Manufacturing client in Independence got moved from Schedule LGS to Schedule MGS and their bill jumped $4,200/month. Evergy says the tariff requires MGS for customers over 500 kW demand. But the tariff language says "may be served under MGS" not "shall be served." Fighting this interpretation with Missouri PSC. Anyone dealt with similar tariff language disputes?
Evergy rate tariff interpretation dispute
Tariff language matters a lot. "May" usually means optional, "shall" means mandatory. Pull up similar PSC rulings on tariff interpretation. In Texas, "may" language generally favors customer choice between rate schedules.
Check if the client actually requested the rate change or if Evergy made the switch unilaterally. Missouri rules generally require customer consent for voluntary rate changes unless there's clear mandatory language in the tariff.
Great point about customer consent. Client never requested the change and there's nothing in their contract requiring automatic rate escalation. Filed complaint with Missouri PSC citing lack of customer consent and ambiguous tariff language. Hearing scheduled for January.