Letter: National Grid couple deserve refund
Ruth and Salvatore Mazzaro, of Lynbrook, say they were overcharged more than $10,000 -- after being wrongly classified as commercial gas customers for 41 years -- and wanted a full refund from National Grid. Instead, they will get about $420. (July 6, 2011) Credit: Chris Ware
A Long Island couple loses close to $10,000 because they were wrongly classified as commercial customers and overcharged for 41 years ["State to LI couple: You should have known," News, July 7]. Instead of refunding the full amount, National Grid has attempted a token settlement of $420.
Isn't National Grid far more guilty of not only classifying these customers wrongly, but keeping them in that category for so long? A gas and electric utility provides a service that is vital to the public interest and welfare. One would not expect an institution of such importance to be involved in overcharging.
The Long Island Power Authority recently refunded almost $8,000 to another couple with the same grievance over 10 years. Now National Grid wants to slough off new claims and disregard the six-year look-back review and correction standard established by past practice.
Let's hold National Grid to the six-year rule. Give the customers their just due and stop further abuses.
John F. McKeon, Oakdale
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