EPCOR backtracks on massive power bill after meter mix-up

An Edmonton utility reversed its decision Wednesday to collect hundreds of dollars from a customer who was sent the wrong bills for a year and a half.

The company reviewed the “cross-meter situation” that switched bills between Dawn Kalin, of Drayton Valley, Alta., and her neighbour.

EPCOR refunded the neighbour's overpayment, but was determined to collect from Kalin for power she used but for which she was never billed.

Over the period, the difference between what the two neighbours used was more than $2,000. EPCOR was trying recover 12 months of that, the legally-allowed maximum.

Kalin, who keeps livestock on a hobby farm, said she could have taken steps to conserve power had she been sent an accurate bill.

“There’s lots of things I would have done differently if I’d known I was consuming all the power,” she said.

However after a CBC Edmonton Go Public story, EPCOR reversed the decision, saying Kalin would not have to pay as the two meters were on the same land description.

“We’ve taken a closer look now ... and we understand this (cross-meter situation) is very unique,” said Tim LeRiche, EPCOR spokesman.

LeRiche said EPCOR also better understands the stress its collection efforts were causing Kalin.

“We’re sorry it caused some emotions for the people involved,” he said.