Georgia Power customer in Macon was getting estimated bills for 8 months due to AMI communication issues. When they finally got actual reads, usage jumped 300% higher than estimates. Turns out CT multiplier was wrong the whole time but estimates were based on historical usage so error was masked. Anyone seen similar cases where estimated billing hides metering errors? Leslie N.
Estimated Reads Masking CT Multiplier Error
Leslie N., this is a known issue with utilities that base estimates on historical data rather than actual meter readings. We had similar case with Dominion Energy in Richmond where customer had wrong CT ratio but 6 months of estimated bills made usage look normal. Once AMI started working again, the huge variance became obvious. Patricia O.
That's why I always flag accounts with extended periods of estimated reads for metering verification once actual reads resume. JEA here in Jacksonville had multiple cases where CT errors were hidden by estimates. Customers got hit with huge catch-up bills when the errors were discovered. Robert F.
Check if the customer can challenge the estimated billing methodology. If estimates were significantly lower than actual usage due to metering errors, there may be grounds to limit back-billing. Dominion Energy in Richmond settled a similar case by only billing the difference between estimates and corrected actual usage. Phil G.
Phil G., that's exactly what we're arguing. Estimates were based on incorrect meter data so they don't reflect true usage. Georgia Power initially wanted full back-bill but we're pushing for limited adjustment. Customer shouldn't be penalized for utility's dual failure - wrong CT ratio AND inability to read meter properly. Leslie N.
This happened with Duke Energy in Charlotte too. Customer had estimated bills hiding CT multiplier error for nearly a year. Duke agreed to limit back-billing to the difference between what estimates should have been with correct multiplier vs what customer actually paid. Saved customer about 40% on the adjustment. Karen W.
Update - Georgia Power agreed to similar settlement. Instead of full back-bill they're only charging difference between corrected estimates and what was actually billed. Reduced exposure from $28K to about $11K. Thanks for the advice everyone. Leslie N.