Some Greenwood Utilities customers got a big surprise in the mail this week: Bills that appeared to have extra days tacked on during the peak summer usage time.
But most aren’t paying for any more days than normal, according to Larry Griggs, executive vice president of operations for Greenwood Utilities.
He said some bills incorrectly showed billing cycles of up to 40 days because of a glitch in new software but that most customers were really only charged for the regular monthly cycle.
Next month’s bills will show less than the normal number of days, although customers will still pay for a full month then, Griggs said.
However, less than 50 customers were actually charged for more than 30 days, according to Greenwood Utilities CEO Brian Finnegan. Finnegan said they’re in the process of contacting those customers and will work with them regarding the bills.
Griggs encouraged customers to call him at 453-7234 if they have any questions.
“All we’re trying to do here is provide the best quality of service that we can,” Griggs said.
Northern District Public Service Commissioner Brandon Presley said the commission does not allow billing cycles of more than 35 days for the power companies it regulates, such as Entergy or Mississippi Power.
However, the Public Service Commission does not have jurisdiction over municipally owned utilities, he said.
Peggy Jo Tanksley opened what she called an “astronomical” $651 bill for her family’s home on East Claiborne Avenue Tuesday night.
“I think those people are trying to give me a heart attack,” she said.
She didn’t look at the number of days included in the billing cycle but didn’t think her power consumption had increased enough to cause such a spike in her bill. Tanksley and her husband both work, and their two children haven’t been home during the day this summer.
Tanksley said they have other bills as well as school supplies and clothes that must be purchased this month. She said she plans to call Greenwood Utilities today.
“How do they expect people to pay that?” she said.
• Contact Charlie Smith at 581-7235 or csmith@gwcommonwealth.com.
