Frank E. from Cleveland. Anyone else seeing utilities misclassifying churches and religious schools? I've got three cases this month - two with FirstEnergy and one with AEP Ohio. All should be on religious/educational rates but got stuck on standard commercial. The savings are substantial but getting utilities to acknowledge the error is like pulling teeth.
Religious Institution Rate Errors - Multiple Utilities
Lori C. in Fayetteville here. Entergy Arkansas does this constantly with churches. They seem to default everything to commercial and make you prove eligibility for special rates. What documentation are you using? I've found their 501c3 determination letters aren't always enough.
Lori, exactly right about the 501c3 letters. FirstEnergy wanted additional proof that the facilities are used "primarily for religious worship or education." For the church, I had to get a letter from the pastor detailing weekly services and activities. For the school, needed enrollment records and curriculum info. Seems excessive but it worked.