I've been doing this for 15 years and never seen anything like this. FPL claims they 'lost' 18 months of actual meter readings for a manufacturing client in Daytona Beach due to a 'database migration error.' They have no interval data, no monthly reads, nothing from March 2020 through September 2021. Now they want to bill based on estimates for the entire period - we're talking $47,000. How does a major utility lose a year and a half of data? This has to be criminal negligence.
FPL "lost" 18 months of meter readings - how is this possible?
Mike, that's insane. Duke Energy had a smaller data loss issue here in Charlotte but it was only 2 months and they had backup systems. 18 months suggests either massive IT failure or they're lying. Did they explain what happened to the physical meter readings? Even if their database failed, meter readers should have paper records or handheld device backups.
This sounds like the Enron playbook. National Grid had a 'data corruption' issue in Rhode Island that turned out to be deliberate manipulation of billing records. I'd demand a forensic audit of their systems. If they truly lost 18 months of data, there should be regulatory penalties. If they're lying, that's fraud. Either way your client shouldn't pay a dime until they provide actual proof of usage.
Mike, this is Randy from Memphis. I've seen similar cases with MLGW but nothing this extensive. Florida PSC has strict data retention requirements. FPL is required to maintain meter reading records for at least 7 years. If they truly lost the data, they're in violation of multiple regulations. I'd file immediately with PSC and request an emergency stay on any estimated billing. Document everything and consider bringing in a forensic IT expert.
Randy, great point about the retention requirements. FPL's story keeps changing too. First it was a 'database migration error,' then 'server failure,' now they're saying the original data was 'corrupted and unrecoverable.' I've got a FPSC complaint filed and hired a data recovery specialist. If the data exists anywhere, we'll find it. This whole thing stinks.
Mike, check if your client has any third-party monitoring systems. Some larger commercial customers use energy management systems that log usage independently. Even partial data could help establish actual consumption patterns versus FPL's estimates. Also check utility commission filings - FPL might have reported system issues during that period that contradict their current story.
This is why I always tell clients to keep their own usage records. Photograph the meter monthly, keep copies of all bills, maintain spreadsheets. When utilities pull stunts like this, you need independent documentation. Arkansas passed a law after similar Entergy shenanigans - utilities that lose customer data can only bill based on the customer's documented usage or the lowest comparable period.
Update: Data recovery specialist found fragments of the readings on FPL's backup servers. Turns out they didn't lose the data - they just didn't want to pay for proper data recovery after their migration failed. FPSC is furious and opened a formal investigation. FPL now has to provide accurate bills for the entire period plus penalties. Moral of the story: never trust a utility's IT excuses without independent verification.
Mike, that's a huge win. The fact that they had the data all along proves it was deliberate deception. I hope FPSC throws the book at them. This sets an important precedent that utilities can't use fake IT problems to avoid proper billing. Thanks for fighting this and sharing the outcome.
Outstanding work Mike. This is exactly why we need aggressive enforcement. When utilities face real consequences for data manipulation, they suddenly discover their 'lost' records. I'm adding this case to our best practices database. Every auditor should know about FPL's tactics.
Mike, can you share details on the data recovery specialist you used? I've got a potential similar case with Ohio Edison and might need the same type of forensic analysis. This thread should be required reading for every utility auditor.