INDIANAPOLIS — At 92 years old, Maxine Cousin is doing "pretty good" - her words, not ours.
"I can move around and do the things that is needed to be done like my housework and cooking, cleaning," Cousin said.
She also pays the bills, something she said she does on time.
"I don't like late bills," Cousin said.
But recently, Cousin got a late bill herself from the Citizens Energy for $847.64.
"I said how in the world? What happened? So I called them to find out, was the bill right? Had they made a mistake? And they said no," she said.
Cousin's utility bill should have three charges. Gas, water and sewer.
But Citizens Energy Group left off her water and sewer charges for seven months, from July through February.
We asked Citizens Energy Group why they didn't include the water and sewer charges they sent us the following statements:
"This customer’s situation stems from a meter-reading issue resulting in a delayed bill. The issue of meter readings needing further verification isn’t common, but when it does occasionally occur it requires the billing team to individually manage changes on the bill. In this case, after Citizens verified the meter readings, the billing team informed the customer. Communication included a letter sent with the bill explaining the reason for the delay in billing, the reason the current new bill is higher than usual, and how to set up a flexible payment arrangement. "
They also added that, "charges were not included on the bill until usage amounts and charges could be verified."
The payment plan can be up to 12 months.
Olivia Rivera with the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor said if you notice something off on your bill, you can request a meter reading.
She added that bill adjustments are allowed by law, but there are rules.
"Utilities are allowed to look at a consumer's bill and look back up to 12 months and say, 'Oh, you know, this bill was inaccurate,' and whether that is they've charged you too much or not enough," Rivera said.
And not enough means Cousin is changing her already modest spending and going on a payment plan with Citizens Energy.
If you need help with bills, the Winter Assistance Fund is open until May.