On April 1, the Utah Public Service Commission opened an official investigation to resolve under-billing claims of Questar Gas against approximately 500 customers statewide resulting from transponder or automated meter reading device errors.
The commission asked the public utilities division to conduct the investigation with assistance from the consumer services committee and make recommendations for resolution of the issues.
During the investigative process, the commission will determine the scope of the problem, inherent causes, issues of responsibility, length of back-billing allowed by rule and what impact the cases may have on future rate setting proceedings.
After a thorough investigation, the commission anticipates a ruling that will be consistent with the state agency’s charge to assure utility actions are reasonable and in the public interest.
“The commission will be conducting a procedural conference on April 17 at 9:30 a.m.,” pointed out Julie Orchard, state agency spokesperson. “We encourage all affected parties to participate in this process to allow the public interest to be fairly represented.”
The agency reminded Carbon County residents who have filed formal complaints that commission rules allow customers to delay paying the disputed portion of bills pending the resolution of the cases.
However, local residents are required to pay all current undisputed bills for natural gas.
If ordered by the commission, all consumers who have already paid Questar claims for under-billing will be eligible for refunds.
Questar customers residing in the Carbon County area who have back-billing complaints may contact the division online at publicutilities@utah.gov or by calling the state agency toll-free at (800) 874-0904.
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