For some Texas residents, the electricity bills they received last week were unthinkable and unprecedented after seeing that the sums reached nearly $ 7,000 (140 thousand pesos) for the use of the service, while the state was in emergency due to low temperatures after the polar wave that was recorded for several days and that left several citizens with water cuts, light and gas.
Several local media outlets have revealed the cases of some users who have seen an exorbitant figure in theirs electricity bills sent by supplier Griddy, Which is generating consumer displeasure and has motivated the government to seek assistance.
Dallas resident DeAndre Upshaw told CNN be “very shocked” to see that on his bill the company was charging him almost $ 7,000 for electricity consumption.
“As long as I try to get gas and groceries and make sure my pipes don’t explode, the last thing I think about is a $ 7,000 bill from my utility company “.
In addition to your case, Dallas Morning News also revealed that user Karen Cosby had also suffered a rise in her account, which reached $ 5,000 (100,000 pesos). while ABC News reported the case of customers who will have to pay up to $ 17 thousand (more than 350 thousand pesos) due to spending on three properties.
Griddy, along with other suppliers, has variable energy rates in wholesale kilowatt hours, a fact that is part of a deregulated market in Texas, according to reports Dallas Morning News.
However, The Washington Post clarifies that users can choose their energy supplier, but many turn to those with variable plans, a convenient fact when weather conditions are better, but the situation varies when the wholesale price increases.
“Everyone in Texas is in favor of deregulation, and Griddy, as a wholesale electricity supplier, is the most deregulated that can be obtained (…) And that just proves it why regulation is important“Because, of course, in the short term it’s great, but then situations like this arise where you just get out of control,” he said. Nicholas Milazzo, a user who received a bill of 3 thousand dollars (more than 62 thousand pesos), in the middle of the United States.
Screenshots of accounts have been massed on social media, with many asking for concrete explanations from the authorities and the companies responsible for providing electricity service to the state.
On Saturday, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott met with the entity’s leaders to discuss the issue and “Reduce this load” for users who have had to see more how to avoid the effects of the coronavirus pandemic and the winter storm.
“(Solutions need to be found for) jeans don’t be left with unreasonable utility bills they cannot pay due to the temporary massive increase in the energy market, ”Abbott said in a written statement.
For his part, Griddy stated that “continues with these efforts (to seek solutions) and commits to assist customers for any relief“Dollar for Dollar,” he added in a statement that he wanted to continue offering “innovative products and services in the Texas retail energy market.”
OMZI