HomeBilling ProceduresM12797Evidence
Topic/Matter Intersection

Topic:"Billing Procedures" in M12797

Matter: NSPI DRO Appeal - Billing Issues - Marilyn Ells
33 passages 13 documents

Billing Procedures across all matters →

E-1Notice of Appeal (redacted) 1 passage
Section 1 p. p. 0
General Complaint - NS Power and municipal electric utilities Reference Number: 260408001 Submitted on: Wednesday, April 08 2026 at 11:09:47 AM (ADT) Contact Information Name on account: Marilyn Ells Account number: 0517931-2 Business cont...

AI summary Marilyn Ells submitted a complaint about an excessive power bill from NS Power, noting a sudden increase in daily consumption charges from $3.07 to $20.31 despite consistent usage. The complaint was escalated to DRO (Mr. Farmer) but remains unresolved. The complainant requests accurate billing and prefers communication via telephone or mail.

E-2DRO Decision d. April 1, 2026 (redacted) 1 passage
Colina McNeil acting as Agent for Marilyn Ells p. p. 0
Colina McNeil acting as Agent for Marilyn Ells After review and consideration of all of the following and attached, my Final Written Decision in the matter follows. I will begin with my Role Statement as Dispute Resolution Officer (DRO) in...

AI summary Colina McNeil, acting for Marilyn Ells, disputes a high February 2026 N.S.Power bill ($1258.41), citing estimated meter readings in prior bills and reconciliation after actual readings. The DRO explains their role in resolving disputes under Board regulations 5.1 and 6.4, emphasizing they are not an N.S.Power employee and decisions are binding on N.S.Power but appealable by customers.

E-3NSPI Response to Appeal (redacted) 3 passages
Section 2 p. p. 0
about her August and October bills. This is referenced on pages 7-9 of 11 in Confidential Attachment 2 . On January 12, 2026 Ms. Ells asked about when the information April 23, 2026 L. Wallace on MyEnergy Insight would be available. This i...

AI summary Marilyn Ells disputed a high power bill, leading to a DRO investigation. NS Power explained discrepancies were due to estimated meter reads, with a reconciliation bill issued in February 2026. The DRO requested documentation, and Ells' representative confirmed consent for information sharing.

Section 3 p. p. 0
estimated. Any differences between estimated and actual usage will be addressed and accurately reflected in a future bill. The February 2026 meter read was a true read and was the reconciliation bill. It is NS Power's position that the cus...

AI summary NS Power asserts that Ms. Ells was billed correctly for energy consumption between August 2025 and February 2026, providing detailed reconciliation of meter reads, base charges, and energy costs. The February 2026 read was confirmed as a true read, with charges split between 2025 and 2026 rates. NS Power offers flexible payment plans for the balance.

Section 7 p. pp. 2-4
• April 1, 2026 – The DRO issued his Final Written Decision pertaining to this appeal, finding as follows: Specific bills can be other than expected if they are based on estimated - as opposed to actual - meter readings. Once an actual met...

AI summary The DRO issued a final decision on April 1, 2026, regarding an appeal concerning estimated meter readings and reconciliation bills. The decision explained that estimated readings are reconciled with actual readings over time. Ms. Ells appealed the decision with the NSEB, and NS Power acknowledged the concern but agreed with the DRO's ruling that the billing was appropriate.

E-4Appellants Response to NSPI (redacted) 4 passages
6.4 DISPUTED BILLING FOR ELECTRIC SERVIC:i p. pp. 0-1
6.4 DISPUTED BILLING FOR ELECTRIC SERVIC:i - (1) Where a customer advises the Company that all or a portion of his bill or any matter relating to the provision of electric service is in dispute, the Company shall: - (a) record the date, ti...

AI summary The section outlines procedures for handling disputed electric bills, including investigation, informal resolution, payment of undisputed amounts, and appeal processes to the Board. Customers must pay undisputed arrears within five days, and disputes unresolved internally may be escalated to the Board with a 12-day appeal period before disconnection.

5.1 METER READING p. p. 1
5.1 METER READING When reasonably possible, meters shall be read bi-monthly; however, the Company may read meters on a monthly basis.

AI summary The regulation specifies that meters should be read bi-monthly whenever reasonably possible, though the Company may opt for monthly readings. This establishes a framework for meter reading frequency while allowing flexibility based on operational needs.

POST CARD METER READING p. p. 1
POST CARD METER READING In the event that the Company is unable to obtain meter readings, for billing purposes, during the Company's normal business hours, having exercised due diligence in the usual practice of meter reading, it may leave...

AI summary The document outlines a procedure for obtaining meter readings when the company cannot access them during normal business hours. If unsuccessful after due diligence, a prepaid postage card is left for the customer to record the reading and return it promptly for billing purposes.

ESTIMATED METER READING p. p. 1
ESTIMATED METER READING If the Company is unable to obtain a meter reading due to circumstances beyond its control, or due to the failure of the Customer to return a post card reading, then the amount of power and energy used by the Custom...

AI summary The document outlines procedures for estimating meter readings when actual readings are unavailable, requiring customers to arrange proper meter access after five consecutive estimates. Failure to comply may result in service disconnection or meter relocation. Adjustments are made if actual readings are later obtained.

E-5Appellants Correspondence to NSPI (redacted) 1 passage
Section 1
Response to april 1st E-mail from Don Farmer DRO Dec -> Feb 2026 meter read $ 1258.41 Notes reader must have made note of a coil of wine hanging on side corner of house. This has now been removed by electrician, was not wired into electric...

AI summary Marilyn Elb reports a high electricity bill ($1258.41) from Dec 2025–Feb 2026, attributing it to potential power theft via an outlet, later covered. She notes weather may have influenced usage and highlights a failed April 8th meter check. She expects future bills to stabilize after reconciliation and heat pump disconnection.

E-6NSEB (NSPI) RIR-1 to RIR-3 3 passages
1 Request IR-1:
1 Request IR-1: 2 3 The Customer stated that a meter test was scheduled for April 8, 2026, but no NS Power 4 representative attended. Please explain: 5 6 (a) Whether a meter test was scheduled for April 8, 2026; 7 8 (b) Whether the appoint...

AI summary The Customer requested clarification on a meter test scheduled for April 8, 2026, and the estimation of electricity consumption during billing periods in 2025. NS Power responded that no meter test was scheduled for that date, and a re-read was conducted instead. The estimation of consumption during billing periods was based on historical data and average usage.

- 3 to obtain the reads in the field.
- 3 to obtain the reads in the field. 1 Request IR-3: 2 3 In NS Power's response dated April 23, 2026, NS Power stated that the February 2026 read 4 was a true read and the bill showed a total consumption of 6359 kWh from the December 22,...

AI summary The text outlines a request for clarification regarding a February 2026 billing period for a customer, specifically whether the billed usage reflects actual consumption or includes prior period adjustments. NS Power responds that the billed usage represents actual consumption as of February 19, 2026, noting that prior bills were estimates.

1 October and December than was estimated (1830 kWh), and even the estimate between
1 October and December than was estimated (1830 kWh), and even the estimate between 2 August and October may have been low (2141 kWh). NS Power has no information about 3 how electricity is used in a customer's premises; Ms. Ells' previous...

AI summary The text discusses discrepancies in electricity usage estimates for a customer, noting that actual usage in October and December exceeded estimates, and the estimate between August and October may have been low. NS Power lacks detailed information on customer electricity use, and previous usage varied significantly.

E-7ELLS (NSEB) RIR-1 to RIR-3 (redacted) 4 passages
Marilyn Ells Power Bill Inquiry p. pp. 2-3
Marilyn Ells Power Bill Inquiry Micole penney @ Nova Scotia-ca Joseph Gosbee Draft To: [email protected] Thu, Apr 16, 2026 at 10:06 AM Hello Nicole, I am sending this email on behalf of Marilyn Ells, who does not have a computer or...

AI summary Marilyn Ells is requesting a detailed breakdown of her electricity usage for specific periods and is questioning whether low estimates are being covered by her bill. She also inquires if the meter was checked on April 8th and requests a similar breakdown for the August-October 2025 billing period.

Request IR-1: 1 p. p. 3
Request IR-1: 1 4 5 6 7 8 9 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 - The Customer stated that a meter test was scheduled for April 8, 2026, but no NS Power 2 representative attended. Please explain: 3 - a) Whether a meter te...

AI summary The Customer inquired about a scheduled meter test on April 8, 2026, and whether it was attended by NS Power representatives. The Customer also asked if the test was cancelled, missed, or rescheduled. The response confirmed the test was scheduled but did not confirm attendance or rescheduling.

Request IR-2: p. p. 3
Request IR-2: The meter history provided appears to show: an actual read on August 21, 2025; 10 estimated/unread billing periods for both October 27, 2025, and December 22, 2025; and 11 an actual read on February 19, 2026. Please explain i...

AI summary The document requests an explanation regarding the estimation of electricity consumption during specific billing periods, the accuracy of those estimates, and the reasons for not obtaining actual reads during certain periods despite a successful read on August 21, 2025.

Section 7 p. p. 4
1 7 8 9 10 14 15 16 17 18 21 22 23 - Pursuant to Regulations 5.5 and 6.7 of the Nova Scotia Power Inc. Tariffs and Regulations 2 - customers have the right to request meter testing where there is a concern regarding billing/meter 3 - accur...

AI summary The text outlines a customer's concerns regarding a failed meter inspection by NS Power and questions about potential changes in electricity usage at their property. The customer is seeking clarification on the inspection process and whether changes in heating or supplemental heating sources may have affected their electricity consumption.

E-8NSPI (NSEB) Second Set RIR-4 to RIR-5 (redacted) 1 passage
NON-CONFIDENTIAL
NON-CONFIDENTIAL 1 consumption that accrued between the actual meter reads on August 21, 2025 and February 2 19, 2026. Because the bills issued between August 21 and December 22, 2025 were based 3 on estimates and daily interval data for t...

AI summary NS Power is unable to accurately reconcile estimated electricity bills issued between August 21 and December 22, 2025, due to a cyber incident that caused a lack of daily interval data. This has made it difficult to determine actual consumption changes and provide meaningful comparisons with other residential customers.

101607Appellants Response re Boards Acknowledgment Letter (redacted) 1 passage
Section 1
From: Joseph Gosbee Sent: April 16, 2026 11 :18 AM To: Penney, Nicole ; Energy and Regulatory Boards Tribunal Subject: Marilyn Ells Bill Inquiry I You don't often get email from Learn why this is important \ \ EXTERNAL EMAIL/ COURRIEL EXTE...

AI summary Marilyn Ells, through Joseph Gosbee, requests a breakdown of her electricity bill and questions the accuracy of charges, asking about meter checks and usage details for specific periods.

101724Exhibit E-3 NSPI Response to Appeal (confidential) 9 passages
PARTIALLY CONFIDENTIAL p. p. 0
ng system and as a result, more customer bills are showing actual electricity usage. Once the meter is read, either remotely or in person, the bill is reconciled automatically to reflect actual usage. NS Power confirms that the customer's...

AI summary NS Power asserts that customer billing was accurate, noting estimated meter reads in October and December 2025 were reconciled via the February 2026 true read. The February 2026 bill reflects actual consumption of 10,330.49 kWh between August 2025 and February 2026, with adjustments made to prior bills. NS Power offers payment plans for any outstanding balance.

Preamble p. p. 2
• April 1, 2026 – The DRO issued his Final Written Decision pertaining to this appeal, finding as follows: Specific bills can be other than expected if they are based on estimated - as opposed to actual - meter readings. Once an actual met...

AI summary The DRO issued a final decision upholding NS Power's billing for estimated meter readings, noting that discrepancies are reconciled with actual readings. Ms. Ells appealed this decision, but NS Power agrees with the DRO's ruling and offers flexible payment options for the reconciliation bill.

Colina McNeal as Agent for Marilyn Ells p. p. 2
is matter. Your dispute is a "consumption dispute". A fundamental point I must make in such disputes is that N.S.Power's responsibility is to deliver power to the metering point. They have no role or responsibility with respect to how that...

AI summary The proceeding addresses a consumption dispute where N.S.Power argues it is only responsible for delivering power to the meter, not on-premise usage. Meter accuracy is emphasized as critical, with an 'as found' test by N.S.Power and potential independent testing by Measurement Canada. Estimated meter readings may cause temporary billing discrepancies but are self-reconciling once actual readings are obtained.

Don Fanner, P.Eng. Dispute Resolution Officer p. p. 2
Don Fanner, P.Eng. Dispute Resolution Officer From: Colina McNeil Sent: Monday, March 30, 2026 2:13 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Action: Marilyn Ells - Account 0517931 - 2 Hello Mr. Farmer, My name is Colina McNeil and I...

AI summary Marilyn Ells disputes her Feb. 19, 2026 NS Power power bill, claiming the average daily cost is higher than usual. Colina McNeil, acting on her behalf, has submitted a complaint to the DRO for resolution.

Colina McNeil as Agent for Marilyn Ells p. pp. 2-13
Colina McNeil as Agent for Marilyn Ells In response to your attached message of today, now that Marilyn Ells has given her consent for me to access her Account infonnation, my investigation , can proceed Don Fanner, P.Eng. Dispute Resoluti...

AI summary Marilyn Ells' agent, Colina McNeil, seeks access to account information for dispute resolution. NS Power confirms estimated meter reads in October and December 2025 were used, with February 2026 as the true read. NS Power asserts billing was accurate, offering payment plans for any balance.

Colina McNeil acting as Agent for Marilyn Ells p. p. 17
tained following estimated meter readings, all estimation enor is reconciled (see more detailed explanation below). Board approved Regulations relevant to this matter are 5.1 and 6.4 - copy attached. Specific bills can be other than expect...

AI summary The text explains that estimated meter readings may lead to discrepancies in billing, which are reconciled with actual readings. The self-reconciling process ensures cumulative adjustments, and the Board has approved regulations 5.1 and 6.4.

ings North onstituency Office p. p. 17
ings North onstituency Office Mr. Farmer 495 N. Brokop NSP DRO Halifay NS liv I am heating a living area of 20' x 35', a short hallway to toldown at bathroomy. I have 2 heat pumps and on collect days 2 nee a wood stove. Jor Nov and Dec 202...

AI summary A customer in Nova Scotia is reporting an issue with their heating costs, stating that their estimated bill for November and December 2023 was significantly higher than expected. They have two heat pumps and use a wood stove on colder days. They received cost figures from an NSP Energy advisor but are concerned about the discrepancy in their bill and have requested a meter reading verification.

495 NORTH BISHOP RD BROOKLYN CORNER, NS p. p. 45
495 NORTH BISHOP RD BROOKLYN CORNER, NS Meter number Rate code No. of days New meter read Last meter read Multiplier kWh used 2264418 03B 63 39104.93 37401.93 1 1703 Your bill was estimated for this period

AI summary The document provides a utility bill excerpt with meter reading data for a property located at 495 NORTH BISHOP RD BROOKLYN CORNER, NS. The bill was estimated for the period, and it includes details such as the meter number, rate code, number of days, and electricity usage in kWh.

Nova Scotia Power Inc. p. pp. 45-46
Nova Scotia Power Inc. PO Box 848, Halifax Nova Scotia B3J 2V7 www.nspower.ca Account Number 0517931-2 Amount due Aug 05 $372.15 Enter payment amount MARILYN ELLS 495 NORTH BISHOP RD BROOKLYN CORNER NS B0P 1G0 PO Box 848, Halifax Nova Scot...

AI summary A billing statement for Marilyn Ells shows an account balance due of $495.40, including energy charges ($502.18), HST ($70.31), and a provincial rebate (-$77.09). The bill details kWh usage (4202 kWh at $0.18561/kWh), meter readings, and payment history. Interest accrues at 1.5% monthly on overdue amounts.

102182NSEB (NSPI) IR-1 to IR-3 2 passages
Request IR-2:
Request IR-2: - The meter history provided appears to show: an actual read on August 21, 2025; - estimated/unread billing periods for both October 27, 2025, and December 22, 2025; and - an actual read on February 19, 2026. Please explain i...

AI summary Request IR-2 seeks detailed explanations from Nova Scotia Power Inc. (NSP) regarding meter reading practices, including estimation methods for two billing periods, potential underestimation of consumption, and reasons for not obtaining actual reads during October and December 2025 billing cycles.

Request IR-3:
Request IR-3: - In NS Power's response dated April 23, 2026, NS Power stated that the February 2026 read was - a true read and the bill showed a total consumption of 6359 kWh from the December 22, 2025, - billing date. Energy charges were...

AI summary The document requests clarification from NS Power regarding a February 2026 bill showing 6,359 kWh consumption, including whether the usage reflects actual consumption or prior period adjustments, a breakdown of historical winter billing data from 2022–2026, and an explanation for the significant increase in usage compared to historical patterns.

102183NSEB (ELLS) IR-1 to IR-3 (redacted) 2 passages
Request IR-1:
Request IR-1: - Pursuant to Regulations 5.5 and 6.7 of the Nova Scotia Power Inc. Tariffs and Regulations - customers have the right to request meter testing where there is a concern regarding billing/meter - accuracy. In your May 5, 2026,...

AI summary The customer requests clarification on a missed meter inspection scheduled by NS Power on April 8, 2026, citing regulations 5.5 and 6.7 of the NS Power Tariffs and Regulations. They seek details on arrangement, confirmation, communication, and subsequent inspection.

Request IR-3:
Request IR-3: - a) Have you have reviewed the current meter reading at the premises and does it appear generally consistent with your recent bill? - b) Do you believe the meter is recording usage accurately? Document: 330392 Date Filed: 05...

AI summary Request IR-3 includes two questions regarding meter reading consistency with recent bills and meter accuracy. The document is part of a regulatory proceeding, though no specific claims or entities are named in the text.

102958NSEB (NSPI) Second Set IR-4 to IR-5 1 passage
Request IR-4:
Request IR-4: - The historical billing information provided in NS Power's response dated April 23, 2026, and in - response to IR-3 indicates that total annual energy consumption increased from approximately - 7,132 kWh in 2023 to 10,393 kW...

AI summary The request seeks NS Power's analysis of a significant increase in a customer's annual electricity consumption from 2023 to 2025, including reasons for the increase, whether exception analysis was performed, and a comparison with similar customers. It also asks for a recalculation of the December 2025 bill if coded as a winter period.

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 →