Phoenix office building on APS Schedule E-32. Meter reader noted "display dark" in March 2010. APS kept estimating based on prior year usage through October. Client got hammered with a $31,000 catch-up bill when they finally replaced the meter. The estimates were way low because 2009 had mild weather. Anyone dealt with APS on estimated bill disputes?
APS estimated my client for 8 months - stuck digital meter
Had similar with PSE&G in Newark. They estimated for 6 months on a stuck mechanical meter. The key is proving the estimates were unreasonably low compared to actual usage patterns. Did APS use degree day adjustments?
No degree day adjustments at all. Just straight averaging from March 2009-February 2009. Building added two new tenants in June 2010 but APS had no way to know that from a dead meter.
APS should have noticed the meter failure sooner. In Kentucky, LG&E has to attempt actual reads at least every 6 months per PSC regs. Check Arizona Corporation Commission rules on maximum consecutive estimates.
Most state PUCs limit consecutive estimates to 3-6 months. After that utilities must get actual reads or install new meters. Document everything - meter photos, weather data, occupancy changes. Build your case that estimates were unreasonable given the circumstances.