Need help with primary metered account issue. Client has 13.2kV service with VTs and CTs. Dominion Energy had VT ratio programmed as 120:1 but actual VTs are 110:1. Been running 14 months like this. Demand charges are way overstated. Anyone dealt with VT ratio errors? Phil G.
VT Ratio Error on Primary Metered Account - Major $$ Impact
Phil - VT ratio errors on primary metering can be very expensive, especially on demand charges. The voltage multiplier affects both kWh and kW calculations. You'll need to document the actual VT nameplate ratios and push for meter test. What's the rate schedule and typical demand? Randy D.
Rate Schedule LGS with demand around 800 kW. But meter has been reading about 880 kW demand because of the VT error. That's significant money on demand charges over 14 months. Phil G.
Yikes, that's a costly error. VT ratios are critical on primary metered accounts. How did you discover the problem? Was it load analysis or equipment inspection? Harriet C.
Discovered during routine audit. Client mentioned demand charges seemed high compared to similar facilities. Checked all the metering equipment and found VT nameplate showed 110:1 but Dominion had meter programmed for 120:1. Phil G.
That's about 9% error on demand readings - definitely material. APS would typically back-bill or credit for errors that large. Is Dominion cooperating on the correction? Sarah M.
They're being cooperative but slow. Took three weeks just to get them to send someone out to verify the VT ratios. Now waiting on their billing department to calculate the adjustment. Phil G.
Primary metering errors can be complicated to fix because both energy and demand are affected. Make sure they use the correct demand billing determinant for each month - sometimes the ratchet makes it tricky. Kevin N.
We had similar VT issue with NorthWestern Energy. Took 4 months to get resolution but they did provide full credit back to discovery date. Document everything and stay persistent. Noel R.
Finally got resolution. Dominion credited $23,400 for the 14 months of overcharges. They corrected the meter programming and will monitor for a few months to verify readings. Expensive lesson but client is happy with outcome. Phil G.
Great outcome Phil. That's a significant credit amount. Good reminder why VT ratio verification should be part of any primary metering audit. The errors can compound quickly on large accounts. Randy D.
Wow, $23K credit is substantial. What was the monthly demand charge rate that made this so expensive? Craig P.
Demand charge was $14.85/kW on Schedule LGS. With 80 kW overstatement each month it adds up fast, especially with ratchet provisions. Phil G.
Good case study for why primary metering accounts need extra attention during audits. VT and CT ratio errors are easy to miss but costly when they occur. Dave T.