1. Consumer Lawyer NYC and Utility Billing Disputes
Billing disputes frequently arise from a combination of customer submission errors and utility system failures.
An experienced consumer lawyer in NYC evaluates both the customer’s actions and the utility provider’s compliance with PSC regulations to determine whether corrective relief is warranted.
The Initial Meter Reading Discrepancy
The matter began when our client, a Brooklyn small business owner, received a back-bill exceeding $4,500.
The client had enrolled with an Energy Service Company (ESCO) in 2017. During a prolonged period when Con Edison could not access the physical meter, the account relied on customer-submitted readings.
The client inadvertently submitted four-digit readings instead of the required five-digit readings. This error caused underestimation of actual electricity usage for nearly two years.
2. Consumer Lawyer NYC and Utility Oversight Obligations
Under the New York Public Service Law and PSC regulations, utilities must maintain accurate billing systems and investigate material discrepancies in meter data.
While customers are responsible for providing accurate information, utilities are also expected to identify irregularities and reconcile inconsistencies in a timely manner.
The Utility System Error and Delayed Correction
In March 2018, a Con Edison meter reader obtained an accurate five-digit reading.
Because this reading differed substantially from the previously submitted four-digit entries, the utility’s automated system flagged it as an anomaly and rejected it.
The discrepancy was not manually investigated at that time. As a result, estimated billing continued until May 2019, when the error was finally corrected.
The correction generated a cumulative catch-up bill of over $4,500, placing severe strain on the business.
3. Consumer Lawyer NYC Advocacy before the Psc
When direct negotiations with a utility provider do not produce a satisfactory outcome, a formal complaint may be filed with the New York State Public Service Commission.
The PSC oversees electric utilities pursuant to the Public Service Law and relevant provisions of 16 NYCRR.
A consumer lawyer in NYC can prepare and submit a complaint detailing:
- The billing timeline
- Meter reading discrepancies
- Utility procedural failures
- Financial hardship impact
Psc Investigation and Findings
With legal assistance, the client filed a complaint through the PSC complaint process.
Following review, the PSC concluded that Con Edison had failed to properly reconcile the 2018 valid meter reading.
In acknowledgment of this procedural oversight, the utility applied a $450 credit to the account.
However, the PSC also determined that because the electricity had in fact been consumed, a complete waiver of the charges was not appropriate under the governing regulations.
4. Consumer Lawyer NYC and Structured Repayment Solutions
Once liability is clarified, the next critical issue becomes affordability.
New York regulations provide consumers and small businesses with the right to request structured payment arrangements for outstanding balances.
Establishing a Deferred Payment Agreement
Under 16 NYCRR Part 11 (electric service) and related PSC consumer protection provisions, utilities may enter into Deferred Payment Agreements (DPAs) to allow repayment over time.
With guidance from a consumer lawyer in NYC, the client negotiated a Deferred Payment Agreement extending repayment over four years.
This structured arrangement enabled the business to:
- Avoid service termination
- Stabilize monthly cash flow
- Continue operations without immediate financial collapse
Final Outcome
The final resolution reflected a balanced regulatory outcome:
- Partial credit for utility oversight
- Responsibility for actual electricity consumed
- Long-term repayment protection under PSC guidelines
This case illustrates that while full forgiveness of utility charges is rare when services were used, regulatory oversight and legal advocacy can significantly mitigate financial hardship.
Utility billing disputes can be complex and intimidating.
The consumer protection attorneys at SJKP have extensive experience handling matters involving billing irregularities, ESCO disputes, and complaints before the New York State Public Service Commission.
If you have received a disputed or excessive bill, a knowledgeable consumer lawyer in NYC can evaluate your options, advocate before regulators, and negotiate a structured resolution.
Contact SJKP for a consultation to discuss your matter.
25 Feb, 2026
