Meter Multiplier Glitch Triggers $53K Sewer Refund For Hopewell Complex

HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP, NJ — A meter multiplier error by Trenton Water left a Hopewell condominium association overcharged by more than $53,000 in sewer fees during 2025, the Township Committee determined Monday, approving refunds to two affected properties.

The township identified the billing discrepancy during a first-quarter 2026 inspection, when a meter office visit to the Hopewell Parc development revealed that meter readings used for billing were recording usage at roughly 10 times actual consumption.

At 227A Lewis Fisher Drive, Hopewell Parc Condo Association was billed based on readings of 1,210, 910 and 1,660 units across the second, third and fourth quarters of 2025. The corrected readings were 121, 91 and 166, respectively — resulting in overcharges of $11,427.59, $8,640.45 and $15,761.70. The association had paid $40,397.33 on the account; the amount actually owed was $4,107.90, leaving an overpayment of $35,829.74, according to documents.

At 275A Aaron Truehart Way, the same error produced overbilling of $6,134.98, $7,026.30 and $6,076.80 across the same three quarters, for a total overpayment of $17,238.08 on that account.

A resolution authorizing both the refund, totaling $53,067.82, was on the council agenda for Monday’s meeting.

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