Linda from Milwaukee. Filed a ratchet dispute last quarter and it was rejected. The utility maintained the peak demand was valid and the ratchet applied correctly. In retrospect I think I went in underprepared. What do others do before filing to make sure the dispute has a reasonable chance?
Ratchet dispute rejected — what I did wrong
Walt from Pittsburgh. Before filing I always verify three things: the interval data supports the claim, the tariff language is unambiguous, and I have at least one alternative explanation for the peak that is more credible than normal operations.
Mike D. I also request the utility's own billing audit records for the disputed period before filing. Sometimes their internal records show a flag or note that strengthens the dispute.
In my case the peak was real and the tariff was clear. My argument was that it was anomalous but I had no documentation of what caused it. The utility correctly pointed out that I was asking them to ignore a valid reading with no evidence of anything unusual.
Derek. Lesson learned. The anomaly argument needs evidence, not just assertion. Without documentation of an external cause the utility has no reason to grant an exception.
Jack from Louisville. I lost a similar dispute early in my practice. Now I will not file unless I have at least one piece of documented evidence explaining the peak or questioning the meter accuracy.