Filed a rate classification claim with Ohio Edison 3 months ago. They've denied it twice, saying the current rate is correct. I've provided the tariff citation showing my client qualifies for a lower rate based on their demand level. Ohio Edison's position is that the customer was correctly classified at the time of account setup and they won't reclassify retroactively. I disagree — the tariff doesn't say anything about original classification being permanent. Do I escalate to PUCO?
Utility denied my claim — do I escalate to the PUC?
Yes, escalate. Ohio Edison's position is weak. The tariff specifies eligibility criteria — if the customer currently meets the criteria for a different rate, they should be on that rate regardless of what they were originally classified as. Original classification is not a tariff concept. File an informal complaint with PUCO. The informal process is fast — PUCO staff will contact the utility and mediate. In my experience, Ohio Edison concedes on about 80% of informal complaints because they know their position won't hold up if it goes to a formal hearing.
Jim W. is right. The informal complaint is your next step. File it online through PUCO's website — it takes about 15 minutes. Describe the error, attach your documentation, and cite the tariff provision. PUCO staff will contact the utility within 10 business days. Most rate classification disputes get resolved at the informal stage. If the utility still refuses after the informal process, you can file a formal complaint, but that's a more involved legal proceeding that rarely becomes necessary.
I filed an informal PUCO complaint against Ohio Edison last year on a similar issue. Resolved in 22 days. The PUCO staff called Ohio Edison, Ohio Edison reviewed the claim with fresh eyes (different person than who denied it originally), and they agreed to the reclassification plus a 24-month refund. Definitely worth filing.
Filed the informal complaint this morning. Attached everything — tariff pages, bills, my calculation, and the two denial letters from Ohio Edison. Will update when I hear back. Thanks for the push.