Don from Portland. Client's demand charge rate per kW increased 40 percent after the utility's rate case was approved by the commission. Client is asking me if there is any recourse. I know rate cases are quasi-legislative proceedings but is there anything a commercial customer can do after approval?
Demand charges doubled after a utility rate case — what recourse
Karen from Boise. Once a rate case is approved by the commission the rates are effective as filed. There is no individual customer recourse on the rate level itself. However you can check whether the utility properly notified your client of the increase — late or inadequate notice sometimes creates remedies.
Don again. Is there anything prospective — like using the rate case outcome to renegotiate the contract?
Karen again. Some large commercial customers have negotiated special contracts or economic development rates that are separate from the standard tariff. Those contracts sometimes include rate caps or stability provisions. Whether your client qualifies depends on their load size and the utility's special contract offerings.
Tim from Denver. Also check whether the rate case created any new rate schedules or TOU options that your client should consider switching to. Rate cases often add new rate designs that incumbents on older schedules do not automatically migrate to.
Tim that is a good angle I had not thought of. The utility's rate case filing typically includes comparative analysis of the schedules?
Tim again. Yes. The rate case testimony usually includes rate design comparisons. The commission's order also summarizes how different customer classes are affected. Worth requesting the commission's order summary for your client's customer class.