We had a new 480V service installed at our Pine Bluff facility in June. The meter was reading way too high from day one but Arkansas Electric Coop kept saying everything was correct. Finally got an engineer out there who found they installed 200:1 CTs but programmed the meter for 400:1. Six weeks of double billing on Schedule LGS rate and they're claiming it was our electrician's fault somehow. Anyone dealt with this before?
CT ratio wrong on new install - utility denying responsibility
Lucille W., this is unfortunately common with new installs. The utility has full responsibility for the metering equipment including CT ratios and multiplier programming. Your electrician has no access to or control over those settings. I'd recommend documenting everything - the engineer's findings, your monthly kWh usage patterns, and comparable facilities. Request a formal adjustment calculation going back to the service start date. If they continue to resist, contact the Arkansas PSC. The utility cannot bill you incorrectly due to their equipment error and then claim it's not their responsibility.
Had the exact same thing happen in Birmingham with Alabama Power. They tried to blame our contractor too until I showed them the meter installation records. Took three months to get our money back but we eventually got a full adjustment plus interest. Don't let them off the hook - Randy D. is absolutely right about PSC involvement if needed.
Gary W. here from Tacoma - PSE did this to us twice on the same account. First time wrong CTs, second time they "fixed" it but programmed the multiplier backwards. Keep pushing and document every conversation with date/time/person you spoke with.
The key is getting them to admit the error in writing. Once they acknowledge their equipment was programmed wrong, the adjustment becomes automatic. Carol T. in Houston - we see this all the time with CenterPoint Energy new commercial services.
Thanks everyone. Got the engineer's report in writing and filed a formal complaint with Arkansas PSC yesterday. The coop suddenly became much more cooperative when I mentioned the PSC case number. Looks like we'll get our adjustment after all.