Working on a large commercial account in Tampa and found TECO applying Schedule GSD-1 delivery charges at $0.048/kWh when the published tariff shows $0.045/kWh for this demand tier. Client has been overpaying by about $800/month for 18 months. Anyone else running into delivery charge discrepancies with TECO lately? Want to make sure this isn't isolated before I file the formal dispute.
TECO delivery charges inconsistent with tariff - anyone else seeing this?
Vernon, I've seen similar issues with Duke Energy here in Charlotte on their Schedule SGS tariff. Seems like the billing systems aren't always updated when tariffs change. Did you check if there was a recent tariff revision that might explain the discrepancy? Sometimes there's a lag between PSC approval and system implementation.
Up here in New York we deal with this constantly with NYSEG and Central Hudson. The delivery charges get so complex with all the different riders and adjustments. Vernon, make sure you're accounting for any temporary surcharges or credits that might be bundled into that delivery rate. I've found $0.003/kWh discrepancies that were actually legitimate when you dig into the fine print.
Karen and Gail, good points. I double-checked the FPSC filings and there was indeed a delivery rate adjustment approved in March that should have dropped the rate to $0.045. The billing system is still using the old rate structure. TECO's customer service claims they weren't aware of the discrepancy. Filing the dispute tomorrow with documentation.
This is exactly why I always cross-reference the utility's published rates with what's actually billed. Here in Memphis with MLGW we don't have deregulation, but I've seen similar issues with municipal utilities not updating their systems promptly. Vernon, definitely push for interest on that $14,400 overpayment.
Had a client in Harrisburg with PPL where we found a $2,100/month delivery charge error going back 8 months. The key was documenting the exact tariff schedule and effective dates. Vernon, make sure you have the FPSC order number and effective date in your dispute filing. PPL paid back the full amount plus 6% interest once we provided proper documentation.
Following up on this thread - just want to confirm that delivery charges in deregulated markets should always match the published tariff exactly, right? I'm new to this and want to make sure I'm not missing something. Working mostly with Ameren Missouri here in Springfield.
Elmer, yes absolutely. Delivery charges are regulated even in deregulated markets - only the supply/generation portion is competitive. The tariffed delivery rates must be applied exactly as published by the state commission. Any deviation is grounds for a billing dispute and refund.