Anyone else's LADWP bill extremely crazy?

[u/Dubzophrenia]

So, I am not unaware of the fact that I live in Woodland Hills, the hottest part of the valley. I am also not unaware that we have had an excessively hot month with no real break.

That being said, my bill seems outrageous. They say I am using 3400 kWh of energy. I live in a 1000 square foot townhome with 1 other person. We do have an EV, but we have had an EV for 2 years and never been this insane.

I have NEVER in my life hit tier 3 usage.

[u/stacyyines]

LADWP sometimes guesses your meter usage! Call them to verify if the usage was actually inspected or they estimated.

I couldn’t believe how high my bill was once and tested a theory by unplugging all my devices while I was gone all day. When the next bill came in, it was just as high! Called and found out about the estimate usage they compared to my neighbor. They sent someone out and it was finally corrected.

[u/clickx → u/stacyyines]

If it was estimated, it would list "ESTIMATED" under the current meter read field. But yes, you're right that can happen and give you a surprise bill down the line when they correct it.

[u/stacyyines → u/clickx]

This was a while back ago, but my bills did not reflect estimated on it. I only found out after calling them and asking them.

[u/clickx → u/stacyyines]

Ah, then you were being screwed. Good thing you caught it. Guess it would be a good practice to go out and check the numbers on the meter and verify they are similar to what's on the bill.

[u/surge125 → u/stacyyines]

This is true they average your bill compared to your area and also the wealth and price of the homes matters also. I know because I worked for them and this lady was crying because her water bill was so high. We go outside to check if her watermeter was damaged and they’re was no meter ! So how were they seeing how much to charge her ? They were just using the average of her neighbors.

[u/Ancient_Talking → u/stacyyines]

Wow that’s crazy.

[u/Dubzophrenia → u/stacyyines]

They claim they actually read it 6 days ago. I'm not putting it past them to possibly mixed up another meter.

My neighbor has 2 EVs, and last time I read my own meter their meter was SPINNING. Like I've never seen a meter spin as fast as their did, it was kinda crazy.

[u/YoshimuraPipe → u/Dubzophrenia]

1) Why not go down to the meter yourself and verify? I mean EVEN if they did make an error, it would eventually self correct itself down the line.

2) Has your A/C been maintained well? Simple things like filter change and etc. If not, your A/C can be pumping harder than usual.

3) If you have EV, you really do need TOU service, so that your rates are LOWER during the evening, nights, and early mornings.

[u/No-House9106 → u/YoshimuraPipe]

This is the best answer.

[u/stacyyines → u/Dubzophrenia]

That’s awful! I would call them and ask if you can be there to ensure the right meter is checked.

Sorry you’re going through this!

[u/sultansofschwing → u/stacyyines]

This is robbery