After getting my LOA rejected by three different utilities in North Dakota for three different reasons I decided to rewrite my template from scratch. The version I have now has been accepted by every utility I've submitted it to for the past 8 months. Key elements: client legal name and DBA if different, all account numbers listed individually, specific data elements requested, 24-month authorization period with specific start and end dates, client signature with printed name and title, and a line that says the utility may verify this authorization by contacting the client directly. That last line seems to make utilities more comfortable processing it.
LOA template that works across most utilities — my go-to version
Can you share the actual template? I'm new and have been cobbling together LOA language from different sources. Would love to see what a proven version looks like.
I'd rather not post the full text publicly but happy to share it with you directly. Randy might have a recommendation too — I think AAUBA has template resources for members.
Arnold raises a good point. AAUBA does provide LOA templates as part of the member resources. The template covers the essential elements Arnold described and has been reviewed to work with most investor-owned utilities. Members can find it in the resource library. For municipal utilities and co-ops you may need to customize the language slightly but the core template is a strong starting point. Brenda, check the member resources section or reach out to me directly.
Found the AAUBA template in the resources section. Used it for my first client with SWEPCO here in Shreveport and it went through without any issues. Thank you both.