Wittels McInturff Palikovic is investigating numerous complaints regarding Con Edison’s potentially illegal $100 monthly “No Access Fee” charged to New York City residents in connection with ConEd’s installation of “smart meters” throughout the city.
Upon investigation, ConEd claims on its website that it is reaching out to New York City residents approximately three months before it plans to replace energy meters in their neighborhoods. For residents whose electric meters are located inside their home, ConEd’s website states that they must make an appointment to allow ConEd to access their meter, and ConEd further claims to have the authority to bill residents who do not make a meter replacement appointment $100 every month until the appointment is scheduled.
Evidence suggests that ConEd may not have authority to charge the $100 monthly fee, rendering the $100 charges illegal. Evidence further suggests that many residents who are charged the $100 fee never received notification from ConEd about scheduling an appointment but are charged the monthly fee regardless. Other evidence suggests that ConEd’s notice to New York City residents is inadequate and many residents are being charged a large monthly fee for not recognizing or responding to ConEd’s inadequate disclosure.
WMP has already filed other class actions against companies that have engaged in similar practices of charging illegal or inadequately disclosed fees and may file similar lawsuits on behalf of Con Edison customers who paid $100 “No Access” monthly fees for ConEd’s smart meter replacement program.
If you are a Con Edison customer and were charged a $100 “No Access Fee” without notice, or with inadequate notice from ConEd, you are not alone! We urge you to contact a class action attorney at WMP for a free case evaluation. Should a lawsuit be brought, there is no cost or fee involved in joining the case. You can contact us by clicking here, calling (914) 775-8862, or emailing us at case@wittelslaw.com.