Duane K. from Bend, Oregon. I have a ski resort client that operates primarily December through March, with minimal summer operations. Pacific Power has them on a standard Schedule 38 large general service rate year-round. The resort's summer demand drops to about 15% of winter levels. Are there seasonal rate options that might work better? The current rate structure really penalizes them during the low-usage summer months with high demand charges for minimal load.
Seasonal rate questions for ski resort
David C. in Seattle. I work with several seasonal businesses. Pacific Power does have some seasonal provisions but they're usually for agricultural operations. For ski resorts, you might want to look at whether they qualify for any interruptible rates during summer when they could shut down non-essential loads. Also check if they can get a lower rate classification during off-season months based on reduced demand.
Tony F. from Vegas. Had a similar situation with NV Energy for a seasonal casino operation. Sometimes you can negotiate a demand ratchet waiver during documented closure periods. Worth asking Pacific Power about seasonal demand adjustments. The key is proving the seasonal nature is permanent and predictable, not just temporary.
Thanks David and Tony. I'll research the interruptible options and see about demand ratchet adjustments. The seasonal pattern is definitely permanent - 12 years of billing history shows the same pattern every year.