Client in Wichita with ComEd service crossed 100kW demand threshold and got moved from Schedule GS to Schedule GSD automatically. Problem is GSD has much higher demand charges and worse rate structure for their usage pattern. Peak demand only hit 102kW one month, usually runs 85-95kW. Any way to get back on lower rate schedule or find better option? - Rachel H.
ComEd Demand Threshold Crossing - Client Bumped to Higher Rate
Rachel H., ComEd usually has 12-month demand history requirement for rate eligibility. If client stays under 100kW for 12 consecutive months they should be able to return to Schedule GS. Also check if they qualify for time-of-use variants that might be better than standard GSD. - Eugene W.
Rachel H., Eugene W. is correct about the 12-month rule. However, also investigate what caused the demand spike. Sometimes it's equipment malfunction, power factor issues, or operational changes that can be addressed. ComEd offers Schedule GSD-TOU and GSD-EVG variants that may have better rate structure depending on usage patterns. Review client's interval data to identify opportunities. Randy D.
Randy D., great point about investigating the spike. Looking at interval data now. Demand spike happened during July when they ran additional cooling equipment during heat wave. Normal operations are definitely under 100kW. Will request rate review based on typical usage patterns. - Rachel H.
What's the rate difference between GS and GSD schedules with ComEd? - Gina P.
Gina P., big difference. Schedule GS has no separate demand charge, just higher energy rates. Schedule GSD has $15.80/kW demand charge plus lower energy rates. For client running 85-95kW normal demand, that's $1,300-1,500 monthly in demand charges they didn't have before. Total bill increased about 35%. - Rachel H.
Can they install demand management equipment to stay under threshold? Might be worth the investment to avoid higher rate schedule. - Marcus T.
Marcus T., that's smart thinking. Looking into demand management options now. Client has some equipment that could be load-shed during peak periods. Might be cheaper than staying on high-demand rate schedule. - Rachel H.
Had similar issue with different utility. Installed simple demand controller for $3,200 that automatically sheds non-critical loads when approaching threshold. Paid for itself in 4 months. - Vivian C.
What about power factor correction? Poor power factor can inflate demand readings. - Dana J.
Dana J., good point. Client's power factor is around 0.82 which isn't great. ComEd measures kVA demand so poor power factor definitely inflates readings. Power factor correction might keep them under 100kW threshold. Getting quotes for capacitor bank. - Rachel H.
Rachel H., power factor correction is excellent strategy. At 0.82 PF, client's kW demand appears 22% higher than actual. Improving to 0.95 PF could drop apparent demand from 102kW to 84kW easily. Capacitor payback typically 12-18 months through demand reduction and better rate schedule eligibility. Randy D.
Randy D., the math works out perfectly. Installing 30kVAR capacitor bank for $4,800. Should improve power factor to 0.94 and keep demand well under 100kW threshold. ComEd agreed to return client to Schedule GS once they demonstrate 12 months under threshold. Project should pay back in 14 months. Thanks everyone! - Rachel H.
Rachel H., excellent outcome. This is why detailed analysis beats just accepting rate increases. Client gets lower bills and improved electrical system efficiency. Win-win solution. - Eugene W.
Update: Capacitor bank installed last week. Power factor improved to 0.93 and November demand reading was 89kW. Client thrilled with immediate results. Should qualify for Schedule GS return by next November. Great advice from this forum! - Rachel H.