Nova Scotia Power's billing practices under scrutiny after charging customer $500 for a year of non-usage.
A Nova Scotia resident, Eric Orde, aged 89, has found himself in a peculiar situation with Nova Scotia Power. For 35 years, he has owned a cottage outside Annapolis Royal, which he powers off annually when not in use. Typically, his power bill for this cottage is around $50. However, in late October, he received a bill for a staggering $488.25, despite the cottage being empty since November 2024.
Orde, expressing frustration, labeled Nova Scotia Power as 'thieves'. This incident has sparked a broader conversation about Nova Scotia Power's billing accuracy, especially in light of a recent cybersecurity breach that has affected some customers.
The Nova Scotia Energy Board has agreed to investigate the issue of inaccurate billing, a step that came after the utility company acknowledged that some customers were receiving inflated bills due to the breach. Orde's situation highlights the potential impact of such breaches on individual customers.
Despite Nova Scotia Power's initial offer of a $49 credit and subsequent refund of $200, Orde remains dissatisfied. He argues that the charges are unjustified since the cottage has been unused. The utility company's response, which included a community session to address billing concerns, has not fully assuaged his worries.
This incident raises questions about the transparency and fairness of utility billing practices, especially in the context of cybersecurity breaches. As the investigation unfolds, it will be crucial to ensure that customers' rights are protected and that billing practices are fair and accurate.
