Running into a brick wall with Dominion Energy Virginia on a 240-unit master-metered complex in Staunton. Property owner hired me to audit 18 months of billing after suspecting errors in demand charges. Dominion is refusing to provide 15-minute interval data, claiming it's "proprietary operational information." This is ridiculous - it's the customer's own usage data! Has anyone dealt with Dominion's data access policies recently? I may need to file a complaint with Virginia SCC.
Dominion Energy refusing to release interval data for apartment complex audit
Alice, that's complete nonsense from Dominion. Virginia SCC regulations specifically require utilities to provide interval data to customers or their authorized representatives upon request. I just got interval data from them last month for a Richmond property - no pushback at all. Are you submitting requests through the proper channels? They have a specific form and process for third-party data requests that includes customer authorization letters.
Bob's right about the proper procedures. MLGW tried to stonewall me on interval data requests until I cited the specific tariff provisions. Most utility tariffs include language about customer access to their own usage data. Alice, check Dominion's Schedule 1 (General Terms and Conditions) - there should be a section on data access rights. If they're still refusing, file the SCC complaint immediately. Regulatory staff hates when utilities play games with data access.
Thanks Randy and Bob. I found the issue - Dominion wanted a specific "Third Party Authorization" form that's different from the standard LOA I've been using. Got the interval data within 48 hours of submitting the correct paperwork. Turns out my suspicions were right - they've been billing coincident peak demand instead of non-coincident for 8 months. Overcharge is about $14,000. Sometimes it's just bureaucratic hurdles, not actual obstruction.
Alice, great catch on the coincident vs non-coincident demand billing! That's a classic error that can really add up over time. Dominion's Schedule GS-2 should be non-coincident demand for commercial accounts under 1MW. Make sure to request interest on the overcharge refund - Virginia SCC typically awards prime rate plus 2% on billing errors. That $14K could turn into $15-16K with interest included.