HUNTINGTON/CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- Four days without power was frustrating for the Michael family. With four kids, staying cool and keeping busy were challenges.

When the power came back on, they thought the problems were over. Until Dennis Michael got their electric bill.

“I just thought that this was impossible,” Michael said.

The bill was almost $100 more than the month before.

“I actually thought that they hadn't credited my payment from last month,” Michael said.

The power company said there was no mistake.

“Without having power for four days, you would expect there to be a substantial difference in your bill,” Michael said.

Appalachian Power spokesman Phil Moye says about a quarter of customers may see higher bills than they expect this month because of the storm.

“Normally we would read meters on a daily basis,” Moye said. “But during the storm, people who do that work were shifted to restoration work.”

For many families, that means this month’s bill is an estimate based on last year. But even if it’s higher than you expected, it’ll all even out.

“If they used less than that, next month that will true up with an actual reading an they will pay for what they've actually used over those two months,” Moye said.

Anyone with questions about their bill should contact Appalachian Power at 1-800-982-4237