Kevin O. from Kansas City working on an Illinois account. Manufacturing client has been on ComEd Schedule 4L (large general service) but their demand dropped below 100 kW for 6 consecutive months. They should qualify for Schedule 4M (medium general service) with TOU options. Looking at $3,200 monthly savings potential. Anyone dealt with ComEd demand threshold crossings recently? Do they automatically move customers down or do we need to request it?
ComEd TOU rates - customer crossed demand threshold but stayed on wrong schedule
Beverly O. here from Cleveland. ComEd definitely doesn't move customers down automatically - that would cost them revenue! You need to request the reclassification in writing. I had a similar case last year where a client's demand dropped due to energy efficiency improvements. ComEd fought it initially claiming the low demand was 'temporary' even after 8 months of data.
James C. from Connecticut, but I work ComEd territory sometimes. The key is proving the demand reduction is permanent, not seasonal. They'll want 12 months of data if possible. Also check if Schedule 4M-TOU gives better savings than straight 4M depending on their load profile. What type of manufacturing - are they running consistent shifts or variable production?
Thanks Beverly and James. It's automotive parts manufacturing running two shifts Monday-Friday. Pretty consistent load profile with minimal weekend usage. Demand dropped from 145 kW average to 85 kW after they upgraded to LED lighting and new compressors. The reduction looks permanent based on 7 months of post-upgrade data.
Randy Dawson here. For ComEd demand threshold crossings, reference Section 3.4 of their Electric Service Schedule which allows reclassification when demand characteristics change permanently. Seven months of consistent data below 100 kW should be sufficient, especially with documented equipment changes. File Form 4M-Application with ComEd's Commercial Account Services. Include: monthly demand history, description of efficiency improvements, and projected future demand. ComEd Schedule 4M-TOU could save additional 8-12% during off-peak hours compared to standard 4M. Run the numbers on both rate structures using their actual interval data if available.
Carol J. in California but dealt with ComEd on a multi-state client. Randy's right about the TOU analysis. We saved a manufacturer $4,800 annually by shifting some production to super off-peak hours under 4M-TOU vs staying on standard 4L. The demand charge reduction alone was worth $2,100 monthly.
Ruth E. here. Quick question Kevin - did they also upgrade HVAC systems? Sometimes manufacturers see summer demand spikes that put them back over 100 kW threshold. ComEd might argue for keeping them on 4L to avoid future reclassification hassles.
Good catch Ruth. Yes, they upgraded HVAC controls as part of the efficiency project. Peak summer demand historically hit 165 kW but last July only reached 92 kW with the new systems. I'll include that in the documentation to show even seasonal peaks stay below threshold.
Brian S. from Utah. Had similar success with Rocky Mountain Power on demand threshold issues. Key is showing the utility that customer usage characteristics fundamentally changed, not just temporary fluctuation. Your LED and compressor upgrades are perfect justification for permanent reclassification.
Update: Submitted the 4M reclassification request with ComEd yesterday. Included 8 months of demand data, equipment upgrade documentation, and engineering report projecting future demand under 95 kW. ComEd said 30-45 day review period. Fingers crossed!
Final update: ComEd approved the reclassification to Schedule 4M-TOU! Effective with December billing. Customer is saving $3,400 monthly between lower demand charges and TOU energy rates. They're thrilled and already talking about expanding the efficiency program to other facilities. Thanks for all the guidance!