After receiving an electric bill for nearly $10,000, a South Carolina widow said she has relied on a generator to power her home for more than a year, spending about $25 a day on fuel.
Here's what to know
Tammy Jones' utility company alleged that she had made an unauthorized connection to her power box using vehicle jumper cables, resulting in the massive electric bill, WBTW reported. However, Jones strongly disputed the allegations, asking the utility to provide evidence of its claims and maintaining that she made no unauthorized connection.
"They gave me this outrageous bill," Jones said, per WBTW. "They said I was running off battery cables connected to my power box, and I told them they would have to prove that before I'd believe it."
When WBTW attempted to reach the utility for comment, company representatives stated that they would not disclose any details of Jones' individual account.
More background
Jones told WBTW that her electricity charges had been around $76 a month before the dispute, prior to her husband passing away. However, due to her refusal to pay the nearly five-figure bill, Jones has had her power cut off.
Since then, Jones has powered her home with a generator and cooked using propane. Her generator fuel costs, however, total roughly $750 over a 30-day month, not including the cost of propane.
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Despite Jones having hired an attorney to represent her, the disputed bill remained unresolved, and her power had not been restored. For Jones, more than a year of struggling with the dispute has brought extreme emotional distress.
"I'm devastated over it," she said, per WBTW. "I shouldn't have to pay this outrageous bill."
What's being done?
The company's public response did not specifically address Jones' allegation that the utility would not engage with her lawyer about the billing issue. However, the utility said it provides assistance programs and payment arrangements for customers facing financial challenges.
As Jones awaited her hearing, she blamed the utility, Duke Energy, for the entire situation.
"The blame is on them for not making sure everything was correct," she said, per WBTW. "I have suffered terribly and still don't have power to this day."
Where can I learn more?
Other utility customers have faced bills in the thousands despite disputing what they owe.
• In Virginia, $1,000 utility bills tied to generator debt are forcing families to skip groceries.
• A New York woman's $183 power bill jumped to $31,000, triggering a debt dispute.
• In North Carolina, a utility denied damage claims after 30 homes reported surge-damaged appliances.
• Missouri residents said power bills soared into the thousands, with one nearing $8,000.
• Minnesota ordered a utility to explain a billing spike after missing credits and $6,500 in late fees.
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