How can I Lawfully / officially refuse to pay for a utility bill that they're charging due to their mistake?

Question

The city of Pearland, Tx is charging me about $ 850.00 for glitch in their utliity codeign program. This amount is only half of the amount due. This utility problem has been happing from the time the house was built eleven years ago. I was NEVER informed by the utility department about their codeing problem until I received my current bil. I trully feel that I should'n have to pay for their computer codeing problem

Answer 1

You should file a complaint with the Public Utilities Commission. I'm not sure how much good it will do, but it's a start. Also, in the meantime I would pay the bill and hopefully you will get a refund later.

Answer 2

I would think that you could request arbitration. Unless you have solar panels and a generator, I would be real careful about not paying. If it truly was a mistake and you used the electricity you should pay. Maybe you can get them to reduce the bill by telling them that you would have been more frugal in your use if you had known the real cost.

Answer 3

What am I missing here?

THIS AMOUNT IS ONLY HALF OF THE AMOUNT DUE????????

Please allow me to suggest that your Pay this Amount and Mark your Check "PAID IN FULL" - and be happy with your windfall of about $850.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The rest of us should be as lucky!