For some Texans, the electricity bills they received last week were unimaginable and unheard of after seeing that the amounts reached nearly 7 thousand dollars (140 thousand pesos) for using the service, while the state was in distress due to the low temperatures after the polar wave recorded for several days that left several citizens with water, electricity and gas outages.
Various local media outlets have disclosed the cases of some users who have an exorbitant number in their electricity bills submitted by the Griddy provider, sparking consumer disgust and prompting the government to seek help.
DeAndre Upshaw, a Dallas resident, told me CNN Be “very shocked” to find that the company charged nearly $ 7,000 for electricity usage.
“While trying to get gas and groceries and make sure my pipes don’t burst, The last thing on my mind is a $ 7,000 note from my utility company. “
In addition to your business, Dallas Morning News It also revealed that user Karen Cosby had also incurred an increase in her account, which reached $ 5,000 (100,000 pesos). While ABC news reported the case of customers who have to pay up to $ 17,000 (over 350,000 pesos) due to spending on three properties.
Griddy, along with other providers, has variable energy tariffs for higher kilowatt hours, a fact that, according to reports, is framed in the midst of a deregulated Texas market Dallas Morning News
Nevertheless, The Washington Post clarifies that users can choose their energy supplier, but many are turning to those with variable plans, which is useful when weather conditions are better, but the situation varies when the wholesale price rises.
“Everyone in Texas is in favor of deregulation, and Griddy, as a wholesale electricity supplier, is the most deregulated you can get (…) And this can only be seen why regulation is importantBecause of course it’s great in the short term, but then situations like this come up where it just gets out of hand, ”he said. Nicholas Milazzo, a user who received a bill for $ 3,000 (over 62,000 pesos) to the US media.
Screenshots of the accounts are widespread on social networks, many asking for specific explanations from the authorities and the companies responsible for the supply of electricity in the state.
On Saturday, Texas Governor Greg Abbott met with the entity’s leaders to discuss the matter and “reduce this burden” for users who have also had to see how to avoid the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic and the winter storm.
“(We need to find solutions so that) Texans don’t be left with unreasonable utility bills they are unable to pay because of the temporary massive surge in the energy market, “Abbott said in a written statement.
Griddy for his part stated that “continues these efforts (to find solutions) and is committed to assist customers for any relief, dollar for dollar, ”he added in a statement that he“ wanted to continue to offer innovative products and services in the Texas energy retail market. “
OMZI