I have a client in Savannah on Georgia Power with a meter multiplier error. The CT ratio was 200:1 but should have been 400:1, so they were being billed for double their actual usage. Error has been in place at least 4 years based on the billing data. Georgia Power says they can only go back 2 years per their tariff. But this isn't a normal billing adjustment — this is a metering equipment error. Does the 2-year limit still apply?
Georgia 2-year backbilling limit — does it apply to refunds too?
Georgia is tricky. The PSC Rule 515-3-3-.03 sets a 2-year limit for billing adjustments due to utility error. But there's an exception for meter test failures — if the meter or associated equipment is proven defective, some utilities have gone back further. Your CT ratio error could arguably fall under the defective equipment exception since the CTs were wired incorrectly. I'd file a formal complaint with the Georgia PSC if Georgia Power won't budge past 2 years. The PSC can order longer refund periods.
Greg is right about the formal complaint route. In my experience, Georgia Power will usually stick to 2 years unless you escalate. But I've seen the PSC order 3-year refunds when the error was clearly a utility installation mistake like a wrong CT ratio. The key evidence is the meter test report. Request a meter test through the utility. When they test the CTs and confirm the ratio is wrong, that documentation becomes your leverage. A wrong CT ratio at installation is a utility error, not a customer error, and you can argue the customer should not be penalized by a time limit for something the utility caused.
Requested the meter test today. If it confirms the CT ratio discrepancy I'll push for the full 4 years and escalate to the PSC if needed. The overcharge is about $3,400/month so the difference between 2 and 4 years is roughly $81,600. Worth fighting for.