West Memphis Utilities

I am over the estate for my deceased father, [redacted] Sr who pass away December 31, 2012. He owes a home locate at [redacted] AR XXXXX. The home was put on the market to be sold in February 9, 2013. The home have been vacant since that date (still is to date). I live in State of California. I requested that the [redacted] leave the electric on in the home because of an Alarm system in the home to protect property and so that the Real Estate agent. I requested that water, sewer and garbage be shut off but was told by the company this could not be done. The company told me that we would have to continue all the services; we couldn't have just one other the other. From February 2013 to February 2014 the utilities went from $38.00 a month to $604.00 (March bill was $192.00) I contacted the company and spoke to the Manager in billings, I told him that something was terrible wrong with this billing statement. He informed me that there was a water leak. I told him yes there was because the Pipes had frozen and bust (this information was reported to use via the real estate agent) but the water had been turned off; I informed him that this shouldn't have caused such a huge increase in the electric ($8.00 to $200.00; water went from $7.00 to $200.00. I informed him thatthe home was vacant and the only different in activities that should be showing on the meter reading is when Hired workers went into the home February 14, 2014 to dry out the home using equipments to do. He stated to me that my "it seems like a neighbor is stealing my electric and water and using our sewer". I told him that the home had a working alarm system that did not go off and the real estate agent had just visited the home on February 12, 2014 and reported no break ins or anything out of the norms. This is outrageous! These charges are fraudulent and I am asking your office for help in resolving this GREAT issue(s). The company have stated that they have re-read the meter, I am not buying thisProduct_Or_Service: UtilitiesAccount_Number: XXXXXDesired SettlementFor them to correct this problem and to resubmit a reasonable utility bill.Business Response These meters are read on a monthly basis and show these readings for 2014. (1/7/14 E. 71215 KWH used 156, Water 8873 estimated used 1) (2/6/14 E. 74516 Kwh used 3301, Water 11084 used 2211) 3/11/14 E XXXXX KWH used 936, water 11615 531. In addition the regular readings the meters were checked on February 7. electric read 75956, water 11375 then read again at customer request March 5 electric read 75424, water 11615. Additionally the [redacted] Code Enforcement Officer and Building Inspector have visited the property and have found nothing to question the accuracy of the reported electric and water consumption readings. Based upon the available information, it is the position of the [redacted] Utilities that the readings for this account are correct Consumer Response (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)How can the meter reading be that high with no one living in the home. Because of the unusual cold weather this year, this company simple took/taking advantage of it customers by over (in my case triple) billings us. If not this than the meter is broken and needs to be repaired.Final Business Response There is no way I can explain what caused the high electrical consumption at [redacted] (acct. # XXXX-X). She stated the water lines in the house froze and burst, I have not seen a gas meter at this address, if this is correct the frozen water lines may have been hot water causing the hot water elements to keep trying to heat water. Again this all speculation on my part. The electric meter was removed and tested, it tested 98.91% meaning it is 1.09% slow. They are put into service at 100%. I don't know anything else I can add to this matter.