Just discovered our 2MW manufacturing facility has been billed wrong for 18 months. Meter shows 400:1 CT ratio but utility has been billing us on 200:1. Monthly bills averaging $47,000 when should be around $23,500. On Montana-Dakota Utilities Schedule LGS-1. Anyone else deal with CT ratio disputes this big? They're claiming the field tech recorded it correctly but the nameplate clearly shows 400:1. Boyd R.
CT Ratio Error - Massive Overcharge on Manufacturing Plant
Boyd, that's a significant error - you're looking at roughly $420,000 in overcharges if the math holds up. First priority is getting photos of all CT nameplates and the meter multiplier display. Don't let them change anything until you have documentation. Also need copies of all work orders from the original installation. Montana-Dakota is generally reasonable but they'll want ironclad proof. What's the meter manufacturer and model? Randy D.
Had similar issue with PNM here in Albuquerque on a 1.5MW commercial account. Took 8 months to resolve but we got full refund plus interest. Key was proving the CT installation matched the nameplate specs, not just the paperwork. Get an independent meter test if they resist - worth every penny on an account that size. Frank S.
Thanks Randy and Frank. Got photos of everything yesterday. All four CTs clearly marked 400:1 ratio, meter display also shows 400:1 multiplier. Found the smoking gun - original work order from install shows 400:1 but billing system setup shows 200:1. Classic data entry error. Filed formal complaint today. Boyd R.
Boyd what was their initial response? KUB fought me tooth and nail on a much smaller CT error last year. Even with clear documentation they tried to claim estimated reads made it impossible to calculate exact overcharge. Ended up going to the Tennessee PUC. Gary T.
Update: They acknowledged the error after reviewing the photos. Billing manager admitted the field tech noted 400:1 correctly but data entry person misread the handwriting. Getting check for $398,640 plus 6% interest. Sometimes it pays to be thorough with documentation. Boyd R.
Wow Boyd that's an incredible recovery! Makes me wonder how many accounts have similar errors that never get caught. APS has been pushing more AMI installs but seems like the programming errors are getting worse. Alice C.
This thread should be required reading. Had a smaller version on a 500kW account with Evergy. Only caught it because the customer's usage seemed low compared to production output. Always verify the multiplier matches the CT ratio, especially on new installs. Lloyd P.