Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative Reviews (10)
Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative Rating
Description: Electric Companies
Address: 15035 Burnt Store Rd, Hughesville, Maryland, United States, 20637
Phone: |
Show more...
|
Add contact information for Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative
Add new contacts
November 14, Dear [redacted] :In response to my letter of September 29, 2014, [redacted] raised additional concerns about her electric bill from Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) [redacted] believes that her current electric utility bill is too high and that her thermostat, which she thought defective, was the culpritSMECO has responded to [redacted] Today she says she is quite satisfied with SMECOIn order to receive Maryland Energy Assistance, the state requires applicants to be on the cooperative’s budget billing planOver the course of this past year, [redacted] ’s actual energy usage exceeded the estimate used to calculate the budgeted amount, in large part because of the colder-than-2013-winterSo, when SMECO adjusted [redacted] ’s budget billing amount in August of this year, her prior year’s arrearage was factored into the current year’s billsHer monthly budget billing amount went up.This month, SMECO arranged for an inspection of [redacted] ’s thermostatVisiting the home, the inspector found the thermostat to be in good working order, but also found the filters to be cloggedKnowing that this would contribute to higher electricity usage because the system could not breathe, the inspector recommended that [redacted] replace the filtersToday, one of SMECO’s employees called [redacted] to speak with her about her bills [redacted] understood why the bills have increased, but was surprised to learn that her energy assistance would run out this month unless her application for assistance was received and approved by Southern Maryland Tri-County Community Action CommitteeThe SMECO employee is now working on [redacted] ’s behalf with Tri-CountyIn the meanwhile, SMECO has agreed to maintain [redacted] ’s budget billing amount at the August level [redacted] says she is thankful for SMECO’s helpDuring the telephone call today, [redacted] was surprised to learn of this complaint to the Revdex.com and was adamant that she had not contacted your organization [redacted] was alarmed that someone would contact the Revdex.com on her behalf without her knowledgeSMECO is pleased to have been able to assist one of its customer-members with her energy billsIt could have been done quicker had the Good Samaritan reached out to SMECO firstNevertheless, we are glad to have helped [redacted] with her situationVery truly yours,Katherine NManaging Director, Engineering and Operations Services
*** ***, I apologize for the delay in sending thisFrom the computer I had been working on, I could not type in this text area, and it would not allow the response to send without a message in the "body" as the error saidPlease let me know if you have any questions, or need further
information.Thank you,
Sherri
Sherri L* ***Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative, Inc.PO Box ***Hughesville, MD 20637###-###-#######-###-#### - fax***@smeco.coop
[To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, you must give us a reason why you are rejecting the responseIf no reason is received your complaint will be closed Administratively Resolved]
Complaint: ***
I am rejecting this response because: The increase of money was too much.The thermostat that control the heater or the air conditioning that is in my home belong to them ,it is not my fault if they gave me a defective equipment
I always set the thermostat at degrees that is what they recommend,so their answer is nothing but a bunch of excuses for doing what they well know is wrong
Regards,
*** ***
March 4, 2014
Dear **. [redacted]:
[redacted] submitted a complaint regarding high electric bills to The Revdex.com on February 6, 2014. **. [redacted]’s residential address is [redacted] MD, and his electric service is...
provided by Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (“SMECO”). Based on SMECO’s analysis as described below, **. [redacted]’s bills properly reflected the electricity usage at his residence. SMECO has begun working with **. [redacted] to identify ways for him to reduce his energy usage.
Upon receiving **. [redacted]’s complaint, SMECO analyzed the electricity usage history for the residence from November 6, 2013 (the date service commenced in **. [redacted]’s name) through the most current meter reading date. As shown below, the electricity consumption at **. [redacted]’s address during **. [redacted]’s occupancy was in line with the historic consumption at the residence and reasonable given the temperatures experienced during the billing periods.
Read Date kWh Davs kWh/Dav Avg. Temp.
02/11/14* 3962 32 124 34.41
01/10/14* 3028 31 98 33.78
12/10/13* 2708 32 85 43.65
02/11/13 3907 33 118 39.04
01/09/13 3211 30 107 42.58
12/10/12 2608 31 84 48.00
02/27/12 2936 31 95 44.58
01/27/12 2915 30 97 41.00
12/28/11 2697 30 90 45.90
02/24/11 3874 28 138 39.28
01/27/11 4648 30 155 34.19
12/28/10 4011 29 138 35.12
[redacted]’s usage.
Generally, electricity usage varies with temperatures; that is, the colder it is in the winter, the more electricity one uses. The historical usage at **. [redacted]’s residence (as shown above) bears this out. The average temperatures for the January and February **. [redacted] lived at the residence were colder than the corresponding months in the prior three years. Because it was so cold, SMECO’s customers used enough electricity on six days in January for SMECO to experience peak demands higher in those days than any peaks before 2014!
As part of its analysis, SMECO also tested the meter. The meter (#[redacted]) tested as accurate and within the calibration tolerances established by the Maryland Public Service Commission. This indicates that the electricity usage in **. [redacted]’s residence was being properly measured and recorded.
SMECO followed up with **. [redacted] to discuss his high energy usage concerns. SMECO offered to have its EmPOWER Maryland programs implementation contractor contact him to schedule a Quick Home Energy Check-up. This energy efficiency program, performed at no cost, could help **. [redacted] identify ways to reduce the amount of energy use in his residence. **. [redacted] accepted SMECO’s offer for the Quick Home Energy Check-up. During the conversation, **. [redacted] explained that his apartment complex’s maintenance staff had informed him that a hot water tank was not working correctly - an issue, if true, over which SMECO has no control. SMECO suggested that **. [redacted] investigate whether his hot water tank and heat pump are operating properly. Finally, SMECO offered to place **. [redacted] on a payment arrangement as well as SMECO’s Even Monthly Payment Plan.
Thank you for the opportunity to address this matter.
Yours truly,
November 14, 2014
Dear [redacted]:In response to my letter of September 29, 2014, [redacted] raised additional concerns about her electric bill from Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO). [redacted] believes that her current electric utility bill is too high and that her thermostat, which she thought defective, was the culprit.
SMECO has responded to [redacted]. Today she says she is quite satisfied with SMECO.
In order to receive Maryland Energy Assistance, the state requires applicants to be on the cooperative’s budget billing plan. Over the course of this past year, [redacted]’s actual energy usage exceeded the estimate used to calculate the budgeted amount, in large part because of the colder-than-normal 2013-2014 winter. So, when SMECO adjusted [redacted]’s budget billing amount in August of this year, her prior year’s arrearage was factored into the current year’s bills. Her monthly budget billing amount went up.This month, SMECO arranged for an inspection of [redacted]’s thermostat. Visiting the home, the inspector found the thermostat to be in good working order, but also found the filters to be clogged. Knowing that this would contribute to higher electricity usage because the system could not breathe, the inspector recommended that [redacted] replace the filters. Today, one of SMECO’s employees called [redacted] to speak with her about her bills. [redacted] understood why the bills have increased, but was surprised to learn that her energy assistance would run out this month unless her application for assistance was received and approved by Southern Maryland Tri-County Community Action Committee. The SMECO employee is now working on [redacted]’s behalf with Tri-County. In the meanwhile, SMECO has agreed to maintain [redacted]’s budget billing amount at the August level.
[redacted] says she is thankful for SMECO’s help.
During the telephone call today, [redacted] was surprised to learn of this complaint to the Revdex.com and was adamant that she had not contacted your organization. [redacted] was alarmed that someone would contact the Revdex.com on her behalf without her knowledge. SMECO is pleased to have been able to assist one of its customer-members with her energy bills. It could have been done quicker had the Good Samaritan reached out to SMECO first. Nevertheless, we are glad to have helped [redacted] with her situation.
Very truly yours,Katherine N. Managing Director, Engineering and Operations Services
September 29, 2014Dear [redacted]:[redacted] lodged a complaint with the Revdex.com in which she stated concerns about her electric bill budget payment plan increasing.SMECO has analyzed the electricity usage history for [redacted]’s residence at [redacted]...
[redacted], Apt #[redacted], [redacted], Maryland [redacted]. As can be seen from the following data, usage at the residence has increased for similar days and similar temperature. A few factors that could impact this, using low temperature settings on the air conditioner, cooling/heating equipment not performing efficiently, additions to the number of persons in the home, increased usage on the hot water heater. Also, note that the number of billing days also impacts the actual billing consumption.READ DATE KWH DAYS KWH AVG TEMP DAY8/11/14 1019 32 32 74.557/10/14 916 30 31 78.606/10/14 851 32 27 71.308/9/13 867 30 29 80.117/10/13 724 28 26 78.956/12/13 820 34 24 71.04Regarding [redacted]’s budget billing amount increasing; this is based on the fact that the electrical consumption at the property has increased over the past twelve months. The budget plan is adjusted to ensure a large balance is not created on her account. Her previous budget amount was $138.00 with an applied $28.00 EUSP credit, billed amount of $110. Her budget amount has been increased to $226.00 with the applied $28.00 EUSP credit, billed amount of $198.00. However, this credit will end after the November billing and SMECO encourages [redacted] to reapply for energy assistance.
SMECO recommends the Home Performance with Energy Star program, an EmPOWER Maryland energy efficiency program. This option can provide diagnostic testing to identify areas for improvement in regards to energy efficiency. [redacted] can review information in regards to the program on our website at www.smeco.coop.Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at 301–274-1817.Very truly yours,Katherine N.
Managing Director, Engineering and Operations Services
Review: I moved here from Japan and I still don't have my household goods or appliances . I'm sleeping on a air mattress I only have a refrigerator , stove , and microwave . My first bill was $ 195 and I figured that was for initial opening then my next bill was about $ 250 how can that be if I'm not running anything . I called and was told cause I don't have anything in my house that's probably why my bill is so high . I'm the only one that live here and I'm out of town must of the time so how would my bill be high.Desired Settlement: I would like a reduced bill.
Review: I recently moved out of an apartment where my electric bill would only be 75-90 dollars monthly. since I moved into my new apartment which is in the same complex just added a bedroom, my bills are over 400 dollars a month. their reason is, well its cold out and thats the average charge for that apartment. well the month of december my roomates were gone for just under 3 weeks of the month. before we left we unplugged everything and turned off the thermostat. well low and behold out bill is 430+ dollars. I dont understand how that is possible. and on top of that I have NEVER seen a smeco employee come check the meters which leads me to believe that when they say that the amount is the AVERAGE amount, they're just assuming. that or they are just utilizing a monopoly of the town or active duty because they just happen to be the only providers for the area. we asked for an employee to come show us if the thermostat is working correctly or not and they said they would send somebody. 6 weeks later nobody has showed up and their excuse is.. "we dont have that request on record". this company is the most unproffesional business I have ever had to work with and I have advised former coworkers to NOT get stationed here because they will end up paying more than their car payment on an electric bill. I also understand they say well when you leave lights on... blah blah. nobody is ever home from around 7:00am to 2:30pm and the only time lights are on are to cook dinner or use the restroom. we watch tv in the dark and turn the thermostat down so low its always cold and sometimes we wear jackets inside.Desired Settlement: I want an explanation on how one apartment can cost 90 and the next cost 400+. especially when nobody was there for 3 weeks of the month and its STILL 400+. I would like to see fair pricing and honestly and loyalty to paying customers!
Business
Response:
March 4, 2014
Dear **. [redacted]:
[redacted] submitted a complaint regarding high electric bills to The Revdex.com on February 6, 2014. **. [redacted]’s residential address is [redacted] MD, and his electric service is provided by Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (“SMECO”). Based on SMECO’s analysis as described below, **. [redacted]’s bills properly reflected the electricity usage at his residence. SMECO has begun working with **. [redacted] to identify ways for him to reduce his energy usage.
Upon receiving **. [redacted]’s complaint, SMECO analyzed the electricity usage history for the residence from November 6, 2013 (the date service commenced in **. [redacted]’s name) through the most current meter reading date. As shown below, the electricity consumption at **. [redacted]’s address during **. [redacted]’s occupancy was in line with the historic consumption at the residence and reasonable given the temperatures experienced during the billing periods.
Read Date kWh Davs kWh/Dav Avg. Temp.
02/11/14* 3962 32 124 34.41
01/10/14* 3028 31 98 33.78
12/10/13* 2708 32 85 43.65
02/11/13 3907 33 118 39.04
01/09/13 3211 30 107 42.58
12/10/12 2608 31 84 48.00
02/27/12 2936 31 95 44.58
01/27/12 2915 30 97 41.00
12/28/11 2697 30 90 45.90
02/24/11 3874 28 138 39.28
01/27/11 4648 30 155 34.19
12/28/10 4011 29 138 35.12
[redacted]. [redacted]’s usage.
Generally, electricity usage varies with temperatures; that is, the colder it is in the winter, the more electricity one uses. The historical usage at **. [redacted]’s residence (as shown above) bears this out. The average temperatures for the January and February **. [redacted] lived at the residence were colder than the corresponding months in the prior three years. Because it was so cold, SMECO’s customers used enough electricity on six days in January for SMECO to experience peak demands higher in those days than any peaks before 2014!
As part of its analysis, SMECO also tested the meter. The meter (#[redacted]) tested as accurate and within the calibration tolerances established by the Maryland Public Service Commission. This indicates that the electricity usage in **. [redacted]’s residence was being properly measured and recorded.
SMECO followed up with **. [redacted] to discuss his high energy usage concerns. SMECO offered to have its EmPOWER Maryland programs implementation contractor contact him to schedule a Quick Home Energy Check-up. This energy efficiency program, performed at no cost, could help **. [redacted] identify ways to reduce the amount of energy use in his residence. **. [redacted] accepted SMECO’s offer for the Quick Home Energy Check-up. During the conversation, **. [redacted] explained that his apartment complex’s maintenance staff had informed him that a hot water tank was not working correctly - an issue, if true, over which SMECO has no control. SMECO suggested that **. [redacted] investigate whether his hot water tank and heat pump are operating properly. Finally, SMECO offered to place **. [redacted] on a payment arrangement as well as SMECO’s Even Monthly Payment Plan.
Thank you for the opportunity to address this matter.
Yours truly,
Review: Let me explain my situation:
Iam a single woma living in a $700.00 a month disability check.Iam diabetic and need to go to the doctor regularly,since I do not have a car I have to pay somebody to take me,usually $25.00
For all these reasons the state of [redacted]LAND help me pay my electric bill under a program called Electric Universal Service Program(EUSP),right now Iam in a budget plan payment that is based in the amount of electricity that I use every month.For the last 3 months my bill has not excede the sum of $110.00 but the current bill is too high,I do not know why since I have no used more power ,as a matter fact I have used less for the summer is over.
I have called them but they cannot give me a straight answer.Iam struggling paying $110.00 now so can you imagine what $198.00 will do to my budget.That is the amount that I have to pay from now on.
I will appreciate if you can help me with this.
My account # [redacted] SINCERELY.
[redacted]Desired Settlement: Lower my monthly payment sice I cannot afford it
Business
Response:
September 29, 2014Dear [redacted] lodged a complaint with the Revdex.com in which she stated concerns about her electric bill budget payment plan increasing.SMECO has analyzed the electricity usage history for [redacted]’s residence at [redacted], Apt #[redacted], [redacted], Maryland [redacted]. As can be seen from the following data, usage at the residence has increased for similar days and similar temperature. A few factors that could impact this, using low temperature settings on the air conditioner, cooling/heating equipment not performing efficiently, additions to the number of persons in the home, increased usage on the hot water heater. Also, note that the number of billing days also impacts the actual billing consumption.READ DATE KWH DAYS KWH AVG TEMP DAY8/11/14 1019 32 32 74.557/10/14 916 30 31 78.606/10/14 851 32 27 71.308/9/13 867 30 29 80.117/10/13 724 28 26 78.956/12/13 820 34 24 71.04Regarding [redacted]’s budget billing amount increasing; this is based on the fact that the electrical consumption at the property has increased over the past twelve months. The budget plan is adjusted to ensure a large balance is not created on her account. Her previous budget amount was $138.00 with an applied $28.00 EUSP credit, billed amount of $110. Her budget amount has been increased to $226.00 with the applied $28.00 EUSP credit, billed amount of $198.00. However, this credit will end after the November billing and SMECO encourages [redacted] to reapply for energy assistance.SMECO recommends the Home Performance with Energy Star program, an EmPOWER Maryland energy efficiency program. This option can provide diagnostic testing to identify areas for improvement in regards to energy efficiency. [redacted] can review information in regards to the program on our website at www.smeco.coop.Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at 301–274-1817.Very truly yours,Katherine N. Managing Director, Engineering and Operations Services
Consumer
Response:
[To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, you must give us a reason why you are rejecting the response. If no reason is received your complaint will be closed Administratively Resolved]
Review: [redacted]
I am rejecting this response because: The increase of money was too much.The thermostat that control the heater or the air conditioning that is in my home belong to them ,it is not my fault if they gave me a defective equipment.
I always set the thermostat at 70 degrees that is what they recommend,so their answer is nothing but a bunch of excuses for doing what they well know is wrong.
Regards,
Business
Response:
November 14, 2014Dear [redacted]:In response to my letter of September 29, 2014, [redacted] raised additional concerns about her electric bill from Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO). [redacted] believes that her current electric utility bill is too high and that her thermostat, which she thought defective, was the culprit.SMECO has responded to [redacted]. Today she says she is quite satisfied with SMECO.In order to receive Maryland Energy Assistance, the state requires applicants to be on the cooperative’s budget billing plan. Over the course of this past year, [redacted]’s actual energy usage exceeded the estimate used to calculate the budgeted amount, in large part because of the colder-than-normal 2013-2014 winter. So, when SMECO adjusted [redacted]’s budget billing amount in August of this year, her prior year’s arrearage was factored into the current year’s bills. Her monthly budget billing amount went up.This month, SMECO arranged for an inspection of [redacted]’s thermostat. Visiting the home, the inspector found the thermostat to be in good working order, but also found the filters to be clogged. Knowing that this would contribute to higher electricity usage because the system could not breathe, the inspector recommended that [redacted] replace the filters. Today, one of SMECO’s employees called [redacted] to speak with her about her bills. [redacted] understood why the bills have increased, but was surprised to learn that her energy assistance would run out this month unless her application for assistance was received and approved by Southern Maryland Tri-County Community Action Committee. The SMECO employee is now working on [redacted]’s behalf with Tri-County. In the meanwhile, SMECO has agreed to maintain [redacted]’s budget billing amount at the August level.[redacted] says she is thankful for SMECO’s help.During the telephone call today, [redacted] was surprised to learn of this complaint to the Revdex.com and was adamant that she had not contacted your organization. [redacted] was alarmed that someone would contact the Revdex.com on her behalf without her knowledge. SMECO is pleased to have been able to assist one of its customer-members with her energy bills. It could have been done quicker had the Good Samaritan reached out to SMECO first. Nevertheless, we are glad to have helped [redacted] with her situation.Very truly yours,Katherine N. Managing Director, Engineering and Operations Services