by N.A. Booko
Pittsboro, NC – I have had two electrical accounts since 1972. Both at the same location. I have always paid my bills on time. Several changes in company owners over the years. Now I am owned by Duke Energy Progress. I don’t seem to have any choice in the matter.
I live on highway 64. My two meters are approximately 120 feet from Eastbound lane of highway 64. For years, they were read by a live person. Some 15 years ago, they began reading them remotely; by driving by, I assume, pointing some type of gadget to do the reading. Never a problem.
I received, a few months ago, two postcards saying Duke would be replacing old meters with new “Smart meters.” There was no mention if I needed to be home or not. About two months ago, a Duke person shows up to replace meter. He replaced one. I asked about the other one being replaced. He checked the meter and said it was already a smart meter installed November of 2019.
Several days ago I received a letter from Duke saying they were unable to read my due to the following conditions: “ROAD CONDITIONS.” They mentioned they had estimated my current bill. The high end of course. “If we can assist you with this situation, please call.” Thank you for your assistance.
I did call, only to get the same long waits. The automated system didn’t have a clue as to what I was calling for. The long wait for the next available assistant proved just as dumb-ass. I gave all the information and they acted as if they were still trying to get their new business off the ground. I was switched to area supervisor. Now we all know that supervisors know everything there is to know. What a bunch of BS. I went thru with that one. I finally hung up in disgust. Absolutely no human traits prevailed on Duke’s end.
Even a novice like me, using common sense, can figure something is wrong with the new meter they installed a couple of months ago. There is a major Duke Energy complex on highway 64, three minutes away from me. You would think it would be a simple matter of sending someone to check out just how smart that new meter really is.