A family in California says they were left living out of a trailer for almost a week after PG&E cut their power during the Fourth of July holiday and alleged they had committed energy fraud.
Fresno resident Jessica Sicairos told FOX 26 that her household spent six days without electricity as temperatures climbed into the triple digits, forcing them to search for somewhere else to stay.
At first, Sicairos said, she was informed the shutoff was tied to overdue bills. The utility company later claimed the family had interfered with their electric meter and was involved in power theft.
The family, however, said they later learned they had been covering the cost of electricity being used by a neighboring property, leading them to suspect the issue stemmed from an incorrectly installed meter.
“I was falsely accused of meter tampering and meter fraud and I knew that I was not responsible for it,” homeowner Jessica said.
Sicairos said she first realized something was wrong while she was shopping on July 4.
“I was at the grocery store and I got to call that utilities were disconnected. On my way back home, I called them and they told me they were unable to tell me why my utilities were disconnected,” she said.
“We’ve been suffering trying to make the best of the situation. It’s very hot,” she added.
After the media outlet contacted PG&E about the family’s situation, a representative told them crews would restore power while the investigation continued.
“They are coming today,” the representative said during a phone call with the Sicairos. “I do not want you to be without power while I continue the Investigation.”
Although electricity was eventually restored, Jessica said she remains upset over what she described as repeated accusations from company employees.
“Me being falsely accused by multiple people at PG&E for energy theft and Meter tampering and meter crossing meter fraud all the terms used by your representatives in your department,” she said.
“You guys flip the story and try to make it about me and me getting behind on my bill.”
PG&E apologized, telling her: “I can only apologize for that. I can’t change what’s happened, but I can fix it.” Once the power returned, the family said they finally got relief from the extreme heat.
They also said they believe multiple opportunities were missed to catch the apparent meter mix-up before their service was disconnected.
The family said they hope their experience encourages other customers to regularly check their utility bills and electric meters and to question unexpected charges or accusations.
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