Albert from Huntsville. Client's demand charge in December was nearly as high as their normal operating months even though the facility was completely shut down for two weeks over the holidays. Only security lighting and a few control systems were running. The demand reading that month seems implausibly high given what was actually operating. Is a holiday shutdown demand anomaly worth disputing?
High demand charge in a month the facility was closed — holiday shutdown
Mike D from Raleigh. Definitely worth investigating. Pull the 15-minute interval data for the specific dates of the shutdown and see what the demand profile looks like. If the high reading occurred during the shutdown period when essentially nothing was running that is a strong indicator of a meter issue.
Pulled the interval data. The peak reading occurred at 2:17 AM on December 27 which was day 10 of a 14-day shutdown. Only the security panel and two exit sign circuits were energized.
Walt. A peak at 2:17 AM during a documented facility shutdown is a very strong anomaly argument. Request a meter test and file a formal dispute. The timing alone makes a normal operational cause implausible.
Frank from Albuquerque. Also document the shutdown with any employee records, contractor access logs, or energy management system data that shows the facility was inactive. Corroborating evidence from multiple sources strengthens the case.
The building management system logged no HVAC activation, no production equipment startup, and no access card swipes during the peak interval. The utility agreed to waive the anomalous demand reading after reviewing the documentation.