This is driving me crazy. Alabama Power switched my account from estimated to actual readings in March, but they billed me for both the estimated period (Feb 28 - Mar 15) AND the actual period (Mar 15 - Apr 18). That's 48 days of charges in one month! Account is under Rate LGS and the overlap cost me $2,400 extra. Anyone dealt with this kind of transition billing error?
Alabama Power double-billed me for March transition
Albert - PP&L did something similar to us last year. The problem is their billing system treats estimate-to-actual conversions as separate accounts internally. You need to specifically request a "transition credit" for the overlapping days. Don't let them tell you it will sort itself out next month.
Wow, $2,400 is substantial. Idaho Power made a similar mistake with one of my industrial clients. The key is getting them to acknowledge the billing period overlap in writing. Once they admit the error, the refund process is usually straightforward.
Update: Alabama Power claims this is "standard procedure" for meter reading transitions. They say the estimated period gets reconciled against actual usage later. But I'm still paying interest on the inflated amount for 3 months now. This can't be right.
Albert, that's complete BS from Alabama Power. Duke Energy tried the same line with us in Ohio. The Alabama PSC has specific rules about billing period overlaps - they can't charge you twice for the same usage period. File a complaint with the PSC immediately.
Had this exact issue with OG&E three years ago. The "reconciliation later" excuse is their way of getting free money for months. Document everything and demand they show you exactly how the reconciliation works. They usually can't explain it because it doesn't exist.
Filed PSC complaint today. Found the regulation - Alabama Admin Code 825-X-4-.07 specifically prohibits overlapping billing periods. Also discovered they've been doing this to three other locations on my account. Total overcharge is now $8,100.
Holy crap Albert, $8,100? That's lawsuit territory. Definitely keep pushing the PSC route first, but if they drag their feet, consider getting an attorney involved. That level of systematic overbilling might qualify for damages beyond just the refund.
Albert, make sure you're calculating interest on that $8,100 from the date of each erroneous bill. Most state regs require utilities to pay interest on confirmed overbilling. In Idaho it's prime + 2%.
Great news! PSC ruled in my favor yesterday. Alabama Power has to refund the full $8,100 plus 6% annual interest from each billing date. They're also required to fix their transition billing procedures within 90 days. Thanks everyone for the advice!
Awesome outcome Albert! That PSC ruling will help other customers too. $8,100 plus interest - that's got to feel good. Did they say anything about how many other customers were affected by their broken transition billing?
Also, would you mind sharing the PSC case number? I've got a client in Mobile dealing with something similar and this precedent could be helpful.