Got a client in Huntsville on Alabama Power's electric water heating rate Schedule WH. The bill shows they're getting charged regular residential rates instead of the lower water heating rate. Client has electric water heater and heat pump, should qualify easily. Anyone dealt with Alabama Power on getting customers properly classified? The rate difference is significant - about $40/month.
Alabama Power water heating rate - anyone familiar with Schedule WH?
Albert, you need to verify they have the right meter setup first. Alabama Power requires a separate meter or time-of-use meter for Schedule WH. If they're on a single standard meter, they can't get the water heating rate regardless of what equipment they have. Duke Energy here in Cincinnati has the same requirement.
Check the application date too. Minnesota Power has a similar rate and there's usually a waiting list for new water heating customers. The utility needs to approve the application and sometimes requires an energy audit. Could be they applied but never got final approval, so they're stuck on standard rates until Alabama Power processes it.
Had this exact situation with PPL in Pennsylvania last year. Customer thought they were on water heating rate for 3 years but never were. Turns out they needed to submit form WH-1 with equipment verification. Got them $1,800 in back credits once we straightened it out. Albert, call Alabama Power's commercial customer service and ask for a rate analysis. They'll tell you exactly what's missing.