Killeen resident Maurice Lansdown entered the Killeen Community Center Wednesday looking for answers.

In his hands, he held several months’ worth of electricity bills, along with his most recent bill of more than $400.

"I don't think it's right to go that high, that's double and triple my bill," he said. "I can't afford to pay that much money, so I think there's something wrong with that meter and I'm going to find out today."

Lansdown is talking about the new “Smart Meter,” which replaced electromechanical meters a few months ago.

According to electric delivery provider Oncor, the meters have been installed in about 155,000 Bell County homes.

"We've had consumers who are skeptical about the accuracy of the meters, but they have been tested, and we can show that they are highly accurate and measure the same amount as the electromechanical meters," Oncor Spokesperson Catherine Cuellar said.

Cuellar said the rise in electricity bills can often be attributed to several different factors.

"A lot of people don't realize that when their contracts expire their retailer can change their rate to the most expensive available," she said.

According to Cuellar, the price for electricity in the area can range from eight cents to 15 cents per kilowatt hour.

"If you're paying 15 cents per kilowatt hour that's like paying $4 for a gallon of gasoline," she said.

Cuellar also said another factor consumers may not take into consideration is the impact cooler temperatures play.

"Every degree that you raise your thermostat could result an increase of your electric bill by about 5 percent," Cuellar said.

After careful examination of his electricity bills, Lansdown learned the increase in his electricity bill was because he was paying 15 cents per kilowatt hour.

"I guess I can go and talk to another provider to see if I can get it a little cheaper on the kilowatts," Lansdown said. "But bill wise I'm not happy because I still gotta pay them."

For those who still believe there is a problem with their Smart Meter, there are steps to take.

According to Cuellar, consumers can ask their retailer for a retest.

However, if the meter turns out to be accurate, that consumer might be charged for the test.

"If there is mistake we will make it right, but thus far we have not seen anything to indicate that the problem is with the meter. It's just a coincidence that the meters in this area were installed when the bills went up," she said.

Oncor will be holding another open house in Killeen on Friday.

The event will be from 4 to 9 p.m. at the Killeen Community Center.