Dana from Sioux City. Client experienced a partial fire loss last year. The utility disconnected service during repairs and when service was reconnected the account was reset as if it were a new account. They were put on a standard commercial rate rather than the industrial rate they had been on for 11 years. When I came along 8 months later the error was obvious but the utility was resistant because they said the reconnection was treated as a new service application. Anyone dealt with service interruption triggering a rate class reset?
Rate class changed after a fire — utility reset the account incorrectly
Karl from Santa Ana. Yes and utilities do this because reconnection after a significant event gives them a chance to reclassify. Usually they apply a conservative rate rather than researching what the account was on before.
Karl, how did you get the original rate restored?
I requested the account history going back before the interruption and presented it alongside the current service reconnection paperwork. The pre-interruption classification was on the same account number. Argued that the account identity did not change — only the service status changed temporarily. The classification should have been restored to what it was before.
The utility is saying a new service application means a new rate class determination. Is there PUC precedent on this?
Karl again. Check the state commission's rules on service restoration after casualty events. Several states have specific provisions requiring utilities to restore service at the prior rate class unless the customer's operations have materially changed. If your state has that provision you have a strong argument.
Going to the PUC docket today. This kind of situation probably has prior rulings and I need to find them before filing.