Derek O. from Charlotte NC. Duke filed their rate case last month and I'm trying to compare the proposed Schedule SGS (Small General Service) with the current tariff. The proposed version eliminates the first energy block and increases the customer charge from $16.50 to $28.00. Anyone have experience modeling the impact of these changes? The NC Utilities Commission docket is E-7 Sub 1276.
Duke Energy Carolinas Rate Case - Proposed vs Current Tariffs
Randy here. Duke rate cases are always complex Derek. The key is to get both the current effective tariff and the proposed tariff from the docket filings. Look for the direct testimony exhibits - they usually have side-by-side comparisons. The elimination of that first energy block (usually around 1000 kWh at lower rate) will hurt medium-usage customers significantly. Combined with doubled customer charge, small businesses will see substantial increases. I'd model typical customer profiles at 2000, 5000, and 10000 kWh monthly to see the impact range. The fuel clause changes are also important to track.
Marcus J. in Columbia SC. We went through similar Duke increases here last year. The customer charge jump always gets the most attention, but watch the demand charge changes too. Duke proposed moving the demand threshold down from 30 kW to 20 kW, which brings more customers into demand billing. That's often a bigger impact than the energy rate changes.
Good points Randy and Marcus. Found the testimony exhibits in the docket. Duke's witness shows typical small commercial customer (3000 kWh, 15 kW) going from $387/month to $441/month - about 14% increase. The demand threshold change Marcus mentioned affects about 2800 additional customers. Derek O.
Gloria S. from Newark NJ. Derek, make sure to track the proceeding schedule. These Duke cases usually run 10-11 months. Interim rates might go into effect while the case is pending. Also watch for any settlement agreements - Duke often settles with large customer groups before the final order. That can change the final tariff significantly from what they originally proposed.
Bill G. in Richmond VA. Similar situation with Dominion Energy here. The proposed vs effective tariff comparison is critical for client planning. I always create a timeline showing when proposed rates might take effect, when true-ups occur, and when customers can switch rate schedules. Helps clients decide whether to lock in contracts before changes hit.
Update - NC Utilities Commission approved a modified version of Duke's proposal. Customer charge went to $24.00 instead of $28.00, and they kept the first energy block at a reduced size (500 kWh instead of 1000 kWh). Demand threshold stayed at 30 kW. Effective May 1st. Compromise reduced impact to about 8% for typical small commercial customers. Derek O.