Nyc — National Grid Charging $7,900 For “theft Of Services” During Renovation After Meter Removal

Location: Brooklyn, New York

Hi everyone, this is my first Reddit post and also my first time owning a home, so I’m posting because I have very little experience with utility issues and don’t know the best next step.

I’m in NYC and dealing with a dispute with National Grid.

I bought a two-family home in Sept 2023 and immediately started a full gut renovation. The building was unoccupied during construction.

What happened:

• Licensed contractor and plumber did the gas work. • DOB gas pressure testing was done around May 2024. • During testing, the gas meter was removed and a temporary testing setup was installed (my plumber says this is standard for DOB testing). • We later asked National Grid to install two new meters (switching from one shared meter). • National Grid claimed there was a “bypass” and assumed gas was being used while the meter was off. • We had to remove the testing setup, get DOB reinspected, and then National Grid finally installed the meters. 

Everything passed inspection.

Issue:

In Nov 2024, National Grid sent a $7,900 back-bill, estimating gas usage for about one year. They are now calling this a “theft of services” case.

This doesn’t make sense to me because:

• The house was under construction and unoccupied • No gas was used during renovation • Gas is only for heat and hot water (stove is electric) • The first-floor unit wasn’t occupied until Jan 2025 • They’re estimating \~$300+/month per unit 

I filed a complaint with the NYS Department of Public Service (DPS). DPS helped with communication and said I can request an informal hearing, but I’m not sure if that’s the right move or what to expect.

Questions:

• Has anyone dealt with National Grid accusing “theft of services” due to meter removal during DOB testing? • What usually happens at a DPS informal hearing? • Should I be talking to a utility/administrative law attorney? • Is it better to fight the theft claim or try to reduce the bill? 

Any advice is appreciated — this whole process is new to me.