Client is a cold storage warehouse in Memphis served by MLGW. May bill shows 84,000 kWh consumption. Client took a photo of the meter on the first of the month and another on the last day. Based on the meter readings in the photos (accounting for the multiplier of 40), actual consumption was about 64,000 kWh. That is a 20,000 kWh discrepancy. MLGW says their reading is correct and the customer must have read the meter wrong. But I have the photos with timestamps. How do I escalate this?
Utility says 84,000 kWh — meter says 64,000 — who is right?
MLGW can be stubborn. First thing — make sure the multiplier on the bill matches what you used in your calculation. Second, check if there are any sub-meter feeds off that same service that might explain the difference. Third, request a formal meter test under Tennessee regulations. MLGW is required to test the meter if the customer requests it. If the test shows the meter is accurate, then the discrepancy is in the reading, not the meter. The timestamped photos are your best evidence. File a formal dispute in writing and keep copies of everything.
Requested the meter test. MLGW tested it and it came back at 100.2% accuracy — essentially perfect. So the meter is fine. Submitted the photos with the formal dispute.
Resolution — MLGW reviewed the photos and acknowledged their meter reader likely transposed two digits in the read. The corrected bill came to about 63,500 kWh which matched the client photos almost exactly. Credit of $1,640. Small dollar amount but the client was furious about being told they were wrong for two months. The photos made the difference — without them it would have been our word against the utility.