Marcus here from Charlotte. Duke Energy Carolinas just revised their General Service tariffs and I'm having trouble understanding when customers transition from GS-2 to GS-3. The tariff shows 30kW threshold but there's language about "billing demand" vs "contract demand" that's confusing. Anyone dealt with this recently?
Duke Energy Schedule GS-2 vs GS-3 Demand Threshold Changes
Wanda K. in Greenville. I think Duke uses a 12-month rolling average for that determination, not just peak month. Check the definitions section - billing demand is usually the highest 15-minute interval in the month, but contract demand can be different.
Randy Dawson here. Marcus, you're looking at the right issue. Duke Energy Carolinas Schedule GS-2 applies to customers with demands between 10kW and 30kW, while GS-3 kicks in above 30kW. The key is in Section 3.2 of the tariff - they use the highest billing demand in the preceding 11 months plus the current month for classification purposes. So even if you hit 32kW one summer month, you'll be on GS-3 for the full 12-month period. The rate difference is significant - GS-3 has lower energy charges but higher demand charges, typically around $8.50 per kW versus GS-2's simpler structure.
Gary T. from Knoxville. Similar situation with TVA schedules here. Marcus, make sure you're looking at the effective tariff date - Duke filed revisions in June that changed some of these thresholds. The NC Utilities Commission docket was E-7 Sub 1287 if I remember right.
Thanks everyone. Found the docket - it was actually E-7 Sub 1289. The revision moved the ratchet provision from 75% to 80% of peak demand. Randy, your explanation about the 12-month lookback is exactly what I needed. Customer is looking at $847 monthly increase if they hit that 30kW threshold.