule D) received email from “Todd”. The letter from Todd did not adequately address my questions/concerns set out in my May 10-14 letter. Ø May 28-14 (Schedule E) I send a further responding email. I advised that if the information was provided, I would consent to a meter replacement only if an appointment was made with me. Ø June 16-14 (Schedule F) I received a further email from “Jessica” advising that no official certificate was available for my meter to prove the expiration. Ø June 17-14 (Schedule G) Again, I responded to “Jessica” this time asking for a permit to remove my meter to view the certification date. Again, I asked that no installer be sent to my home to replace my meter until we resolved my concerns. Ø June 18-14 Agent No. IF012 arrived at my home to exchange my meter. I told him that I was in dialogue with BC Hydro and they should not have sent him. I asked if he could remove my meter and show me the certification tag. He said that if he removed it, he had been instructed that it would have to be replaced. I declined and said that I would do further investigation before consenting to the exchange as I had previously mentioned to BC Hydro several times. Ø June 18-14 (Schedule H) I sent a further letter to “Jessica” advising that contrary to my multiple requests an installer had attended my home. I reiterated that seeing BC Hydro had been forewarned not to send an installer that the failed installation cost would be at their own expense. I also asked for a screen shot of the data base showing proof of the expiration of my meter and reiterating not to send any more technicians to replace my meter until I received adequate proof Ø June 24-14 ((Schedule I) I sent a further email to “Jessica” asking again for proof and clarification regarding meter seal expiration of meters. Again I reiterated not to send an installer until I have received proof. Ø June 24-14 I realized that it was highly unlikely I would ever receive written proof of the requested information from BC Hydro, so I arranged for the removal of my meter so I contacted a qualified person to remove my meter so I could obtain the certification tag. Once I had the tag, I contacted Measurement Canada and was provided with the date of re-certification, place of re-certification and the expiration Ø June 26-14 (Schedule J) I emailed “Jessica” and consented to replacement of my meter, but requested an appointment be made as I have a protective guard on the meter and I wished to be present to turn off my main breaker to protect my computer equipment Ø June 30-14 (Schedule K) received an email from “Jessica” threatening disconnection of my service if I continued to prevent access to the meter Ø June 30-14 (Schedule L) I emailed a response to “Jessica” reiterating the incompetence of BC Hydro’s communication and further advising that due to so many unwanted installations of smart meters and digital meters, my guard would remain in place. I still have not received a response to this communication. Ø August 25-14 (Schedule M) I printed my August 20-14 account which shows a Failed Meter Installation Charge of $65 As you can see, I did not deny replacement of my meter, I simply requested that it be delayed until WRITTEN proof of the ACTUAL certification be provided. I have highlighted each instance where I requested that an installer NOT be sent to my home until I received the requested information. Seeing that BC Hydro did not provide that proof and sent an installer regardless, I consider that they were adequately forewarned that it would be at their own expense. Please request BC Hydro to remove the $65 Failed Meter Installation Charge from my Account. If you require any further information, please feel free to contact me via email or telephone. Kind regards, Kimberly N Darwin (name given with permission of author) c.c. Smeter department Nicholas Simons, MLS Sunshine Coast - bcuc/Complaint.aspx
Posted on: Sun, 31 Aug 2014 08:30:32 +0000
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