Long Island Resident Claims Automated Gas Meter Overcharged Him

ISLIP TERRACE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork)-- Fifteen dollars a month may not seem like a lot, but it could add up over a year. One Long Island homeowner said he caught the glitch and is refusing to pay his utility.

Despite the inconvenience, Jay Wornstaff makes a habit of checking his automated gas meter against the actual reading on his monthly bill.

He said he found a $15 discrepancy, CBS2's Jennifer McLogan reported.

"As far as utilities go and their billing, no one is looking our for you but you. You have to be responsible for making sure the meter readings are accurate," he said.

Wornstaff called National Grid asking for an in-person house call, not a "drive-by" electronic reading and shared the outcome with his East Islip neighbors.

"Did his little hand held wand thing, he says 'oh your meter was programmed incorrectly' in their favor," he said.

Some people would never think to question the bill.

"I check the bill, occasionally I check the meter, but I've never done a comparison," East Islip condo owner Kathy Rial said.

Wornstaff wonders how many others have similar issues since door-to-door readings were replaced by automation.

CBS2 reported over-billings when the new system was rolled out last year, it was launched to contain human error and do away with fines for not being home when meter readers came to call.

National Grid said it stands by its new technology.

"Nearly 600,000 new automatic meters have an installation rate of 95.5 percent," the company said.

Pinpoint accuracy of meters used to bill customers is critical, said energy expert Matthew Cordaro.

"There are bound to be slip-ups and corrections. I think ultimately automatic meters will definitely be 100 percent accurate at some point but, it is going to take some time before they can be absolutely sure that is the case. In the meantime, I would encourage everyone out there to read their own meter," he said.

The state Public Service Commission  said if there are any errors with gas or electric bills, the law requires the utility issue an immediate refund to the customer.