Client got hit with a $12,400 backbill from WE Energies for an alleged meter tampering issue going back 5 years to 2012. I know Wisconsin Statute 196.60 has provisions for this but I'm getting conflicting interpretations. Some sources say 2 years, others say 4 years for tampering cases. Anyone dealt with WE Energies on backbilling recently?
Wisconsin backbilling limits - WE Energies going back 5 years
Dan, I haven't worked with WE specifically, but here in Pennsylvania we have similar statutes. PPL can go back 4 years for tampering cases but only 2 years for billing errors. The key distinction is whether they're alleging intentional tampering versus utility error. What's WE claiming exactly?
In Illinois, ComEd can go back 6 years for tampering under ICC rules, but they have to prove intentional interference. If it's just a faulty meter or connection issue, it's limited to 2 years. Wisconsin might have similar provisions. Have you seen their evidence of actual tampering?
They're claiming the meter seal was broken and there are signs of tampering, but honestly the photos they provided are pretty questionable. The seal looks weathered to me, not deliberately broken. I'm thinking of challenging this as a meter failure rather than tampering. That would bring it down to the 2-year limit.
Dan, definitely worth fighting. Delmarva Power tried the same thing here in Delaware - claimed tampering based on a broken seal that was clearly just age-related deterioration. Got it reduced from 4 years to 2 years by proving it was equipment failure, not customer action. Saved the client $8K.
Laura's right about fighting the tampering charge. In South Dakota, Black Hills Energy has to provide clear evidence of intentional interference - photos of cut wires, bypass devices, etc. Weathered seals don't cut it. Wisconsin PSC should require similar burden of proof from WE Energies.