Just caught a nasty one with FirstEnergy here in Cleveland. They billed my industrial client for a 34-day period in August, claiming a "meter reading delay." The overage amounts to $4,100 in demand charges alone under their GS-3 rate schedule. Has anyone successfully challenged these extended billing periods? Their tariff says they can adjust for "unusual circumstances" but this seems excessive.
FirstEnergy 34-day billing period - how to challenge?
Frank, I've seen this before with FirstEnergy subsidiaries. Check their tariff section 4.2.1 - they're required to prorate back to standard billing periods unless there's documented equipment failure. Did they provide any justification beyond "meter reading delay"? You should demand the actual meter reading logs and any maintenance records for that period.
Similar issue with Duquesne Light last year. Turned out their "delay" was actually a missed reading, not equipment failure. Pittsburgh PUC ruled in our favor and ordered full retroactive proration. Document everything and file a formal complaint if they don't cooperate. These utilities bank on customers not challenging these overcharges.
Good intel, thanks. Just got off the phone with their commercial billing department. They're claiming the delay was due to "safety concerns accessing the meter" but can't provide any incident reports. Going to escalate this to the PUCO. Will keep you posted on the outcome.
Frank, make sure to request compensation for any late fees or interest charges that resulted from the inflated bill. LG&E tried to stick us with penalties after a similar extended billing period. The PSC ordered them to reverse all related charges and provide bill credits for the inconvenience. Don't let them off easy.
Update: Filed the PUCO complaint yesterday. FirstEnergy's legal team called within 2 hours offering to "review" the billing period. Sometimes all it takes is the threat of regulatory involvement. They're now proposing to prorate the bill back to a standard 30-day cycle. Victory!