OPPD has a rate hearing coming up next month and I'm debating whether to attend. Have a major client with about $180K annual electric spend who's been getting hammered by the new industrial rate structure they implemented last year. Question is - would showing up at the hearing help build relationships with their regulatory staff, or would I be seen as a troublemaker? Anyone have experience attending utility hearings as an auditor?
OPPD regulatory hearing - should I attend?
Don, I've attended a couple MidAmerican hearings here in Des Moines over the years. Generally been positive experiences if you approach it professionally. Make sure you actually have something substantive to contribute - don't just show up to grandstand. The regulatory staff usually appreciates well-researched input, especially if it helps them understand real-world impacts of rate structures.
I'd echo Rosa's advice about being substantive. Attended a Delmarva Power hearing a few years back regarding their new time-of-use rates. Came prepared with actual customer data showing the impact on small manufacturers. The commission staff asked for copies of my analysis afterward and I've had much better luck getting callbacks from their regulatory department ever since.
Laura makes a great point about bringing data. When Consumers Energy had their industrial rate restructuring hearing here in Michigan, I presented a case study on how the new demand charges affected a 500kW plastics manufacturer. Not only did it help my client's case, but the utility's industrial rate specialist reached out to me afterward to discuss other customer impacts. Definitely worth attending if you have solid data to present.
This is all really encouraging. I do have good data on how their Schedule LGS-2 rate has affected my client's operations. The demand ratchet provisions are particularly brutal - went from $35K to $52K monthly bills even though actual usage barely changed. Think I'll register to speak and prepare a brief presentation.
Good for you Don! Just remember to keep it professional and factual. I made the mistake of getting a bit too passionate at an OG&E hearing a few years back and it definitely didn't help my cause. Let the data speak for itself and you'll be fine.
Don, definitely go for it. I've found that showing up to these hearings, even just to observe, demonstrates to utility staff that you're serious about understanding their processes rather than just complaining about bills. MLGW staff here in Memphis have been much more responsive since I started attending their public meetings occasionally. The key is being seen as a professional partner rather than an adversary.
Also, grab business cards afterward and follow up with a brief email thanking them for their time. Those personal connections are invaluable when you need to resolve billing issues down the road. Good luck!