Duane from Bend, Oregon here. Pacific Power installed new smart meters in our area and three of my clients are seeing 30-40% usage increases with no operational changes. The utility insists the meters are accurate and the old mechanical meters were 'running slow.' But I've seen the historical data - these businesses have consistent usage patterns going back years. Has anyone successfully challenged smart meter accuracy? I'm thinking about demanding independent testing but not sure of the process.
Pacific Power smart meter 'errors' - anyone else fighting this?
Claudia from Pittsburgh - Duquesne Light pulled the same routine here. The 'running slow' excuse is their standard playbook. I had success demanding they test the old meter that was removed and prove it was inaccurate. In Pennsylvania, you have the right to independent meter testing for a small fee. If the meter tests accurate, they have to refund the testing cost and investigate the smart meter readings.
Thanks Claudia! Did you find the old mechanical meters were actually running slow, or was it BS? I'm suspicious because all three of my clients got the same explanation. That seems statistically unlikely unless Pacific Power had a batch of defective mechanical meters, which they haven't admitted to.
Two of the three old meters I had tested were within acceptable accuracy ranges. The utility quietly adjusted those accounts and issued credits. The third was running about 8% slow, which still didn't account for the 35% usage increase my client was seeing. Turned out the smart meter had a programming error in the demand calculation. Keep pushing for documentation and testing.
Randy here from Memphis. MLGW has been installing smart meters and we've seen similar issues. The problem is these new meters can capture power factor and harmonics that mechanical meters missed. Sometimes the 'increase' is actually more accurate measurement of distorted loads. But 30-40% jumps usually indicate meter problems or billing system errors. Duane, I'd focus on getting Pacific Power to provide detailed interval data showing exactly when the usage spikes occur.
Randy, that's a great point about power factor. One of my clients does have some older equipment that might create harmonics. How do I determine if that's the real issue versus meter problems? Pacific Power has been reluctant to provide the detailed interval data you mentioned.
You can request a power quality study to measure harmonics and power factor. If those are the culprits, you'll see consistent patterns in the interval data. The utility should provide 15-minute interval data for smart meters - it's your right as the customer. If they refuse, file a complaint with the Oregon PUC. The detailed data will show whether the increases are consistent throughout the day or spike at specific times, which helps identify the root cause.
Perfect, filing the PUC complaint today. I'll demand the interval data and push for power quality testing. This forum is invaluable - thanks Randy and Claudia for the guidance. I'll update everyone on what we find.
Sounds like a solid plan, Duane. Document everything and don't let them brush you off with generic explanations. Smart meter disputes are becoming more common as utilities upgrade their systems. We all need to stay sharp on these new technologies and the billing errors they can create.