PPL Electric in Allentown switched my client from flat rate Schedule GS to time-of-use Schedule GS-TOU when they installed smart meters. Client didn't request TOU rates but PPL says smart meter customers get automatically enrolled. Monthly bills increased 18%. Is this legal?
PPL smart meter time-of-use rates vs old flat rate
Dominion Energy Virginia did the same thing. Automatic TOU enrollment with smart meters. Had to specifically opt out to keep flat rates. Check Pennsylvania PUC tariffs for opt-out provisions.
Avista in Spokane gives customers choice between TOU and flat rates. Smart meters enable TOU billing but don't require it. Pennsylvania might have different rules.
Florida Power & Light automatically enrolled smart meter customers in TOU rates. We had to file complaints with Florida PSC to get clients switched back. Saved about $2,800/month switching back to flat rates.
Check the peak hour windows on PPL's TOU schedule. If your client operates mostly during off-peak hours, TOU rates might actually save money. Run a rate analysis first.
San Diego Gas & Electric offers opt-out from TOU rates within 60 days of smart meter installation. Pennsylvania might have similar customer protection rules.
Vectren in Evansville (now CenterPoint) gives 12 months notice before switching to TOU rates. Customers can opt out during that period. Check if PPL gave proper notice.
Smart meters enable TOU billing but utilities should not automatically enroll customers without proper notice and opt-out provisions. Review state PUC rules on rate schedule changes.