Lori from Aurora CO. First marina engagement and the utility billing situation is unlike anything I have encountered. The marina has shore power pedestals for boats, a fuel dock, a repair shop, a small restaurant, and common area lighting — all served by multiple meters but billed under a single account on a general commercial rate. The load profiles across those uses are completely different. Where do I even start?
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Rate class on a marina — water, land, and power all mixed
Don from St. Paul. Marinas are complex but the general principle is the same — identify the dominant use and see if a more specific rate class applies. The shore power load is typically the largest and most distinctive component.
Cliff from Fayetteville. I did a marina two years ago. The key finding was that the shore power pedestals qualified for a marine or waterfront commercial rate that the utility had filed specifically for boat slip electrical service. The rate had a different demand structure that was much more favorable for the intermittent load pattern.
Cliff I had no idea a marine-specific rate existed. How did you find it?
Searched the utility tariff index for marine, waterfront, and recreational. Found it buried in a special services section. Most rate desk reps do not know it exists either.
Don again. Also check whether the restaurant qualifies for a food service rate separate from the rest of the account. If the restaurant has its own meter you might argue for a split classification.
This is more complex than I budgeted for but also more interesting. Going to pull 24 months of sub-meter data before I form any conclusions.