Pawtucket man with $26K electricity bill gets answers and account adjustments
(WJAR) — NBC 10 News has an update regarding the Pawtucket man with a more than $26,000 electric bill.
We first reported the story Thursday. After turning to 10 for help, he has finally gotten an answer from Rhode Island Energy.
Jeffrey Gomes called NBC 10 in the middle of the week after receiving a more than $20,000 electric bill.
“My chest got tight. It felt like an elephant was sitting on my chest,” said Gomes. “I literally called out of work, took a cold shower, tremored a little bit and was like, ‘No, this is absolutely wrong.’”
The more than $20,000 bill for his solar panel powered home jumped to more than $26,000.
Gomes said he was desperate for answers he could not get from Rhode Island Energy, so he called NBC 10.
“After that, I checked the balance again, and it went down from $26,000 to 0, with $6,000 as a remaining balance,” said Gomes. “Which was great, took a screenshot of that.”
In a statement Friday, a Rhode Island Energy spokesperson said the issue stemmed from a meter malfunction.
Rhode Island Energy told Gomes it is working to rebill his account for the correct usage.
“I’m definitely going to be more apprehensive moving forward. I’m never again using auto pay, absolutely not,” said Gomes. “But, I mean my home has energy so I can’t talk too much rubbish in the sense that I have running electricity.”
Gomes’ account does not show any past charges as of Friday.
Gomes said he is waiting for final confirmation on his bill, but he is just grateful it is being reviewed.
“If it wasn’t for you guys, I’d probably be homeless because when I made calls. They really didn’t seem to care,” said Gomes. “It was only up until you guys were notified that things started speeding up along. I’m very grateful for this news station. Thank you!
A Rhode Island Energy spokesperson said the correction should be completed by early next week.