Take a close look at your electric bill

Have you been checking your ComEd bill line by line? Did you notice a "smart meter" fee you're being charged for not having one? I didn't feel this fee was justified, so I called ComEd. I'd like to share some of the questions I asked (and you may want to, also):

When did this pilot program begin, since I noticed I was being billed in my January-February 2010 bill for a smart meter I don't even have yet? My rate every month was 9 cents, and now my June bill reflects an increase to 68 cents. Why wasn't I and every customer given an insert or message with our bills explaining what a smart meter is, why we're being charged for something we don't have (I was told not optional), why the monthly rate fluctuates, how long we'll see these rates on our bills, what's the final "cap" charge, and once everyone's forced to get the meter, will we endure additional monthly charges?

Seeing how ComEd is the true benefactor that will net the salary savings from all the meter-reader jobs being eliminated, why then are we being charged for meters we don't have? To be charged a fee for a test pilot program others are on and I am not feels unjust.

I was also rather surprised to learn that AARP and CUB were on board with all this.

I'd love to share the answers I got, but you may not like them. I encourage everyone to call, and when you do insist on straight answers. If you don't like the answers, file a complaint with the Illinois Commerce Commission (as I did).

Maria Sroga

Palatine