We're seeing some weird gaps in our FirstEnergy interval data downloads for a large industrial client in Cleveland. Schedule E-32 customer with about 2MW peak demand. The interval files show missing 15-minute blocks during peak hours on 8/15 and 8/22, but the monthly demand billing shows those peak periods were recorded. Anyone else seeing issues with FirstEnergy's interval data exports? Our client got hit with a $18,000 demand charge that month and I'm trying to verify the peak coincidence.
FirstEnergy interval data missing 15-minute blocks?
Frank, I've seen similar issues with Oncor down here in Dallas but not FirstEnergy specifically. Missing interval blocks usually mean there was a meter communication failure during those periods. The billing system typically holds the last good reading or estimates based on historical load patterns. Have you contacted their interval data department directly? They should be able to provide the raw AMI data that shows what actually happened during those missing periods.
We had this exact problem with Ohio Edison (FirstEnergy subsidiary) last year. Turns out their new AMI system was dropping data packets during high network traffic periods. The missing intervals were getting filled with estimated values that didn't match the actual load. Cost our manufacturing client about $25K in excess demand charges. FirstEnergy eventually credited the account after we provided load profile analysis showing the estimates were wrong.
Jim's right about the estimation issues. TVA has similar problems sometimes with their interval meters. The key is getting the utility to acknowledge that their estimation methodology doesn't reflect actual customer usage patterns. I always request the meter event logs along with the interval data - they'll show communication failures, power outages, meter resets, etc. These events often coincide with the missing or questionable interval readings.
Down here in Birmingham with Alabama Power, we've learned to cross-reference the interval data with the customer's internal energy management system logs. If your client has building automation or power monitoring equipment, compare those 15-minute readings with what FirstEnergy is reporting. Any discrepancies give you ammunition to challenge the billing. Alabama Power Schedule LPP customers see this more often than you'd think.
Great suggestions everyone. I'll pull the meter event logs and see if we can get raw AMI data from FirstEnergy's interval data group. The client does have a Schneider power monitoring system so we should be able to cross-reference those readings. This is exactly why interval data analysis is so critical for large demand customers. Will update this thread with what we find.
Frank, make sure you also check if those missing intervals coincide with any scheduled maintenance or meter upgrades. Duke Energy here in Charlotte had a wave of "missing" interval data last summer that turned out to be during planned AMI system updates. The billing department wasn't coordinating with the metering group and estimated usage was way off actual consumption patterns. Got several clients credited after proving the estimates were bogus.