Sylvia D. in Harrisburg working on PSE&G account in New Jersey. Office building customer currently on Rate Schedule SGS (Small General Service) but their demand has been consistently hitting 45-48 kW for past 8 months. PSE&G threshold for Large General Service Rate LGS is 50 kW. Should I push for reclassification now or wait until they definitively cross 50 kW? The LGS rate structure actually looks more favorable for their usage pattern despite higher customer charge.
PSE&G Demand Threshold Issue - Small vs Large GS
Hey Sylvia, Randy here. Don't wait on PSE&G reclassification - they'll automatically move customer to LGS once they hit 50 kW for billing purposes anyway. But you can request voluntary reclassification if LGS rates are more favorable. Run detailed analysis comparing both rate schedules with their actual usage data. PSE&G is usually cooperative on voluntary upgrades when customer saves money. Also check if they have any seasonal demand variations that might push them over 50 kW threshold soon.
Kent N. in St. Petersburg. Duke Energy territory but similar threshold issues here. Had customer right at demand boundary and Duke automatically reclassified them after three consecutive months over threshold. Check PSE&G tariff for specific reclassification triggers - might be automatic after certain period above threshold.
Randy, ran the analysis and LGS would save about $280 monthly even with higher customer charge. Their load factor is really good at 78% which makes LGS demand charges more favorable. Should I submit written request to PSE&G for voluntary reclassification?
Absolutely Sylvia. With 78% load factor and $280 monthly savings, that's a no-brainer. Send formal letter to PSE&G requesting reclassification from SGS to LGS, include 12 months usage analysis showing why LGS is beneficial, and reference PSE&G tariff sections allowing voluntary rate changes. Should be approved quickly since it's customer-requested upgrade.
Don R. from Omaha. OPPD territory but wanted to ask - does PSE&G have any minimum contract terms for LGS rates? Some utilities require 12 month commitment on higher rate schedules to prevent gaming between summer/winter seasons.
Good question Don. PSE&G LGS tariff shows 12 month minimum stay requirement once reclassified. But with their consistent 45+ kW demand and high load factor, that shouldn't be an issue. Submitting reclassification request tomorrow.
Steve Y. in Raleigh. Duke Energy territory here but dealt with similar threshold crossing situation. Make sure you factor in any facility expansion plans that might increase demand further. Customer could end up on even higher rate schedule if demand keeps growing.
Steve, good point about expansion plans. Customer is stable office building with no major equipment additions planned. Their 45-48 kW demand is fairly consistent based on HVAC and lighting loads.
Angela F. in Columbus. AEP Ohio territory but curious about PSE&G rate structures. What's the kW threshold for their next higher rate schedule above LGS? Want to understand if there are multiple threshold crossings to consider.
Angela, PSE&G has Primary General Service Rate PGS starting at 500 kW demand. This customer is nowhere near that threshold so LGS should be stable long-term classification for them.
Update: PSE&G approved the reclassification to LGS effective February 1st! Already seeing the savings on first bill. Thanks Randy for pushing me to submit the request rather than waiting for automatic threshold crossing.