Derek H. in Atlanta - Georgia Power just installed new AMI meters at our facility last month. Our January bill came in at $47,000 when it should be around $12,000 based on our Schedule PL-1 rate history. The demand readings look normal but energy is off the charts. Suspecting a multiplier programming error but they're claiming the meter is reading correctly. How do I prove this is wrong?
AMI programming error causing massive overbilling
Derek H., start by comparing your actual CT nameplate ratios to what the utility has on file. Request the meter programming parameters in writing - they have to provide the multiplier factors being used. Calculate what your consumption should be based on your operational hours and connected load. With AMI systems, programming errors are unfortunately common during the changeover period. Document your facility's typical usage patterns from before the AMI installation.
Nancy P. from Austin - we had Austin Energy do the same thing. The AMI head unit was programmed with the wrong CT ratio in their database. Turned out they copied settings from a different account. Check if your meter number matches what's on your bill - sometimes they cross-wire the data feeds.
Leslie N. in Macon here - Georgia Power did this to three of our accounts last year during their AMI rollout. The problem was in their head-end system, not the physical meter. Demand the raw meter register readings and compare to the billed amounts. The math should be obvious if there's a multiplier error.
Charles T. in Arlington - similar issue with Oncor here in Texas. The AMI system was applying the multiplier twice - once at the meter and once in billing. Created a 16x overbilling situation. Request an immediate meter test and don't pay the disputed amount until it's resolved.
Update - Randy D. was right about the CT ratios. Physical CTs are 400:1 but their system shows 100:1, creating a 4x overbill. Georgia Power is sending a tech out tomorrow to reprogram the AMI head unit. Thanks for the guidance everyone.
Duane K. in Bend - Pacific Power made the same mistake here. Make sure they calculate the adjustment back to the AMI installation date, not just from when you complained. You're entitled to refund the full overbilling period.
Final update - got the full adjustment back to December 1st when the AMI was installed. Total refund of $71,000 applied to February bill. Lesson learned - always verify the first bill after any meter change looks reasonable.