Found something interesting on my very first audit. Client is on Alabama Power. There's a rider called "Rate CNP Adjustment" that the tariff says was effective from January 2021 through December 2023. It's now August 2024 and the charge is still on the bill. The rider should have sunset 8 months ago. Am I reading this right?
Rider sunset date passed but utility is still charging it
You might be reading it right. Riders with sunset provisions are supposed to be automatically removed from billing when the authorization period ends. But billing systems don't always catch it, especially if the PUC extended the rider and the extension order hasn't been processed yet. Check the Alabama PSC docket to see if there's been an extension order. If not, the rider should have been removed and every charge since January 2024 is an overcharge.
Great catch for a first audit! Derek's right — check for an extension order first. If no extension was granted and the rider is still being billed, you have a clear error. This is the kind of finding that demonstrates immediate value to the client and builds your credibility. Sunset provision errors are rare but they're unambiguous — the tariff says the rider expires on a specific date and it's either expired or it hasn't. No interpretation needed.
Checked the PSC docket — no extension order. The rider expired December 31, 2023. Alabama Power has been billing it for 8 months past its authorization. Filing the claim for my client and I bet this affects every Alabama Power customer on that rider. This is a great first finding. Thank you for confirming I wasn't crazy!