Working on a large manufacturing audit here in Detroit and DTE is claiming they don't have complete interval data for three months in 2021 due to a 'system migration.' They're estimating TOU billing based on historical patterns which seems completely inappropriate for a customer paying $200K+ annually. Has anyone else run into DTE interval data gaps? This customer has been on Schedule D1.1 TOU for five years - the data should exist.
DTE TOU Interval Data Missing - Anyone Else?
Marcus, that's ridiculous for a customer that size. Entergy Arkansas tried something similar with me last year claiming 'meter communication issues' but the data was still in their backup systems. Have you escalated to DTE's regulatory affairs department?
We had Avista pull similar nonsense during their AMI upgrade in 2020. Claimed six weeks of interval data was 'corrupted' but somehow they still billed TOU charges during that period. Turned out the data was archived in their old system and they just didn't want to retrieve it.
Bobby and Willa, thanks for the insights. I've escalated to DTE's major accounts team and they're now 'looking into it.' The frustrating part is they're still billing estimated TOU charges rather than reverting to a flat rate during the data gap period.
Marcus, you might want to file a complaint with the Michigan PSC. Utilities shouldn't be allowed to estimate TOU billing when they've lost the underlying interval data. That's exactly why they're required to maintain these records.
Theresa, good point about the PSC complaint. I've also requested that DTE provide written documentation of their 'system migration' and exactly what happened to the missing data. If they can't produce it, that strengthens our case.
Following this thread because we're seeing similar issues with LG&E's new billing system. They've had multiple interval data 'glitches' since upgrading last year. Starting to think these aren't accidents but convenient ways to avoid refunding overbilled customers.
Pete, I'm starting to think the same thing. Update: DTE 'found' most of the missing interval data after I filed the PSC complaint. Amazing how that works. They're now recalculating three months of TOU billing and the preliminary numbers show about $18,000 in overcharges.
Marcus, excellent persistence on this case. The 'missing data' excuse is becoming way too common with utilities after system upgrades. Always worth filing regulatory complaints when they can't produce interval data that should be readily available. Great outcome for your client.