I'm pulling my hair out over this PG&E E-19 TOU audit for a winery client here in Santa Rosa. Their interval data shows massive usage spikes during what should be off-peak hours (10 PM - 6 AM) but they're getting billed peak rates. The equipment logs confirm their largest loads only run overnight to avoid daytime peak charges. Something is seriously wrong with either the meter data or PG&E's billing system. The overcharges are running about $8,000 per month. Has anyone dealt with E-19 TOU billing errors recently? I'm at my wit's end trying to figure out what's happening.
PG&E E-19 TOU Analysis Nightmare - Need Help
Iris, that's a significant overcharge. First question - are you looking at the correct TOU schedule? PG&E has different E-19 variants and the TOU windows can be confusing. Also, check if there's a Time-of-Use opt-out period or if they've been switched to a different rate without notice. I've seen cases where customers think they're on one schedule but billing shows another. Can you confirm which specific E-19 option they're supposed to be on and compare that to what's showing on the bills?
Iris, this sounds like it could be related to PG&E's recent billing system changes. Here in Phoenix we don't deal with PG&E directly, but I've heard from other auditors that they've had major issues with TOU billing accuracy since their system upgrade last year. The key is getting the raw interval data directly from the meter, not from PG&E's customer portal. Their web data has been notoriously unreliable. Have you requested a formal meter test? That might reveal if the issue is with data collection or billing interpretation.
Chuck - they're definitely on E-19 TOU Option B, confirmed by the rate schedule on every bill. Sarah - you're right about the billing system issues. I finally got the raw meter data and it's showing correct timestamps, but PG&E's system is somehow applying summer TOU rates in winter months. The client's peak usage is correctly recorded as occurring from 11 PM to 4 AM, but it's being billed at summer peak rates of $0.29/kWh instead of winter off-peak at $0.11/kWh. This has been going on since October 2023.
Iris, that's a classic seasonal rate schedule error. Here in Vermont we don't have PG&E, but Green Mountain Power had a similar issue where their billing system got stuck applying summer rates year-round after a software update. The fix required manual intervention for each affected account. You need to escalate this beyond regular customer service - ask for the Revenue Protection department or file a formal complaint with the CPUC. With $8K monthly overcharges, this is serious money that demands executive attention.
Chester's absolutely right about escalation. Iris, make sure you're calculating the total financial impact going back to when this started - if it's been since October 2023, you're looking at around $40,000 in overcharges plus interest. PG&E has been under heavy scrutiny from the CPUC lately, so they should be motivated to resolve this quickly once you get to the right people. Document everything and don't accept partial credits or promises of future corrections without getting the root cause fixed first.
Iris, this thread is a perfect example of why TOU audits are so critical. Most customers would never catch this kind of systematic billing error. Have you considered reaching out to other E-19 customers in your area to see if they're experiencing similar issues? If this is a regional billing system problem, you might be able to build a stronger case with multiple affected accounts. Also, make sure you're requesting interest on any refunds - California tariffs typically require utilities to pay interest on billing errors.
Derek - great point about checking other customers. I reached out to two other wineries in Sonoma County and they're seeing the same issue. All three are on E-19 Option B and all are being charged summer rates during winter months. I've escalated to PG&E's business customer advocacy team and they're finally taking this seriously. They've acknowledged it's a billing system error affecting multiple accounts in our region. Expecting resolution within two weeks with full retroactive credits. Thanks everyone for the guidance and support.
Iris, that's fantastic news! This is exactly why this forum is so valuable - collaborative problem solving that benefits everyone. Make sure you get the resolution details in writing and consider asking PG&E how many other customers were affected by this billing system error. Sometimes utilities are required to proactively identify and correct similar billing errors once they acknowledge a systematic problem. Keep us posted on the final outcome - these success stories help other auditors facing similar challenges.
Iris, excellent work on identifying and resolving this systematic billing error. This case highlights why detailed interval data analysis is so critical for TOU rate audits. For other members dealing with similar issues, remember that utilities often have revenue protection departments specifically trained to handle complex billing errors like this. Don't hesitate to escalate beyond regular customer service when you've identified systematic problems. The financial impact here - potentially $40K+ in overcharges - demonstrates why our audit work is so valuable to clients.