Wwp Will Negotiate November Estimate Utility Allows Adjustments For Customers Who Lost Power

Washington Water Power Co. is allowing customers to negotiate bills for electricity service disrupted by last month’s ice storm, spokeswoman Dana Anderson said Wednesday.

Although the utility has mailed bills for periods that include days when there were widespread outages, officials have allowed adjustments sought by consumers who did not have power, she said.

“They can call and make other arrangements based on what their need is,” Anderson said, noting the policy has been in effect since shortly after ice began destroying the company’s distribution lines on Nov. 19.

Also, many customers have received bills based on estimates because downed power lines or other hazards made their homes inaccessible.

Because this November was colder than November 1995, the estimates likely will be higher than the bills for the same period a year ago.

Anderson said WWP understands the increase has added to the frustration of those who lost electricity service.

Bills reduced this month to accommodate customer requests will be readjusted next month to bring accounts into conformity with their meter readings, she said.

, DataTimes