Marcus W. from Memphis but I've got a client with operations in Atlanta. Georgia Power has them on Schedule PL-1 (Primary Large) but they should be on PL-1-TOU. The facility runs primarily at night - textile manufacturing that shifted schedules to avoid peak demand charges. Been on the wrong rate for two years and GP claims the customer never requested TOU billing. The tariff shows TOU as an option, not requiring special application. Anyone know Georgia Power's policy on automatic TOU qualification?
TOU Rate Variants Not Applied - Georgia Power
Phyllis G. right here in Macon. Georgia Power definitely doesn't automatically put customers on TOU rates even when it would save money. You have to specifically request it and they'll usually want to see 12 months of interval data to "verify" the savings. It's frustrating because the TOU option is clearly stated in the tariff as available to any PL-1 customer. Have you calculated the potential savings?
Phyllis, the savings are huge - about $4,200 monthly. Night shift runs from 10 PM to 6 AM so they're almost entirely in off-peak periods. Peak hours are 1-7 PM when they're shut down except for minimal lighting and HVAC. This should be a no-brainer for TOU rates.
Vernon C. from Tampa. Different utility but similar issue with TECO on TOU rates. The key argument is that if TOU is listed as an option in the tariff without qualification restrictions, the utility should have offered it or at least informed the customer. Document that the load pattern clearly favors TOU from the beginning and request retroactive application.
Marcus, Vernon's right about the retroactive approach. I'd also recommend getting copies of all the original service applications and correspondence. If Georgia Power never mentioned TOU availability during the setup process, that's a failure on their part. The Georgia PSC has been pushing utilities to better inform customers about rate options.
Mike S. from Boise jumping in. Idaho Power has similar TOU variants and they're required to do annual rate optimization reviews for large customers. Does Georgia have any such requirement? Might be worth checking with the PSC about what customer education obligations utilities have.
Good suggestions everyone. I submitted the TOU application with two years of interval data clearly showing the night-shift load pattern. Also requested retroactive billing adjustment and included a complaint about inadequate rate counseling during initial service setup. We'll see how they respond.
Randy Dawson here. Marcus, that's a solid approach. Georgia Power has been more cooperative with retroactive TOU adjustments lately, especially when customers can demonstrate clear off-peak load patterns from service start. The key is showing they would have qualified from day one if properly informed about the option. Document everything and don't accept a denial without escalating to the PSC if necessary.
Any update Marcus? I've got a similar case developing with a client in Columbus (Georgia, not Ohio) and curious how your situation worked out with Georgia Power.
Phyllis, sorry for the delay updating. Georgia Power approved the TOU reclassification but only gave us 12 months retroactive credit instead of the full 24 months we requested. Still recovered about $48,000 so the client was happy. They claimed the first year was "adjustment period" for the new operation. Not ideal but better than nothing. Your Columbus case should be even stronger with this precedent.