Step-by-step: how I file a claim with Georgia Power

Sharing my process for filing rate correction claims with Georgia Power since they're one of the most common utilities I deal with. This process applies to most Southern Company utilities too.

1. Document the error: Write a clear one-page summary describing the error, citing the specific tariff provision, and calculating the overcharge amount.
2. Attach supporting documents: Copy of the tariff page, 3-4 sample bills showing the error, your calculation spreadsheet, and the signed LOA.
3. Send to the right person: Email the commercial billing department at the customer's service center, NOT the general customer service line. Include the account number in the subject line.
4. Follow up: If no response in 10 business days, call and reference your email. Get a case number.
5. Escalate if needed: If billing doesn't resolve it within 30 days, request a supervisor review. If that fails, mention the Georgia PSC complaint option.

Most claims get resolved at step 3 or 4. I rarely need to go beyond step 5.

This is really helpful. What's your typical resolution time from filing to refund check?

For rate classification corrections on Georgia Power, typically 30-60 days from filing to credit on the bill. They rarely send a check — it's usually a credit applied over 1-3 billing cycles. For more complex claims like meter errors requiring a meter test, add another 30-60 days for the testing process. So 30 days for simple claims, 60-90 for complex.

Terry's process is solid and it works for most investor-owned utilities. The key step that many auditors skip is #2 — attaching the supporting documentation. A claim that says "the rate is wrong" without the tariff citation and calculation gets pushed to the bottom of the pile. A claim that includes the tariff page with the relevant provision highlighted and a clear calculation gets processed quickly because the billing analyst doesn't have to do any research — you did it for them.

As someone who works with Georgia Power regularly in the Memphis area — wait, that's MLGW for me. But this process translates well to municipal utilities too. Same basic approach: document, support, submit to the right person, follow up, escalate. The difference is that municipal utility escalation goes to the utility's board rather than the PSC.