Noticed something fishy with one of my Eugene clients on PacifiCorp Schedule 48. Their interval data is consistently missing readings during peak hours (2-8 PM) but shows complete data during off-peak periods. When data is missing, they're estimating with previous year's usage which happens to be much lower. This can't be coincidental - missing data always seems to benefit the utility. Anyone else seeing selective interval data "failures" that just happen to occur during expensive rate periods?
Interval Data Missing During Peak Hours - Coincidence?
Clyde - that's a red flag for sure. IPL here in Indianapolis had meter communication issues that seemed to target peak periods. Turns out their AMI system had a buffer overflow during high-traffic periods, which coincidentally were the peak TOU hours when everyone's AC was running. They claimed it was technical, but the pattern was too convenient. I'd demand they install a backup meter or use pro-rated estimation based on the customer's actual load profile, not historical averages.
This is exactly why I always request raw meter data files, not just the billing summaries. APS tried the same thing - "meter malfunction" always during peak hours. When I got the actual AMI logs, it showed the meter was communicating fine, but their head-end system was dropping packets during high-volume periods. They ended up having to re-bill 18 months of estimated peak usage. Don't let them get away with convenient technical excuses.
File a formal complaint with the Oregon PUC. CPS Energy pulled similar stunts until we involved the regulatory commission. "Technical difficulties" that only affect expensive rate periods are highly suspicious. The utility has the burden to prove their metering is accurate - if they can't provide reliable interval data during peak periods, they shouldn't be allowed to bill TOU rates at all. Make them justify why off-peak data is always perfect but peak data mysteriously disappears.