St. Catharines Café Owner Triumphs Over $56K Enbridge Gas Bill Dispute
Ritesh Kumar, a small business owner in St. Catharines, Ontario, recently triumphed over a significant dispute with Enbridge Gas Inc. The conflict revolved around a staggering gas bill for $56,589, covering the period from July 2021 to December 2023. This bill arrived shortly after Kumar purchased a property intended for his café and apartments, with plans to open in July 2024.
Billing Discrepancies and Initial Panic
Upon receiving the bill, Kumar was understandably alarmed. He highlighted that Enbridge had not inspected the property prior to the billing nor communicated any information regarding gas consumption. While waiting for city approval and undertaking renovations, he dedicated two years to contesting the charges. His initial complaint to Enbridge was submitted on January 9, 2024.
In response, Enbridge acknowledged the billing error, attributing it to inaccurate meter readings. This issue is not isolated; numerous customers have reported similar problems with Enbridge in recent years. In 2023 alone, a couple in Ajax encountered a $1,600 charge due to sporadic meter readings and estimations.
Regulatory Oversight
The Ontario Energy Board, responsible for regulating energy providers, scrutinized Enbridge’s practices. The board imposed a $250,000 fine in 2022 due to the company’s failure to comply with meter reading standards.
Continued Issues and the Ombudsman’s Office
In October 2024, Kumar received a new gas meter, but the alarming charge persisted on his bill. Contacting Enbridge’s ombudsman for assistance, he learned that the company based its charges on readings from July 2021. The response from the ombudsman’s office further puzzled Kumar, who pointed out that the property originally featured no furnace, using hot-water radiators instead for heating.
To upgrade the property and improve energy efficiency, Kumar had five new furnaces installed during renovations in early 2023. Once completed, the café and four upstairs apartment units experienced a mix of gas consumption, with Kumar’s bills ranging from $100 to $700 in winter months. Many times, he overpaid his bill to maintain a favorable credit balance with Enbridge.
Resolution and Ongoing Concerns
After further communication with the company’s representatives, Enbridge reduced Kumar’s bill drastically from $56,589 to approximately $6,200. An Enbridge spokesperson confirmed this adjustment stemmed from the earlier billing inaccuracies.
Despite this reduction, Kumar remains unsatisfied, expressing concerns over the accuracy of the remaining bill, particularly noting that the building sat vacant during the disputed timeframe.
Key Information Summary
- Property Location: St. Catharines, Ontario
- Original Bill Amount: $56,589
- Reduced Bill Amount: $6,200
- Complaint Filed: January 9, 2024
- Enbridge Fine: $250,000 in 2022
Kumar’s experience highlights ongoing billing challenges facing Enbridge customers, prompting questions about regulatory oversights and customer service responses. As Kumar continues to advocate for clearer billing practices, his story reflects broader issues within the energy sector, emphasizing the need for improved accuracy and transparency in billing processes.
