Client switched to a TOU rate on ComEd 8 months ago but the bills still show a single kWh reading — no on-peak/off-peak breakdown. The total charges look like the flat rate is still being applied. Did the rate change actually go through?
TOU meter not recording peak and off-peak separately
The rate change probably went through on paper but the meter wasn't reprogrammed to record TOU registers. Smart meters can be remotely reprogrammed for TOU billing but someone has to initiate the reprogramming. If the billing system shows the TOU rate code but the meter is still recording total kWh only, the billing system may be applying a blended rate or defaulting to the flat rate. Call ComEd's metering department and ask them to verify the meter is programmed for TOU registers.
Had this happen on a Duke Energy account. The rate code changed but the meter wasn't reconfigured for 6 months. During that time the client was billed at the flat rate even though they were supposedly on TOU. Once the meter was reprogrammed, the TOU billing started. The 6-month gap was never corrected. Make sure your client gets credit for the TOU savings they should have had during the gap period.
This is a systemic issue with TOU rate changes. The rate code and the meter programming are handled by different departments at many utilities. One department changes the rate in the billing system, another department is supposed to reprogram the meter. When the handoff fails, the customer is on a TOU rate with a non-TOU meter and the billing defaults to something unpredictable. Always verify that both the rate code AND the meter programming match when a client switches to or from a TOU rate.
Called ComEd metering. Confirmed the meter was never reprogrammed. They're scheduling the remote update for next week and will backdate TOU billing to the original rate change date. Client should get a credit for 8 months of TOU savings they missed. Thanks everyone.