Quick question for the group. MidAmerican Energy here in Iowa hit my client with a $2,840 power factor penalty under their Schedule G-41 rate. The penalty seems excessive based on the reported power factor of 0.84. According to my calculations using their published tariff, it should be around $1,650. Has anyone successfully disputed penalty calculations with MidAmerican? Their customer service keeps referring me to the "billing department" but no one there seems to understand the actual tariff math. Looking for advice on escalation procedures or contacts who might be more knowledgeable.
MidAmerican Energy - Disputing PF Penalty Calculation
Norm, I've dealt with MidAmerican but mostly on energy audits, not power factor disputes. That said, their regulatory affairs department is usually more helpful than customer service for tariff interpretation issues. Try calling their main number and asking for "regulatory compliance" or "tariff administration." Sometimes the billing systems have errors in the penalty calculation formulas. Document your math clearly and reference the specific tariff sections.
Thanks Greg, I'll try the regulatory route. The billing department finally sent me the detailed calculation breakdown and you're right - there's definitely an error in their formula. They're applying the penalty to gross kWh instead of net kWh, which inflates the penalty by about 40%. Should be a straightforward fix once I get someone who understands the tariff language.