Electric bill discrepancy between Moyie and Bonners Ferry

MOYIE SPRINGS — The Dec. 6 council meeting saw a discussion of an electric fee discrepancy and overcharges from the city of Bonners Ferry for the use of street lights.

Moyie Springs has 30 street lights serviced by Bonners Ferry, and two additional lights serviced by Northern Lights. However, Bonners Ferry has been charging Moyie Springs for 48 lights. 

Moyie Springs Councilman Patrick “Pat” Stevens first came across the utility bill when approving bills for the council. He said there wasn’t very much information on the bill other than the cost, which piqued his interest.

He wondered what Moyie Springs was paying for, but could not find an agreement record. When he went to Bonners Ferry City Hall for more information, staff advised that its records show Moyie Springs has 48 lights, which are serviced at a flat rate of $4.97 each. 

However, with 30 street lights, Moyie Springs should be charged $141 a month, but instead is being charged $238. 

Stevens requested more information as well as an explanation of why Moyie Springs is being billed for more lights than it has. Before the Dec. 6 meeting, Moyie City Council received a response from Bonners Ferry officials, which included a utility rate sheet and a request that Moyie Springs provide information on the street lights. 

“I don’t work like that in utilities,” Stevens said. “The utility sending out the bill should know what they are billing and not coming out with a random number.” 

He said most people in the general public would look at the bill and send in a check, even with the lack of information. 

Stevens researched the city’s bill as far back as 2007 and never saw how many street lights Moyie Springs was charged for, but the bill added up to 48 lights. 

He estimates Moyie Springs has been overcharged $14,000, but he’s not sure how far back they can ask for a refund. 

Stevens told all present that they should also check their bills, just to ensure they are paying for the correct services. 

“Imagine how hard this is for a homeowner when there is not a lot of information on their bill,” he said. 

Another bill Stevens said he found that was incorrectly charged was for well pumps at the river, which are serviced by Bonners Ferry. 

Per Bonners Ferry's rate chart, the pumps do not receive a demand charge as they are designated small commercial without demand, he said. 

In May 2019, a demand charge was also added to the pump service bill. Later in September 2021, the demand charge was removed from the bills. 

Stevens, with the review of city clerk Donna Wilson-Funkhouser, found that the additional charge was never paid by Moyie Springs. 

Moyie Springs has contacted Bonners Ferry on the issue and received a response just before the Dec. 8 meeting. The letter included the bill and rate sheet. 

Stevens found no record or refund showing that Bonners Ferry overbilled Moyie Springs. He suspects computer software will be blamed for the mistake. 

Moyie City Council unanimously voted to discuss the issue with legal counsel. They are also in the process of meeting with the Bonners Ferry City Council.