Heard from a colleague that Missouri PSC changed their backbilling rules recently, extending Ameren's authority from 24 to 36 months? Can anyone confirm this? Working on a case where Ameren Missouri is claiming 32 months of underbilling on a commercial account due to a meter constant error. Used to be we could limit them to 24 months under the old PSC rules.
Missouri Ameren backbilling - 36 month rule change?
John, I don't think Missouri has changed their rules recently. Last I checked, Missouri PSC Rule 4 CSR 240-13.055 still limits backbilling to 24 months for utility errors. Ameren might be trying to apply a different rule or claiming customer fault instead of their equipment error. Double-check what they're citing as authority for the 32-month claim.
Jeff, you're right - pulled the current regs and it's still 24 months. Ameren is trying to claim the meter constant error falls under 'customer equipment tampering' which has a 36-month window, but there was clearly no tampering. Their own service tech admitted the constant was programmed wrong during installation. Going to fight this based on utility error versus customer fault.
John, get that technician admission in writing if you can. Utilities love to claim 'tampering' when it's really their installation or programming error. If Ameren's own employee admits they programmed the meter constant incorrectly, that's clear utility fault and should be limited to 24 months under Missouri regs. Document everything and don't let them shift blame to the customer.