Vacant Indianapolis Home Receives $700 Power Bill

Concerns raised over high winter power costs and meter accuracy

Mar. 3, 2026 at 2:07am

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An Indianapolis family says they were billed more than $700 for electricity at a small house that's been vacant for a year, raising concerns about winter power costs and meter accuracy. AES Indiana maintains the charges reflect extreme cold usage and suggests meter investigations and online conservation tips, while the family worries the high bills could derail plans to renovate the property.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges homeowners can face with high utility bills, especially for vacant properties during extreme weather. It raises questions about utility billing practices, meter accuracy, and the impact of rising energy costs on home renovations and property investments.

The details

The family says the vacant home in Indianapolis has been empty for about a year, yet they received a $700 power bill from AES Indiana. The utility company claims the high charges reflect extreme cold usage, and suggests the family look into meter investigations and online energy conservation tips. However, the family is concerned the unexpectedly high bills could disrupt their plans to renovate the property.

  • The vacant home has been empty for about a year.
  • The family received the $700 power bill from AES Indiana.

The players

AES Indiana

The electric utility company that provided the $700 power bill for the vacant Indianapolis home.

Indianapolis family

The homeowners who received the unexpectedly high $700 power bill for the vacant property.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

What’s next

The family plans to investigate the high power bill and meter accuracy to determine if the charges are justified.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for utility companies and homeowners to work together to ensure accurate billing, especially for vacant properties during extreme weather conditions, in order to avoid unexpected costs that could impact home renovation plans and property investments.