For Almost 20 Years, a Man Has Been Paying His Neighbor’s Electricity Bill
KEN WILSON – A resident of California uncovered an astonishing error: he had been paying his neighbor’s electricity bill for almost two decades. His suspicions arose when he noticed a significant increase in his electricity costs, despite his efforts to conserve energy.
Concerned about the rising bills, Wilson purchased a device to measure the wattage of his appliances. To his disbelief, he found that his daily energy consumption was much higher than expected. This led him to suspect a potential leak, a faulty meter, or even electricity theft.
Seeking clarification, Wilson reached out to Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) for a meter inspection. During this investigation, a PG&E employee revealed that Wilson’s apartment, unit 90, was mistakenly linked to the wrong meter and that he had been covering the electricity expenses for unit 91. Wilson, who had lived in the apartment complex since 2006, estimated that this billing error had persisted for about 18 years.
Expressing his frustration, Wilson stated, “I feel powerless right now because I can’t control my own meter. I just hope this story helps others. I can’t be the only one.” His feelings of helplessness were compounded by the realization that the error had gone unnoticed for so long.
In response to Wilson’s situation, PG&E issued an apology, explaining that the incorrect billing had likely been in effect since 2009. According to Philstar, the company expressed regret for the oversight and assured Wilson that they were taking steps to resolve the issue. They confirmed that his electric bill would be corrected in the next billing cycle.
This incident highlights the importance of monitoring utility bills and staying vigilant about energy consumption, as even minor discrepancies can lead to significant financial implications over time. Wilson’s experience serves as a reminder for others to regularly check their meters and bills to avoid similar situations.