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Utility says small disputed bill has produced tens of thousands in legal fees
Summary
Staff reported a customer dispute over roughly a $100 bill (the Fabik case) has led to mounting legal fees the utility says are being borne by ratepayers; the PSC denied the customer's complaint but litigation continues in circuit court.
Staff updated the commission on litigation with a customer (referred to as Fabik) who disputes a roughly $100 bill for a hangar account and has pursued the matter through the Public Service Commission and into circuit court. Staff said administrative and PSC hearings denied the customer's claims but the customer continues to litigate, and the legal defense costs have totaled "tens of thousands" of dollars the utility is currently absorbing.
A staff member explained the utility followed its disconnection and billing processes, that account-name changes and continued water use led to billing, and that the case has resulted in multiple layers of administrative review and court filings. "We're monitoring it," staff said, noting the utility is constrained by PSC rules on how such disputes must be handled and that continued litigation is costly for ratepayers. Commissioners asked whether records are public; staff said court documents and the bills the utility pays are public record and offered to have their attorney brief the commission if needed.
