‘I’m not a bank but I feel like one’: N.S. utility customers say billing issues unacceptable
Nova Scotia Power customers are expressing frustration over unexpectedly high electricity bills following a company cyberattack that disrupted accurate meter readings.
In Nova Scotia, a surge of complaints has emerged from customers of Nova Scotia Power regarding exorbitant electricity bills. Many individuals, like Dartmouth resident Timothy Allenby, are struggling to cope with energy costs that are reaching unprecedented heights. The situation has intensified since the utility company faced a cyberattack that compromised its system for remotely reading electricity meters, leading to the practice of estimating bills instead.
Timothy Allenby shared his experience, stating that his power bill has exceeded his recent paycheque, forcing him to allocate nearly a quarter of his income just to cover energy expenses. He highlighted the challenges posed by the unpredictable billing, making it difficult for him to plan his finances, especially during the winter season when heating costs are particularly high. The tension surrounding these billing issues has prompted widespread frustration among Nova Scotia Power customers, with many questioning the reliability of the billing process.
Nova Scotia Power has announced plans to restore full functionality of their remote meter reading technology by March. However, customers are left anxiously awaiting this resolution, as the ongoing reliance on estimated bills continues to affect their budgeting and financial well-being. The company's inability to accurately gauge electricity usage due to the cybersecurity breach has led to heightened anxiety among local residents, who are now calling for accountability and improvement in customer service.