Smart Meter customers complain of higher bills
LAWRENCE - If you've seen an increase in your Westar Energy bill, you're not alone. Customers across Lawrence are blaming the problem on Westar's Smart Meters.
With a warmer than usual winter, Lawrence residents say they didn't expect to be paying high energy bills. But in the past few months, they've been handing over more dollars to their utility company. Some believe it's because of the new smart meters Westar installed.
One customer told 6News his meters reads 65 degrees as 70. Another customer said she is paying more for a two-bedroom apartment than she did for her three-bedroom townhome.
Westar Energy spokeswoman Gina Penzig says that the smart meters are accurate. "We have a great relationship with our customers," says Penzig. "We are not going to risk that on any technology that we don't have full confidence in."
Westar says there are many factors that go into energy use. People having company over, or new electronics in a home are two that could cause higher bills. Westar is also defending the weather. "While this winter overall has been really mild, it was noticeably colder in December than November," says Penzig. "Weather is a main driver of energy use."
Smart meter customers also report the problem isn't just here in Lawrence. People in California and Texas are also noticing the issue.