Working on a manufacturing client in North Carolina that's been on Duke's Schedule SGS (Small General Service) for 8 years when they clearly qualify for Schedule LGS (Large General Service) based on their 180kW average demand. Has anyone had success getting Duke to reclassify AND provide retroactive billing adjustments? - Darrell S.
Duke Energy Industrial vs Commercial - Any Success Stories?
Darrell, Duke can be particularly stubborn on reclassifications but you've got a solid case. The key documentation you'll need includes 24 months of interval meter data showing consistent demand above 100kW, original service application showing industrial processes, and a formal letter citing their Tariff Section 3.2.1 threshold provisions. I've seen retroactive adjustments go back 12-18 months with proper documentation. What's their current monthly bill running? - Randy Dawson
Had similar situation with Duke in South Carolina last year. Client was paying $18,000/month on SGS when should have been $14,500 on LGS-TOU. Took 4 months and three levels of appeals but got 16 months retroactive at $3,500/month savings. The trick was proving the demand threshold crossing wasn't temporary. - Carol T.
Carol that's a nice win! What specific documentation did Duke require for the retroactive piece? We're seeing more pushback on lookbacks lately. - Marcus T.
Marcus, they wanted proof the higher demand wasn't due to temporary construction or seasonal variance. Had to provide engineering report showing permanent equipment additions plus 18 months of production records. Also helped that we could show similar facilities in their territory were properly classified from day one. - Carol T.
Quick question - what's the exact kW threshold for Duke's LGS qualification? Seeing conflicting info in their tariff book. - Linda
Linda, Duke's threshold is 100kW average demand over any consecutive 12-month period for LGS eligibility. However, there's also a secondary qualification based on annual kWh usage over 500,000. Check Schedule LGS Section 1.1 in their current tariff - they updated it in March 2024. - Randy Dawson
Update - submitted our reclassification request with 24 months of data showing 165kW average demand. Duke initially pushed back saying the client could stay on SGS if preferred. Had to escalate to their Commercial Services manager to explain the tariff requires proper classification regardless of customer preference. Still waiting on retroactive determination. - Darrell S.
Darrell, that's typical Duke response. They often frame reclassification as optional when it's actually mandatory per their filed tariff. Document everything and reference NCUC regulations on proper rate application. Should strengthen your position. - Patricia W.
Final update - Duke approved the reclassification and 14 months retroactive billing credit of $42,800! Key was citing NCUC precedent cases on mandatory proper classification. Thanks for all the guidance especially Randy and Carol. Client is thrilled. - Darrell S.