Found an $85,000 overcharge at an AEP Ohio customer - they've been billed on the wrong rate schedule for 4 years. AEP is digging in their heels and claiming the customer requested the rate change. Client is asking if we should bring in a lawyer. At what dollar amount do you typically involve attorneys?
AEP Ohio - Should I Hire an Attorney for This $85K Dispute?
Alice - $85K definitely warrants legal involvement, especially if AEP is claiming customer fault. I'd suggest finding an attorney who specializes in utility law. The key is whether you have documentation showing AEP made the rate assignment error.
I typically bring in lawyers around $50K if the utility is being difficult. AEP Ohio can be stubborn but they usually settle before it gets to court if you have a solid case.
Randy - we have the original application and it clearly shows they requested Schedule GS-2, not the GS-3 they've been billed on. No ambiguity there. Sylvia - good to know the $50K threshold, that matches what I was thinking.
With documentation that clear, AEP should settle quickly once lawyers get involved. They know they can't win that fight.