PPL Electric here in Pennsylvania just slapped a new "Distribution System Improvement Charge" on all accounts at $0.0034/kWh. They claim it's for smart grid infrastructure but I can't find any PUC approval for this rider. The tariff shows it as "provisional pending commission review" which sounds like BS to me. Anyone else in PPL territory seeing this charge? My industrial clients are looking at $800-1200/month in additional costs.
PPL infrastructure rider - legal or not?
Sylvia, that sounds like an unauthorized surcharge to me. In Tennessee, TVA can't implement any new riders without explicit PSC approval, even on a provisional basis. The Pennsylvania PUC has pretty strict rules about advance notice and hearings for infrastructure riders. I'd file a formal complaint immediately and demand they cease billing pending proper regulatory approval.
We had Idaho Power try something similar in 2013. They called it a "Smart Grid Modernization Surcharge" and started billing before getting PSC approval. After complaints, the commission made them refund all collected amounts with interest. Cost them $3.2 million. Document everything Sylvia - keep copies of all bills showing when the charge first appeared.
Duke Energy pulled this exact scam in Ohio last year. Called it a "distribution modernization rider" and billed customers for six months before the PUCO shut it down. They had to refund $18 million plus 6% interest. Sylvia, check PPL's latest rate case filings - bet they mention this rider as a "future proposal" not an approved tariff.
Just checked Alabama Power's recent filings after reading this thread. They're proposing a similar "infrastructure investment rider" but at least they're going through proper PSC channels first. Sylvia, if PPL is billing without approval that's a clear violation of Pennsylvania utility law. File complaints with both PUC and state attorney general's office.