Working on a mixed-use property in Indianapolis that Duke Energy has on Schedule GS-2 commercial rate. Building has manufacturing component that should qualify for industrial Schedule IS-TOU. Property manager says they've been on commercial for 3 years. Anyone dealt with Duke on mixed-use reclassification? What documentation did they require? - Dale H.
Duke Energy Commercial vs Industrial - Mixed Use Building Issue
Dale H., I had success with Duke on a similar case in Atlanta. They required detailed floor plans showing manufacturing vs office space percentages. Had to prove manufacturing was primary use by square footage. Took 4 months but got retroactive billing adjustment for 18 months. Save all your correspondence. - Greg L.
Good topic Dale H. and Greg L. Duke Energy follows their mixed-use tariff pretty strictly. Key is demonstrating primary use through multiple factors: square footage, connected load analysis, and actual usage patterns. For manufacturing qualification need to show industrial processes not just assembly work. Document everything including site visits, load studies, and floor plans. Industrial rates typically 15-25% lower than commercial in Duke territory. Randy D.
What kW demand threshold triggers the better industrial rate with Duke? My client has 200kW peak but mostly office space with small machine shop. - Vernon C.
Vernon C., Duke's Schedule IS-TOU kicks in at 30kW minimum demand but you need to meet industrial use criteria. It's not just about demand level. At 200kW you'd definitely qualify demand-wise if use qualifies. Check tariff Section 3.2 for industrial definitions. - Dale H.
Been through this with Dominion in Richmond. Mixed-use is tricky because utilities default to higher commercial rates. Key documentation: detailed electrical load inventory, process flow diagrams if any manufacturing, square footage breakdowns, and historical usage analysis. Fight the initial rejection. - Phil G.
How far back can you typically recover on rate reclassification? Is there a statute of limitations? - Dana J.
Dana J., recovery periods vary by utility and state regulations. Duke Energy typically allows 12-24 months retroactive recovery for rate classification errors. Some states limit to 12 months, others allow longer if utility error is demonstrated. Always push for maximum allowed recovery period. Document when you first requested reclassification review. Randy D.
Update on my Duke case - got approval for industrial rate reclassification. Total recovery was $23,400 over 18 months. Key was proving 65% of building square footage was manufacturing use. Demand dropped from $18.50/kW to $12.75/kW on industrial schedule. Worth the fight. - Greg L.
Greg L., that's excellent recovery! What was your total building demand level? My client is running about 180kW peak monthly demand. Manufacturing space is about 55% of building so borderline on square footage test. - Dale H.
Dale H., we were at 240kW peak demand. The 55% manufacturing might be tight but worth pursuing. Duke also considers connected load of manufacturing equipment vs office equipment. If most of your 180kW serves manufacturing processes that helps your case. - Greg L.
Thanks for all the input everyone. Filing formal rate review request with Duke this week. Will document everything and push for retroactive recovery. This forum is invaluable for these utility battles. - Dale H.