Sempra Blues

I filed a CPUC complaint against SDGE today and sent this letter to their CEO, Caroline Winn. I have been getting these crazy estimated reads, I believe a conscious form of harassment from them in order to force us to install a Smart Meter. Several months ago I received a two thousand dollar bill from them, all based on ridiculous estimates.

Here is the letter:

June 4, 2025

Caroline Winn

CEO 
SDGE

Sempra Utilities

Dear Ms. Winn,

Re: #001________

My name is Robert Sommers. I have lived with my wife Leslie at the property located at 2------- ln in Fallbrook since 1989. My bills have been relatively stable for the last thirty six years, rarely exceeding $350 in the hottest summer months but usually far less than that. Several years ago we had a secondary smart meter on a wind machine in our grove and watched it arc and catch on fire. It was very scary and we had it disconnected. My wife suffers from a neurologic condition ---------------- that results in extreme pain and our home subpanel is located on the outside of our bedroom wall, three feet from her head. Because of this we pay an extra ten dollars a month for a conventional meter as she does not want to get triggered. 

Unfortunately, this means that we get estimated bills. This only started about two years ago. That would be okay but they have been exorbitant, nothing close to our actual usage the last 36 years. Eight hundred dollar estimates, five hundred dollar estimates. I have called and complained and got nowhere. Last month after a high bill I called and the lady said not to worry, it would drop this month. It did not, another $511 bill. I called to get an explanation and complain and to voice my dissatisfaction yesterday and got nowhere. I asked to speak to a supervisor and the woman told me that none were available and that someone would call me back. They have not.

I have to wonder if the high estimated bills are a form of harassment meant to force me into the smart meter program? Why are they always high and never low, based on my long history of usage? Why do they not more accurately reflect my electrical usage history? Why am I told that I will get a read every other month when it is clearly not happening and resulting in these ridiculous amounts? What can be done to generate power estimates that are more in line with reality?

I want to pay what I owe but these huge estimated reads are hamstringing me financially. Please advise me and help me resolve this matter.

Sincerely,

Robert Sommers

Blue Heron Gallery

113 N. Main Ave.

Fallbrook, CA 92028

It will be interesting to see what kind of response I get, if any.

*

Postscript: I heard from the CEO's office within an hour. I talked to two different people in the executive office who told me that they would look into the matter immediately. I let them know that I had received a two thousand dollar bill a few months ago and that I could not get any help resolving the matter.

Friday I received a call from a man who told me that they had researched my situation and that my historical power usage was as stated. He apologized, said that after two successive estimated reads, my bill should have kicked out to a real live human but that it did not. I think their AI went crazy and just started making up high numbers. I was told that they have a manpower issue making manual reads.

He said that they were working to resolve the issue.

Saturday I received two more power bills, for $1029 and $1181.91 respectively. It also showed that the actual usage last month was $159. 

I was told to disregard these bills which sort of scares me because they have told me so many things in the past and I have developed certain trust issues with the utility. But the CPUC also contacted me to let me know that they have requested all of my past paperwork and are seriously looking into the issues. So perhaps they will be on good behavior.

Maybe I will get this all cleared up?

I can't be the only person in this county this is happening to, can I?