Textile plant in Raleigh was moved to Duke's seasonal rate Schedule LGS-TOU without notification. Summer demand charges went from $8.50/kW to $15.75/kW. Plant operates year-round so seasonal makes no sense. Fighting this with NC Utilities Commission.
Duke Energy seasonal billing disaster
Duke pulled same stunt in Jacksonville with paper mill. Took 8 months but got them moved back to standard industrial rate. Key was proving continuous operation and showing seasonal rate was inappropriate for their load pattern.
Check if they filed proper notification of rate preference. Arizona has similar rules - utilities can't just switch industrial customers without 60-day notice and option to decline.
Had success with South Carolina PSC on similar case. Duke has to demonstrate that seasonal rate benefits the customer. If it doesn't, they have to allow switch back.
Document everything. Keep records of all bills before and after the switch. Calculate what bills would have been under old rate. Avista tried this with aluminum smelter in Spokane - we got $240,000 refund.
Update: NC Utilities Commission ruled in our favor. Duke has to refund $67,000 and return plant to standard rate. Key was showing the rate change was detrimental and done without proper customer consent.