I'm working on an AEP Ohio commercial account and getting confused by their delivery/supply billing structure. The client switched to IGS Energy as their supplier in 2014 but I'm seeing some charges that look like they're being double-billed. Anyone else dealt with AEP Ohio deregulated accounts recently? The Rate Schedule GS-2 shows delivery charges but then there's this mysterious "Competitive Retail Electric Service" line item that's throwing me off. Client is paying about $4,200/month total but I think we're missing something in the audit.
AEP Ohio - Delivery vs Supply Confusion
Cecilia - I've done dozens of AEP Ohio audits since deregulation kicked in. You're right to be suspicious. AEP Ohio splits their billing into two parts: delivery service (which they still handle) and generation service (which goes to the competitive supplier). That "Competitive Retail Electric Service" line is probably a reconciliation or adjustment. Check if IGS Energy is billing separately for the generation portion. Sometimes there's a timing mismatch between AEP's delivery bill and the supplier's generation bill.
Marcus is spot-on about the split billing. Here in Connecticut with Eversource, we see similar issues. The key is making sure you're getting BOTH bills - the utility delivery charges AND the supplier's generation charges. I caught a $15,000 error last year where the client was paying AEP for "standby generation" even though they had an active supplier contract. Always verify the supplier of last resort rates aren't being applied when they shouldn't be.
Thanks guys! I found the problem. IGS Energy was billing separately (got those invoices now) but AEP was ALSO charging a "Provider of Last Resort" rate of $0.0589/kWh on top of delivery. Client never got properly switched over in AEP's system even though IGS had them as active. This is a $2,800 overcharge going back 8 months. Filing the complaint with PUCO tomorrow.
Classic AEP Ohio mistake! I see this probably once a quarter. Their enrollment system has glitches and customers get stuck in POLR even with valid supplier contracts. PUCO is usually pretty good about forcing refunds once you show the supplier enrollment documentation. Make sure you have the IGS contract start date and any enrollment confirmations. Should be a slam dunk case.
We had this exact situation with Ameren Illinois last year. Customer was with Constellation Energy but Ameren kept billing POLR rates. Took 4 months to resolve but got a $12,000 refund. The key document was the supplier's "customer enrollment list" that showed active status. AEP should have similar records. Also check if there were any gaps in the supplier contract that might have triggered POLR legitimately.
Pam raises a good point about contract gaps. I've seen cases where the supplier drops a customer for non-payment but doesn't notify the utility immediately, creating a window where POLR rates apply legitimately. Always verify the supplier's records match the utility's enrollment dates. Also, Ohio has some quirky rules about contract renewals that can cause temporary POLR periods if not handled properly.
Update for anyone following this thread - just dealt with a similar AEP Ohio case in my Richmond territory (we audit some Ohio accounts for multi-state clients). The PUCO complaint process worked perfectly. Got a full refund of $3,400 in POLR overcharges plus interest. Key was having the IGS enrollment confirmation email with timestamps. AEP's customer service actually admitted their enrollment system "missed" the switch notification from IGS.
Don - thanks for the follow-up! My PUCO complaint was approved and we got the full $2,800 refund plus 6% interest. Client is thrilled. This thread should be required reading for anyone auditing Ohio deregulated accounts. The lesson: always verify supplier enrollment status matches utility billing records, especially in the first few months after switching.