Just wanted to share a win. Client in Spokane Valley was getting hit with power factor penalties for 18 months - about $2,300/month extra. Avista claimed their PF was running 0.75-0.78. Client installed monitoring and actual PF was 0.91-0.94. Turns out Avista's meter was miscalibrated.
Avista dispute success - power factor penalty reversal
How did you prove the meter was wrong? We have a similar case brewing with them right now.
Client's electrical contractor installed a calibrated power quality meter for 60 days. We submitted daily readings showing consistent 0.92+ power factor. Also got the contractor to certify the equipment was recently calibrated by an accredited lab.
Avista actually has decent technical staff once you get past the first level. Did they test their meter or just take your word for it?
They sent a tech out to verify our readings and admitted their meter was "reading erratically." Replaced it the next week and credited back all the penalties. Total refund was about $41,000.
Nice work! Power factor disputes are tricky because most clients don't have the monitoring equipment to challenge the utility. Independent verification is key.
Excellent case study. When utility meters malfunction, independent monitoring data from certified equipment is your strongest evidence. Document the calibration chain and get professional certification of your readings.