Working on a case here in Harrisburg where PPL is trying to backbill a small office building 4 years for meter reading errors. I know Pennsylvania has backbilling limits but does anyone know if they're different for residential versus commercial accounts? The building has 8 units, mix of residential and small business tenants. PPL is treating it as commercial and claiming they can go back longer than the typical residential limit.
PA backbilling limits - residential vs commercial different?
Sylvia, Pennsylvania's backbilling rules are in their utility code. Residential is limited to 4 years maximum, commercial can be longer if there's proven negligence or tampering. But mixed-use buildings often get treated under residential rules if the majority use is residential. You might want to argue for the residential treatment given the tenant mix.
Had a similar case in Alabama with mixed-use property. The key was how the utility classified the service initially. Check the rate schedule and service agreement - if they put it on a residential tariff originally, that should govern the backbilling limits even if some units are commercial use.
In Ohio we see utilities try to cherry-pick the rules that favor them most. Document the building's classification from day one and argue for consistent treatment. If PPL accepted it as mixed residential for rate purposes, they shouldn't be able to claim commercial backbilling rights now. Also worth checking if they followed proper notice requirements for billing adjustments.