Client owns their own 1.5 MVA transformer feeding their plastic extrusion plant. Consumers Energy has been charging them the standard transformer rental fee for 2 years despite having ownership documentation. Filed multiple service requests but keep getting the runaround. Anyone dealt with Consumers Energy transformer ownership credits? Their customer service seems clueless about their own tariff provisions.
Transformer Ownership Credit Dispute
Gerald - Consumers can be frustrating on transformer issues. You need to escalate beyond regular customer service to their large commercial department. Had a similar case last year - took 4 months and three levels of escalation but finally got $18K in retroactive credits. Make sure you have the transformer nameplate data and original purchase receipts. They'll want serial numbers and installation dates.
Faye, thanks for the tip. We have all the documentation including the original engineering drawings showing customer ownership. What department finally resolved your case? I'm tired of getting transferred to different reps who have no idea what a transformer ownership credit even is.
Ask for the Industrial Rates group - they handle all the complex tariff stuff. Bypass the regular call center entirely. The manager there is actually pretty knowledgeable about customer-owned equipment provisions. You might also threaten a formal complaint to the Michigan PSC - that tends to get their attention quickly.