Major issue with ComEd here in Springfield. Large commercial client got billed for March 1-5 on both their February and March statements. February bill shows service through March 5, March bill starts March 1. That's $1,850 in overlap charges for those 5 days. Customer is on Rate 6L. Has anyone seen ComEd's billing system create overlapping service periods like this?
ComEd overlap billing - charged for same days twice
Darlene, that's a clear billing system error. No utility should bill overlapping service periods - it's double charging for the same electricity. I'd call ComEd's large customer service line immediately and demand a corrected bill. Make sure to get a reference number for the complaint.
Randy's absolutely right. We had a similar issue with Green Mountain Power in Vermont last year where their new billing system created overlapping periods during an upgrade. They had to issue credits to about 200 commercial accounts. Document everything with screenshots and demand dates.
Called ComEd this morning and got transferred around for 45 minutes. Finally reached someone in commercial billing who confirmed it's a "system processing error" affecting multiple accounts. They're supposed to issue a corrected bill within 10 business days. Reference number CB-2025-0308-1147.
Darlene, good job getting a reference number. I'd also request interest on the overpayment since they're essentially using your client's money for free during the correction period. Many utilities will pay interest on billing errors if you ask specifically.
Tom makes an excellent point about interest. Illinois Commerce Commission rules require utilities to pay interest on billing errors over certain amounts and timeframes. Definitely worth requesting given the $1,850 involved.
Thanks for the tip about interest. I'll bring that up when they call back with the correction details. This client always pays promptly so they shouldn't be penalized for ComEd's billing system glitches.
Darlene, you might want to check your other ComEd clients to see if they were affected by the same system error. If it hit multiple accounts, you could save them money by proactively reviewing their recent bills for similar overlaps.
Earl, great suggestion. I've got six other ComEd commercial clients and I'm going to review all their February-March bills today. If I find more overlap errors I'll document them all and contact ComEd with a batch complaint.
Smart approach. Batch complaints often get more attention from utility management than individual cases. Plus it shows this isn't an isolated incident but a systematic problem they need to address.
Update: Found overlap billing on three more client accounts! Total overcharges of $4,200 across all four accounts. ComEd's commercial billing supervisor is escalating this to their systems team for investigation. All clients should get corrected bills by March 20th.
Excellent detective work Darlene! That's $4,200 in overcharges that would have gone unnoticed without proper auditing. This is exactly why businesses need professional utility auditors - utilities make mistakes and customers rarely catch them.
Final update: All corrected bills received with full credits applied. ComEd also issued interest payments totaling $87 across the four accounts. Their systems team identified the bug and implemented a fix. Case closed successfully!
Outstanding work Darlene! That's a textbook example of how thorough auditing protects customers from billing errors. The fact that you got interest payments too makes this a complete victory. Well done!