A change in driving routes for Appalachian Power meter readers has left some customers receiving new bills reflecting usage adjustments within two weeks of receiving their regular monthly bills.
The change apparently was implemented without giving power customers advance notice that it was taking place.
"We're establishing more efficient routes for our meter readers in an effort to improve efficiency and save money," said Appalachian Power spokesman Phil Moye.
Depending on where customers are located along the new routes, adjustment bills reflecting the new meter readings could arrive from 15 to 45 days after customers receive their regular monthly statements, Moye said.
"It's a one-time thing," Moye said. "Once the adjustment kicks in, it's back to the normal billing routine."
The new meter reader routes and the usage adjustment statements that follow their implementation have so far been limited to Appalachian Power's Huntington District, which stretches westward from Cabell County through Putnam County to St. Albans.