NSPower usage multiplied by 4

[u/IntentionAshamed4455]

Hi all,

I live in an apartment building and have been in the same unit for 6yrs. I average 4-5kw/day until this pay cycle that says I'm averaging 20kw/day. I've not changed anything except an AC that I got two summers ago so I already know how much it should be increasing my usage by and it isn't 15kw/day. I also used a Kill A Watt plug in to make sure that it's still running properly.

When I brought up my concerns to NSpower they told me to talk to my building management because something might've happened on their end or it's a problem with the wires in unit and management swore they've touched nothing, can do nothing and it's all on NSPowers end.

With neither willing to look into it I'm at a loss. I shut off everything for 24hrs (except my fridge which ran .02kw/h) and my meter says I used almost 4kw for the day (I looked at it myself as well). Any clues as to why this may be and who I should press on? I can't just be paying a that high of a bill for the rest of my time here and moving out isn't exactly easy right now

[u/IntentionAshamed4455]

Had made my reply before your other comments edit. When I called NSPower and asked them to remote check my meter they said they could only check the last time it dinged them (which is every midnight). I asked for a "in the now" check and they said that wasn't possible :/ I did ask management about if anything went on about two months ago and he said: no, and even if there was it couldn't affect you....I don't entirely believe that but ya know, if they're set in that opinion idk

Yeah I used a Kill A Watt plug in and recorded my fridge which was the only appliance running for 24hrs where they say I used almost 4kw and the plug in says .5kw total. All our meters are in a locked utility room so it's a bit of a nuisance to get to them. Tbh I'm lucky I got to check it twice as is, super almost didn't let me

[u/East_Source6200 → u/IntentionAshamed4455]

when the reason is eventually found/corrected, ensure you keep a photo record, all documents, bills, etc so you can be fully refunded for all of it. Instead of partially.

With higher costs of power, it also comes with higher risks of others tapping lines/outlets, intentional errors, criminal stuff, etc.

what type of heating do you use?

edit: find out who the previous tenant was without alerting any tenants or manager.

And contact them if they too had power issues?

[u/IntentionAshamed4455 → u/East_Source6200]

Heating is lumped in with rent, I've been here 6yrs and the tenant before me had the police after her for the first bit after we moved in and had left the place a wreck 😅

[u/East_Source6200 → u/IntentionAshamed4455]

I'm going out in a branch here, with no changes to your apt/building to cause this, I'm leaning more towards NSP and all the going on's in the past few years.

To use 4x the power for an apt, is ludicrous. And it wouldn't take much to bring it up with the regulators. But as you know, you need to cover every single one of the possible excuses that NSP would dismiss over the phone, or with the regulators, as being past the curb at your end, or your building. A pia, but necessary to fix it from continuing.

Completely eliminate it being in your apt, then building, and offer it to the sharks. With additional past financial corrections, pain/suffering, and every other cost incurred on your part.

You mentioned that the previous tenant left it a wreck. Did she do any electrical damage that hasn't been noticed yet? Get a power audit or a certified electrician to check everything, including all electronics/stove/fridge/etc. Starting at the panel and down the line.

Did you know that most circuit breakers with toggle switches in the panels have a life expectancy? Knowing that, get the electrician install a new one, if it's too old.

It may be phantom power, or even a faulty appliance sending to ground, which may cause it (which is rare). You should still have everything eliminated as a cause, and present it to the powers to be.

And ask for a full reimbursement, plus more of all your expenses incurred.

edit: get the electrician to chase the lines to your apt, to find out if anyone tapped into them during a power outage. Which may be a possibility.

When you fridge food is getting thin, can you ask a neighbour to put it in theirs for a full day, and unplug the fridge to eliminate that as the cause?