Newport Utilities Explains Mixup At Newport Apartment Building

Newport Utilities has released their findings regarding a mixup of two electric meters at an apartment complex. According to Newport Utilities, the apartment building contractor was to blame for the mixup. The meter box labels had been switched upon the building’s construction. Because of this switch, the customers located in the two apartments were receiving each other’s bills and paying for each other’s usage. The utility pointed out in their notification that it is the responsibility of the contractor/builder/electrician hired for construction to properly label the wiring of the building. In this case, the meter boxes were incorrectly labeled and, thus, the tenants in Apartment A at the Hawkins Street building had been paying the utility bill for Apartment C. The tenants of Apartment C had been paying the utility bill for Apartment A. Tracy and Gary Styles say they are now getting a $3,000 bill for backpay on their utility bill. The Styles’ told Newport Utilities that this was not their fault and should not have to pay the bill, but Newport Utilities General Manager Michael Williford stated that the situation was not their fault either and could not adjust the bill, but could help the Styles’ set up a payment plan.