Heads Up, Houston: Your electric bill is going up!
If you live in an area serviced by CenterPoint or Texas-New Mexico Power, get ready to see a higher electric bill this month. Both companies have raised their rates starting September 1st. Some of you wrote us because you received a notification from your electric provider about the increase. KPRC 2โฒs Amy Davis explains what this will mean for your electric bill.
Ask Amy: Who picks up utility poles and wires left after Hurricane Beryl cleanup?
Who is responsible for picking up utility mess debris left behind? KPRC 2 Investigator Amy Davis works to find answers to your questions.
How Houston residents can monitor electric usage in real time
Saving on electricity means turning off devices and lights and bumping up your thermostat to a temperature some of you may think is uncomfortable. Many of you donโt do it because you donโt know how much you can save. There is an easy way to track your usage and see how small changes to your routine can save you money on your electric bill.
Ask Amy: Can employers force you to use PTO for time they were closed/without power due to Hurricane Beryl?
Natural disasters like floods and hurricanes always raise questions about jobs and your paycheck. What if you canโt get to work safely? Will you be paid if your office is closed?
Ask Amy: Why did my generator suddenly stop working?
Days on end without power...many of us got good use out of those generators after Hurricane Beryl. You may have discovered there are things you donโt know about keeping it running. KPRC 2โฒs Amy Davis answers your questions.
Ask Amy: How long does my apartment have to make repairs after Hurricane Beryl?
A lot of us in the Houston area are still dealing with damage left by Hurricane Beryl. Some renters are asking Amy Davis how long their landlords have to fix damage caused by the storm. Amy is answering your questions about rentersโ rights after Beryl.
Houston electric accounts show power use during Hurricane Beryl power outages
Homeowner charged for electricity usage during the power outage. How did that happen? KPRC 2 Investigator Amy Davis looks for answers and explains how you can check your own usage during the recent power outage days.
Customers report frequent power outages even on sunny days (before Hurricane Beryl)
We are hearing from more of you about issues with power outages way before Hurricane Beryl slammed the Houston area. A Kingwood customer contacted Investigator Amy Davis after she complained about frequent and unexplained power outages in her neighborhood.
Did CenterPoint do enough to clear trees in Houston before Hurricane Beryl?
Hurricane Beryl ripped down powerlines all over Houston. But what about the powerlines that already had overgrown trees and branches in the way? It didn't help the situation! KPRC 2 Investigator Amy Davis looks into who is supposed to clear out tree branches around powerlines and what you can do if you have the same issues in your neighborhood.
Ask Amy: Should I hire someone to help deal with the insurance company for hurricane repairs?
Many of you will soon be dealing with insurance claims and repairs. Should you hire a person to help you deal with the insurance company? Amy Davis explains everything you need to know about public adjusters - what they can do for you and how much you can expect to pay.
Ask Amy: Can I get money back for internet services that are not working right now?
As power is restored to homes and businesses across our area many of you say you still donโt have internet. AT&T and Comcast Xfinity customer service are difficult to reach and when you do get a human on the phone, they donโt have any answers. Investigative reporter Amy Davis is answering your questions about whatโs causing internet outages and what you can do about them.
Hurricane Beryl vs Ike - is it taking longer to get power back for Houston customers?
Many of you are mad and emailing and calling us. You are demanding to know what is taking CenterPoint so long and why it is taking longer and longer to restore power after recent major weather events?
Ask Amy: Who is responsible for storm debris pickup in my area? What if I canโt do it myself?
I need debris removal help! Investigator Amy Davis how much of this work homeowners are responsible for and if there is help for those who canโt do it themselves.
Are you using the wrong extension cords on your generator? Generator safety 101
Generators are crucial during power outages but can be dangerous if not used correctly. Learn how to avoid deadly carbon monoxide poisoning and other hazards with expert tips from fire officials.
You have a tree down after Hurricane Beryl hit your area - now what?
Many neighborhoods across the Houston area have downed trees and powerlines. From Lake Jackson to Kingwood, KPRC 2 viewers are reporting damage from large limbs and trees caused by Hurricane Beryl. It is important to know what to do in the minutes and hours after a storm moves through. We are answering some of your storm damage related questions.
Ask Amy: How long will Texas electric rates be this high?
Why are electricity rates so high? When will they go down? Whatโs the best way to save money on electricity rates? Electric broker Mike Harrington with American Enerpower joins Amy to discuss electricity rates and your power bill.
Ask Amy: Do I really need to get a police report for a minor crash?
We donโt have to tell you driving in Houston can be rough. There are accidents every single day. If youโve been in an accident, you know the process can be frustrating and complicated. Amy Davis answers questions about what to do after youโve been involved in a crash.
Be storm-ready: 4 important tasks to do before the next Houston storm
"๐ฉ๏ธ Getting ready for storm season? ๐ฉ๏ธ Don't wait until it's too late! Check out these 4 essential tips from Investigator Amy Davis on what you can do now to prepare for the next storm in Houston. From insurance coverage to documenting your belongings, these steps can save you a lot of trouble. #StormPreparation #HoustonStorms"
Why you should file a claim for storm damage before itโs too late
Itโs possible with the recent storms that you have new damage on your roof. Thatโs just one reason you may want to consider getting a roof replacement. KPRC 2 Investigator Amy Davis explains, waiting may mean to have to pay a lot more when it does come time for a new roof.
Ask Amy: 13 things to ask before you hire a roofer
Texas is the only Gulf State that doesnโt license roofers. Anybody can call themselves a roofer. Thatโs why you have to protect yourself. Investigator Amy Davis has a list of what you should ask before hiring a roofing contractor.
No power for days, so why was this Houston customer still charged for using electricity?
No lights, no air conditioner, no nothing. If you were one of the 900,000 people who lost electricity for several days this month you might expect your next bill to be slightly lower than normal. One man in the Heights called us when he noticed his account showed he was using electricity on days when that was impossible. Investigative reporter Amy Davis explains you how to check your own account.
How to get reimbursed for food lost during a power outage without insurance
๐จ Attention ๐จ Did you lose all your food during a recent power outage and don't have insurance? We've got you covered! Check out our latest article on how you can get reimbursed for the food you lost, even without insurance. #PowerOutage #Reimbursement #FoodAssistance #HoustonStrong ๐ช๐ผ๐ก
Ask Amy: If a neighborโs tree falls on your fence/car/house who is responsible?
Who pays for tree damage caused by the storm? Is there a way to register your home for priority electric service? Investigator Amy Davis is working to find answers to your storm related questions. We know a lot of you are dealing with clean-up from trees down in your neighborhood.
Does insurance cover spoiled food during power outages?
If you are still without power in the Houston area, chances are all the food in your fridge is about to go bad. We all know food is expensive and there could be hundreds of dollars lost if you have to throw it out. So, can you get money back for spoiled food during a storm?
Ask Amy: Facility Fees added to Houstoniansโ medical bills
We know a lot of you are paying more for your medical bills with added โfacility feesโ. Some seeing hundreds of dollars in charges above your co-pay. Investigator Amy Davis has heard from a lot of you about these fees after the KPRC 2 Investigation earlier this month. In this weekโs Ask Amy episode, Amy talked to experts about these fees and what you can do about it.
Ask Amy: Can my HOA just raise my dues?
From fines and fees to unexplained expenses we commonly hear your complaints about issues some of you are having with your homeownerโs association. Investigator Amy Davis is getting answers to your HOA related questions with Attorney David Kahne. He represents homeowners in battles against their HOAโs.
โItโs absolutely outrageousโ: Houston resident charged surprise $400 โfacility feeโ after doctor visit
Unexpected, unexplained fees are driving up the cost of doctor visits for families across Houston. We are talking hundreds of dollars in charges above your co-pay. Theyโre called โfacility fees,โ and patients are told days or weeks after their appointments they have to pay up. KPRC 2 Investigator Amy Davis is looking into these facility fees and getting answers for people who are worried about their own bills.
Ask Amy: Insurance sticker shock! Two things that impact your insurance rates
We are hearing from a lot of you who have sticker shock when it comes to insurance rates right now. And thatโs if the company will even renew you. A lot of people are being denied insurance coverage. In this weekโs Ask Amy, Amy Davis looks into whatโs going on with rates and how technology is playing a bigger role in determining how much you will pay.
Ask Amy: Costly, common myths about divorce
A major life change like divorce can be stressful and expensive. There are common myths about divorce that can cost you a lot of money. For an episode of Ask Amy, Amy Davis talks with a lawyer who helps women navigate divorce and the top divorce myths that could cost you.
Ask Amy: Your FAQ about the new Houston water bill plan
Houston water customers DRAINED from inaccurate, exorbitant bills are hopeful the mayorโs new plan to fix the problems will work. But many of you have questions about the process. Investigative reporter Amy Davis has answers to your most common water bill plan questions.
Ask Amy: Student and parents rights when something goes wrong
If your child gets in trouble at school, there are certain things parents or guardians need to know. This is true even if your student is at fault. The Earl Carl Institute at Texas Southern University, in part, helps educate parents on student rights. In this weekโs Ask Amy, Amy Davis explains what to do when something goes wrong.
Ask Amy: How to prevent property deed issues and protect home ownership in Houston
There are a lot of communities in Houston where families live for generations. Often times there are issues with property deeds and home ownership. In this weekโs Ask Amy, Amy Davis has what you can do now to prevent a big problem a lot of Houstonians face.
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Ask Amy: โDRAINEDโ results! Plus, home warranty and contractor FAQโs
Itโs been an exciting few days around here! After nearly two years of the KPRC 2 Investigates DRAINED series exposing failures at the Houston Water Department, Mayor John Whitmire announced major changes.
Ask Amy: Home warranty company help, what to ask every contractor
What can you do if a company wonโt honor a warranty? Whatโs the one question you should always ask a contractor? From home warranties to hiring contractors Amy Davis is getting answers to common questions you ask.
Help for Houston homeowners left with damage after utility crews dig
Discover what to do when a utility company leaves damage behind on your property. Investigative reporter Amy Davis shares insights on how to get information and seek compensation for property damage caused by utility crews.
Ask Amy: How to cut funeral costs with the help of a funeral negotiator
Itโs something every person will probably have to deal with at some point. We are talking about paying funeral costs for your loved one or planning ahead for yourself. Amy Davis talks with the โFuneral Negotiatorโ about how to keep funeral costs down.
Ask Amy: Huge spike in credit report mistakes; hereโs how to get yours corrected
When was the last time you checked your credit report? You may want to check it again after hearing this. Complaints about credit report errors have more than doubled since 2021. Amy Davis explains why and what you can do about it.
Your electric rate is going down Friday, March 1st
Good news for our electric bills. On March 1st the rates we all pay are going down. Investigative reporter Amy Davis gets these electric rate questions from many of you. She explains the price drop and how much you can expect to save.
The No Surprises Act explained: What you need to know
How many times have you gotten a medical-related bill in the mail and been shocked at the fees when you open it up? There is help available for people fighting surprise medical bills. The No Surprises Act is meant to help stop surprise medical bills but also help people find answers when they run into a bill issue. The federal law went into effect in 2022. It gives consumers protections from surprise medical bills under certain circumstances.
New twist on old โromance scamโ has thieves asking to send you money
You smell the flowers in the store and see the heart-shaped candy and gifts. This is the time of year when people may feel extra lonely and more vulnerable to fall for romance scams. Amy Davis warns that thereโs a new twist on the old romance scams youโve heard about.
Ask Amy: Can I get my money back for mail packages that arrive late?
Paying extra for expedited shipping is proving to be a big waste for Houston area mail customers. Now some of you are asking Amy Davis if you can get your money back for packages that arrived way behind schedule or havenโt arrived at all.
How thieves can use a video you posted to social media to scam you
You may think you would never fall for a scam. But with artificial intelligence (AI) and other technology, thieves are always learning new ways to trick you. So we need to be learning new ways to fight back! They can even use your own social media posts to trick you.
โIt didnโt seem like anything badโ: KPRC 2 anchor Sofia Ojeda almost falls victim to scam
Sofia Ojeda, KPRC 2 news anchor, was almost caught in a scam! ๐ฑ Find out how she narrowly escaped and hear her story on the latest episode of Ask Amy.
โToo good to be trueโ: Surprise packages could be a sign youโre a fraud victim
When packages you didnโt order arrive with your name on them, that is a red flag, especially if whatโs inside is something medical-related. Amy Davis has the warning about fraud that is happening in the Houston area.
Ask Amy: Landlord wonโt give security deposit back - what can I do?
We get a lot of questions about landlord tenant law and what landlords can and cannot legally do. A renter asked Amy Davis about her security deposit back. She says she left her duplex in good condition, and she gave 30 days' notice, but her landlord is not giving it back. What can she do? Yolanda Burnett's question about the deposit is a little different.
Ask Amy: Unclaimed money letter could be legit
We all get a lot of junk mail. So, if you get a letter that says you have unclaimed money you may not trust it. One viewer sent Amy Davis a letter she thought was fake, but Amy had the feeling right away that it might be real. You should know about this in case you get a similar letter in the mail.
Ask Amy: Frozen, busted pipe? Big mistake people make when filing insurance claim
If you have frozen, busted pipes and damage in your home you will be dealing with your insurance company. Amy Davis says how you handle that claim right from the very start matters.Attorney Eric Dick joined Amy for an episode of Ask Amy to go talk about storm damage and your insurance claims.
Ask Amy: Does my current homeowners insurance cover solar panels?
Amy Davis looks into what you need to know before buying solar panels. Including the question: Does my current homeowners insurance cover solar panels?
Ask Amy: Are free health screening offers legit?
Itโs that time of year when many of us think about our health. You may hear a lot lately about preventative health testing like cancer screenings or heart scans. Are these screenings legit? This is something youโve asked Amy Davis about.
Ask Amy: Can an insurance company offer you a rate, then change the price after youโve paid?
Maybe you have resolved to save money in the new year. One way you could do that is by shopping for new home insurance. But Amy Davis signed up with a new insurance company, then realized that low rate you are offered can change with no notice.
Ask Amy: Kicking off 2024 talking about water bills!
We are kicking off 2024 talking about your water bills issues and what is ahead. Houston water customers are hoping for change, after months of dealing with erratic, surging, and unexplained water bills.
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Ask Amy: What to do if your gift card is not working
What do you do if you get a gift card that doesnโt work? One woman had this problem and ended up being tricked out of a lot of money. Amy Davis has the warning plus what to do if you get a gift card that doesnโt work.
Ask Amy: 5 things to watch out for when buying a vehicle
Buying a new or used car? You know it can be a stressful process! It doesnโt have to be. Former car salesman turned Houston attorney Mehdi Cherkaoui explains what you need to know before you start negotiating.
Ask Amy: Dealing with a bad contractor or home builder
From uneven walls to bad plumbing jobs, people are sometimes left dealing with bad work or damage from home builders and contractors. These expensive and frustrating problems are something people often ask Investigator Amy Davis about.
Houston City Council delays vote on water bill ordinances that couldโve provided instant relief to customers
The city of Houston could finally see changes to its policy that will hopefully help Houstonians who are feeling DRAINED by high water bills. The vote on new proposals was put on hold during the city council meeting.
Ask Amy: Can a water leak cause high bills for customers nearby?
Some of you are wondering if all of the water leaks youโre seeing around Houston are directly impacting your water bill. This is just one of the questions I got from a viewer as we continue our โDRAINEDโ investigation into city water bill issues.
4 things to know before signing up for solar panels
Before you answer that knock at your door, listen up. Solar panel salespeople are canvassing neighborhoods across Houston. Some 55,000 homeowners in the Houston area have them now. Investigative reporter Amy Davis has what you should know before you sign on that iPad or tablet.
Ask Amy: Does a car salesperson have to tell you about previous car damage?
If you are in the market for a new or used car there are key questions you should ask while negotiating the deal. Dani Karni from Lone Star Legal Aid joined Amy for an episode of Ask Amy. She says donโt be afraid to ask the dealer specific questions.
Ask Amy: 6 ways to deter thieves from stealing your stuff
The busy holiday season is almost here and the shopping centers and malls around town will be getting busier. This time of year is prime time for thieves. We know to park in well lit areas and hide valuables from plain sight. But there are a few other things you can do to make your vehicle a harder target for thieves.
Have a water bill issue? โDRAINEDโ water bill customers plan to speak to city leaders
To help with those water bill issues, we've set up a meet-up in front of City Hall to speak before the City Council on Tuesday at 2 p.m.
Ask Amy: Can I opt out of using my neighborhoodโs cluster mailbox?
You asked - who is responsible for cluster mailboxes in my neighborhood? Can I opt out of cluster mailboxes and just get my own mailbox? Amy Davis is getting answers.
Ask Amy: Solar panel contract warning
In neighborhoods all over Houston people are getting solar panels put on their homes. The solar panel industry is booming - which also means there are more complaints. Investigator Amy Davis explains what you need to know before signing a contract.
Ask Amy: Call going around may tempt you to โpress 1โ
You may think you know the signs of a scammer but then they think of a new way to try and trick you. A warning about a common call that may tempt you to โpress one.โ
Ask Amy: Can my boss do that?
More than 100 Kingwood-area restaurant employees are getting backpay after the U.S. Department of Labor discovered their employer failed to pay them overtime. In some cases, they were not even paid the legal minimum wage. We are looking into common questions regarding worker rights including how to know if you have money owed from a previous employer, or what to do if you think your employer is not paying you the right amount.
Tired of those annoying spam text messages? Amy shares how to get rid of them FOR GOOD
Spam emails and calls are annoying and if youโve noticed an increase in spam texts you are not alone. What you should know about fake texts and how to get them to stop.
Ask Amy: Do debt relief services work?
A lot of people need help paying their bills or getting out of debt but often people looking for debt relief help are left with even more problems. Investigator Amy Davis has what you should know about debt relief companies.
Ask Amy: New HOA law in Texas
Neighborhood homeowner's associations are meant to keep a community looking good and running right. But people often complain they overstep, or some say their HOA's don't do anything at all. Some of that may change. There are several new HOA laws in Texas.
Ask Amy: Can I qualify for $1,400 in government grants and benefits?
You might see something like this on social media: Ads promising free cash and government grants. One viewer is asking Amy Davis how to know if these are legit.
Ask Amy show notes: Will and estate planning for all ages
Simple things every family needs to consider for a will, power of attorney, and other important legal documents. Attorney Bri Holcombe with the Hunt Law Firm joins Amy to explain what people should know about estate planning and wills. Plus, where you can go for free help.
Ask Amy: How do you know if you need a will? + Free estate planning help
We know - itโs not fun to think about what will happen after we die. But planning now will save your family stress and money. This doesnโt have to be complicated or expensive.
The warning signs someone is already using your personal info
Patients from some of Houston's largest medical facilities are the victims of a major data breach. Investigator Amy Davis has with what you should know about medical ID theft and how to know if your information has already been compromised.
Ask Amy: Confusion over electric bill fee charges
KPRC 2 Investigates is getting a lot of questions about a recent electric bill increase that just went into effect. Several viewers said they were being overcharged and asked Investigator Amy Davis to get some answers.
Ask Amy: Common reasons home warranty claims are denied, how to fight it
You may have a home warranty to help cover you in case something breaks but many times people are denied coverage. Learn the common reasons claims are denied and what you can do to fight back.
Ask Amy show notes: Avoiding roof scams
The roofing industry is not regulated or licensed, so you really need to watch out. Investigator Amy Davis looks into what you should know before hiring roofing help. Christian and Jennifer Hernandez from JC and C Roofing join Amy Davis for an episode of Ask Amy.
Ask Amy: 4 signs a roofer is trying to scam you
The roofing industry is not regulated or licensed, so you really need to watch out. Investigator Amy Davis looks into what you should know before hiring roofing help and signs of a scam roofer.
Ask Amy: What to do if your identity is stolen + hidden electricity bill fees
A common concern you ask us about is identity theft. Iโm spelling out what to do if your identity is stolen and things you can do to protect yourself from ID theft. Also, this week: a warning about more hidden fees on your electricity bill.
Ask Amy show notes: Fighting ID theft
A common concern you ask Investigator Amy Davis about is identity theft. In this weekโs episode learn what to do if your identity is stolen. Amy also explains things you can do right now to protect yourself from ID theft.
Ask Amy: 8 steps to protect yourself from ID theft
It can ruin your credit and cause a lot of problems. But a lot of people donโt worry about identity theft until it happens. This is a topic KPRC 2 Investigator Amy Davis gets questions about. The number one way to protect yourself from identity theft is to check whatโs going on with your financial information and do it often.
Ask Amy: Making money off robocalls, family fights water bill
How many times do you get calls from numbers you donโt know? There is a way to make money off those unwanted telemarketing calls. Iโll explain. Plus, Iโm helping to get answers for one family โDRAINEDโ over crazy water bills. And - downtown parking customers charged WAY MORE than the price that was posted. Youโll want to double-check those signs the next time you park downtown.
Ask Amy show notes: How to make money answering robocalls
You can turn unwanted robocalls into cash. Doc Compton, from Robocalls.cash joins Amy Davis for an episode of Ask Amy to explain how you can get paid by answering robocalls.
Tired of robocalls? Hereโs how to make money off of them
How many times do you get calls from numbers you don't know? Probably more than youโd like. There is a way to make money off those unwanted telemarketing calls. Amy Davis explains how to turn the calls into paychecks for you.
Ask Amy: Save on higher gas prices + QR code warning
We are always looking for ways to save you money, especially on things you have to buy like gasoline. Gas prices can change every day. Watching those patterns and picking the right time to gas up can save you money.
Ask Amy show notes: Saving money on gas prices
Gas prices keep getting higher. We are always looking for ways for you to save money. Josh Zuber with AAA joined Amy Davis to talk about some of the easy ways you can save on your gas bill.
Ask Amy: Huge home insurance hike, denied coverage, help!
We keep hearing from you about the insane homeownerโs insurance market right now. Many dealing with outrageous rates and denied coverage! Amy Davis explains what you can do.
Ask Amy show notes: Skyrocketing Homeowners Insurance
We are hearing from you about rising homeownerโs insurance rates. Jessica Fuentes with Brazos Insurance Agency joins Amy Davis to discuss homeowners insurance. Will rates ever go back down? What is a โbait and switchโ quote? Plus, what you should know about windstorm insurance and your roof.
Ask Amy: My landlord wonโt fix my broken A/C!
Complaints about no A/C in apartments during this summer heat. In this weekโs Ask Amy learn your rights when it comes to getting things fixed and what you can do if management wonโt help.
Ask Amy: A move to help lower your energy bills + IRS letter warning
In this summer heat, all of our home air conditioners are working overtime - which means you might be paying more for your electricity bill. You know I am always looking for ways to save you money! This week producer Andrea Slaydon and I did some research on ways to save on your energy bills.
Ask Amy show notes: Saving on energy bills
Itโs that time of year that our electric bills jump way up. In your car and in your home it is difficult to escape the heat. Amy Davis is joined by producer Andrea Slaydon to discuss surviving the summer heat and 12 ways to save money while doing it.
Looking to save money? You might qualify for free weatherization updates for your home
We are always looking for ways to save you money. The Texas summer heat means you are probably using more electricity to cool off your home. Viewer Don Conger emailed Investigator Amy Davis and said his utility bills are sky-high. Heโs looking for a company that will do a home energy audit to show him things he can do in his home to conserve electricity.
Ask Amy: Are you guaranteed to get a refund if your flight is canceled?
From refunds to vouchers, every airline operates differently in what theyโll do for you if you have a flight cancelation or delay. Learn what you need to know before you book your next trip and how you can even save on plans you already have.
Ask Amy show notes: Save on travel
In this episode of Ask Amy, learn how to save money on travel both for trips you have planned and trips you are looking to book. What you need to know before you book your next trip. Plus, the best way to track what different airlines will do if a delay or cancellation pops up.
Ask Amy: How to check how much electricity you are using in your home
Youโve probably seen the ads or even had someone knock on your door to tell you about solar panels. This week Amy Davis answers your questions about going solar.