Submitted an LOA to Alabama Power for a hotel client in Mobile. My standard LOA authorizes release of all billing records, usage data, rate information, meter data, and account correspondence. Alabama Power came back and said the authorization is too broad and they want me to specify exactly which data elements I'm requesting. Is this normal? I don't want to limit my request and then find out I need something I didn't ask for.
Utility says my LOA is too broad — wants me to narrow the scope
Alabama Power does that. They won't accept blanket authorizations. What I do is list the specific items but make the list comprehensive: monthly billing statements, demand data, energy usage records, rate schedule designation, meter configuration details, power factor readings, and payment history. That covers most of what you'd need for an audit. If you find you need something else later you can submit a supplemental request. It's annoying but at least you know what they will and won't give you upfront.
Thanks Val. Used your list almost verbatim and Alabama Power processed it within a week. Added meter test records and load factor data to the list as well since those could be relevant for the hotel.