HomeBilling ProceduresM12554Evidence
Topic/Matter Intersection

Topic:"Billing Procedures" in M12554

Matter: NSPI DRO Appeal - Billing Issues - Ralph Doncaster
22 passages 9 documents

Billing Procedures across all matters →

D-2DRO Decision - Redacted 2 passages
N.S.Power Customer Relations
N.S.Power Customer Relations Was an actual connection reading obtained for the following Customer, and if no following Customer, has an actual meter reading been obtained since the 9 May disconnection and if so, on what date? Is an actual...

AI summary The email exchange discusses a billing dispute involving NS Power and a customer regarding the accuracy of a meter reading following a service disconnection on May 9, 2025. NS Power explains that due to a cyber incident, actual meter readings were not retrieved, and an estimated bill was issued based on historical data.

N.S.Power
N.S.Power Please provide me with N.S.Power's position in the matter as well as copies of relevant account statements, meter reading information, and relevant computerized notes or notices. Don Farmer, P.Eng. Dispute Resolution Officer Orig...

AI summary Ralph Doncaster is requesting an actual bill for a rental property, as the current bill is estimated. He has been unable to obtain a reprinted bill or confirmation of the meter reading date from NSP, and is seeking dispute resolution.

D-3NSPI Response to Appeal - Redacted 6 passages
Section 2 p. p. 0
on the average daily consumption from May 2024. Copies of Mr. Doncaster's 2025 bills are attached as Confidential Attachment 3 (see page 5 of 6 for the closing bill). November 27, 2025 L. Wallace - October 21, 2025 Mr. Doncaster contacted...

AI summary Mr. Doncaster disputed his May 2025 bill with NS Power, leading to a DRO involvement. NS Power explained the bill was based on an average daily consumption from May 2024 and clarified that the disconnect order was system-generated. A true meter read was later obtained, and the customer requested a revised bill and consented to the matter being referred to the DRO.

Section 3 p. p. 0
cordance with Regulation 5.1. The customer requested a revised bill and provided consent for the matter to be referred to the DRO. This is referenced on pages 2 to 5 of 6 in Confidential Attachment 2. - October 21, 2025 Mr. Doncaster email...

AI summary A customer requested a revised bill due to an estimated charge, which was referred to the DRO. NS Power explained that a cyber incident prevented retrieving meter data, leading to an estimated bill based on historical consumption. The customer's service was disconnected on May 9, 2025, and the estimated bill was calculated using average daily usage from May 2024.

Section 4 p. p. 0
billing was calculated using 86.297 x 52 days to estimate the 4487 kWh billed. It is NS Power's position that the meter was not read on May 9th therefore the bill indicated it was an estimated read. This is referenced on page 9 of 17 in th...

AI summary NS Power recalculated a customer's electricity bill after determining that the initial estimate was based on an unverified meter reading. Using true readings from March 18 and September 17, NS Power adjusted the estimated usage from 4487 kWh to 3567 kWh, resulting in a credit of 920 kWh to the customer's account.

Section 5 p. p. 0
he customer used in 52 days. The customer was billed for 4487 kWh's and NS Power now estimates to have only used 3567 kWh's so the difference of 920 kWh's has been credited to the customer's account. A credit in the amount of $179.29 has b...

AI summary A customer disputes NS Power's estimated billing for 3567 kWh, arguing that a meter reading should have been taken at disconnection. NS Power credited the customer for the difference, but the customer proposed a 30% reduction in the estimated usage. The DRO issued a Final Written Decision finding NS Power's estimate reasonable.

Section 6 p. p. 0
d usage of 3567 kWh billed to the Customer, after adjustments, as the basis for the Customer's 9 May 2025 closing bill, is reasonable based on circumstances and available November 27, 2025 L. Wallace data, and an 30% arbitrary/preferential...

AI summary The NSEB upheld the DRO's decision that NS Power's billing of 3567 kWh to Mr. Doncaster was reasonable. The billing was based on estimated consumption due to a cyber incident affecting meter data access. A new tenant's connection caused Mr. Doncaster's service to be disconnected, but a final read was not available at the time of billing.

Section 7 p. p. 0
at time. The May closing bill for Mr. Doncaster was therefore estimated using the customer's historical consumption pattern from May 2024, in accordance with Regulation 5.1 of NS Power's Regulations.1 A true meter read was later obtained f...

AI summary NS Power estimated Mr. Doncaster's May bill using historical data due to an inability to obtain an actual meter read. A true read later showed lower consumption, leading to a credit of 920 kWh and a reduced account balance. NS Power's actions were consistent with Regulation 5.1, which allows estimated billing under certain conditions.

D-4DONCASTER (NSEB) RIR-1 to RIR-4 1 passage
Request IR-3:
Request IR-3: Reference NS Power's website [(Understanding](https://www.nspower.ca/your-home/create-manage-account/billing-payments/billing-process#:~:text=Meter%20Reading,business%20meters%20across%20the%20province.) your bill Nova Scotia...

AI summary The text references Nova Scotia Power's process for adjusting estimated bills using meter photos and asks whether a photo was taken before a new tenant moved in, requesting the photo or an explanation if not.

D-5NSPI (NSEB) RIR-1 to RIR-7 (redacted) 2 passages
1 Request IR-1:
1 Request IR-1: 2 3 Reference Exhibit D3 NS Power's Response to Appeal. Page 2 states 4 5 The representative also clarified that the May bill was estimated using an 6 average of 86.3 kWh per day from May 2024 and that the account was 7 agg...

AI summary The document discusses discrepancies between estimated and actual energy usage in May 2024, with the customer's net usage calculated as 26.0 kWh per day, while an estimate used 86.3 kWh per day. The response explains that the net usage is derived from consumption and generation figures, including an aggregate generation value.

NON-CONFIDENTIAL
NON-CONFIDENTIAL 1 Request IR-2: 2 3 Reference NS Power's website (Understanding your bill Nova Scotia Power) under 4 the Estimated Bills section it states "If you are concerned about an estimated bill and 5 have not had a physical meter r...

AI summary The document discusses NS Power's response to questions about when they added a feature allowing customers to submit photos of their meter readings and whether they advised customers to take photos during account closure. The feature was added on November 21, 2025, after a cyber incident and after May 9, 2025. NS Power did not advise customers to take photos during account closure due to operational challenges following the cyber incident.

101468Interim Decision Letter - Redacted 3 passages
The following table summarizes the key events in the evidence before the Board. p. p. 0
The following table summarizes the key events in the evidence before the Board. Date Event February 2017 You and your wife purchased the property as a rental property. October 28, 2019 Smart meter installed at rental property. October 27,...

AI summary The text outlines a series of events related to a rental property's power usage and billing, including the installation of a smart meter, a cybersecurity incident affecting data transmission, the closure of the account, and the subsequent billing dispute and resolution. The DRO ruled in favor of NS Power, but the customer appealed to the Board.

Preamble p. pp. 1-2
You filed a complaint with the DRO on October 21, 2025. Following a review of your account, NS Power recalculated the final invoice on November 3, 2025, using an actual meter reading dated September 17, 2025. The recalculation was based on...

AI summary A customer filed a complaint with the DRO regarding an electricity bill recalculated by NS Power using an estimated reading. NS Power provided details on the last successful meter reading and explained that historical data was not available. The customer disputed the estimate and requested a 30% reduction. NS Power also discussed meter-reading procedures and challenges related to a cybersecurity incident.

CONCLUSION p. pp. 2-3
CONCLUSION The Board is conducting a separate investigation into the cybersecurity incident under M12273, which encompasses a broader review of its impact on customers. Accordingly, a final decision in this matter will be deferred pending...

AI summary The Board is deferring a final decision on the billing dispute with NS Power until a separate investigation into a cybersecurity incident under M12273 is concluded. Interest on outstanding amounts will not accrue during the review.

100264Appellant's Reply to the Board - redacted 2 passages
Argument p. p. 1
Argument NSPI does not have the discretion to use estimated billing when it so chooses. NSPI Regulation 5.1, Meter Reading, states, "If the Company is unable to obtain a meter reading due to circumstances beyond its control, or due to the...

AI summary The argument discusses NSPI's use of estimated billing when unable to obtain a meter reading, citing Regulation 5.1. It questions NSPI's claim of inability to read meters due to a cyber incident and lack of resources, suggesting they may have chosen not to conduct a physical read to avoid overtime costs. The argument also references customer service interactions and NSPI's refusal to provide documentation or retrieve data from smart meters.

Conclusion p. p. 1
Conclusion NSPI has failed to show that they were, "unable to obtain a meter reading due to circumstances beyond its control", and therefore they cannot rely on estimated billing. The Board can take judicial notice of the fact that many NS...

AI summary NSPI failed to justify estimated billing due to inability to obtain meter readings. The Board acknowledges customer dissatisfaction with this practice. Premier Tim Houston raised concerns about the fairness and legality of NSP's estimated billing method. NSPI may use a favorable ruling as a precedent for future challenges.

100270NSEB (DONCASTER) IR-1 to IR-4 - Redacted 1 passage
Request IR-3:
Request IR-3: - Reference NS Power's website (Understanding your bill Nova Scotia Power) under the - Estimated Bills section it states "If you are concerned about an estimated bill and have not had - a physical meter read, you can take a p...

AI summary The text discusses a request related to estimated bills from Nova Scotia Power, asking if a photo of the meter was taken before a new tenant moved in and requesting the photo or an explanation if not.

100271NSEB (NSPI) IR-1 to IR-7 3 passages
NOVA SCOTIA ENERGY BOARD
NOVA SCOTIA ENERGY BOARD IN THE MATTER OF: THE PUBLIC UTILITIES ACT - and - IN THE MATTER OF: A DRO Appeal regarding Billing by a customer of NOVA SCOTIA POWER INC. (NS Power) – Ralph Doncaster NON-CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REQUESTS To: Kat...

AI summary This document is a non-confidential information request from the Nova Scotia Energy Board to Nova Scotia Power Inc. regarding a DRO appeal related to billing practices. Responses are due by December 31, 2025, and contact information is provided for follow-up.

Preamble
- The representative also clarified that the May bill was estimated using an average of 86.3 kWh per day from May 2024 and that the account was aggregated with a primary net metering account, which resulted in unallocated generation and a...

AI summary The document discusses discrepancies in electricity billing, specifically the use of different kWh figures for May 2024. It asks for explanations regarding the difference between the 26.0 kWh figure on invoices and the 86.3 kWh estimate used, how generation is accounted for in the final invoice, and requests historical usage data from 2017 to 2025.

Request IR-2:
Request IR-2: - Reference NS Power's website [(Understanding your bill Nova Scotia Power)](https://www.nspower.ca/your-home/create-manage-account/billing-payments/billing-process#:%7E:text=Meter%20Reading,business%20meters%20across%20the%2...

AI summary The text discusses a request regarding NS Power's website information on estimated bills and meter readings. It asks when the information was added and whether NS Power instructed customers to take photos of meter readings during account closure.

101468Interim Decision Letter - Redacted 2 passages
The following table summarizes the key events in the evidence before the Board. p. p. 0
The following table summarizes the key events in the evidence before the Board. Date Event February 2017 You and your wife purchased the property as a rental property. October 28, 2019 Smart meter installed at rental property. October 27,...

AI summary The document outlines a series of events related to a customer's rental property, including the installation of a smart meter, solar power meter, and a cybersecurity incident affecting data transmission. A final invoice was issued based on an estimated usage, leading to a complaint and a subsequent credit after a true meter read was obtained. The DRO ruled in favor of NS Power, and the customer appealed to the Board.

Preamble p. pp. 1-2
You filed a complaint with the DRO on October 21, 2025. Following a review of your account, NS Power recalculated the final invoice on November 3, 2025, using an actual meter reading dated September 17, 2025. The recalculation was based on...

AI summary A customer filed a complaint with the DRO regarding an electricity bill recalculated by NS Power based on a meter reading from September 17, 2025, resulting in a credit. The customer disputes the estimate, citing potential higher usage by the new occupant and requesting a 30% reduction. NS Power explains that historical meter data was overwritten and could not be retrieved, and implemented a new process for submitting meter readings.

Disclaimer: These summaries were generated by AI from the filings they describe. We take care to make them accurate, but errors are possible - and they aren't advice. Only the filings themselves are the record: if you're relying on something here, confirm it against the source documents or the Nova Scotia Energy Board's own record. Full disclaimer →