We have a 40-unit apartment complex in Green Bay on Wisconsin Public Service Schedule Cg-1. The demand ratchet is set at 80% of the highest demand in the past 12 months, and we hit 285 kW back in January during that deep freeze. Now we're paying demand charges on 228 kW minimum even though actual demand in March was only 165 kW. Monthly bill is running $4,200 when it should be closer to $3,100. Has anyone successfully challenged WPS on resetting demand ratchets for master-metered residential properties?
WPS commercial master meter - demand ratchet killing us
Karen, I feel your pain on the demand ratchet issue. Here in Pennsylvania with PPL, we see similar problems. The key is proving the January peak was an anomaly due to extreme weather conditions. WPS might consider a ratchet reset if you can show the peak was more than 2 standard deviations above normal monthly peaks. Document everything about that cold snap - actual temperatures, heating degree days, occupancy levels.
I had a similar situation with Ameren Missouri on a 60-unit complex in Springfield. Filed a formal complaint with the PSC after Ameren refused to adjust the ratchet. The key was showing that the peak demand occurred during an "extreme weather event" as defined by NOAA. Got the ratchet reset to 70% after a 6-month battle. Cost about $2,000 in legal fees but saved $18,000 over the following year.
Elmer's approach with the PSC complaint is solid. Down here in Texas with AEP, they'll sometimes work with you on ratchet adjustments if you can prove equipment malfunction or unusual circumstances. The 285 kW peak Karen mentioned does seem high for a 40-unit complex. What's the normal winter peak, around 200-220 kW? That 285 reading might have been a meter error or some kind of equipment issue.
Vivian raises a good point about possible meter errors. Before going the PSC route, request interval data from WPS for that January billing period. Look for any 15-minute intervals that seem out of line. I've seen cases where faulty transformers or meter issues created false demand spikes. If the 285 kW reading only lasted one or two intervals, that's a red flag for equipment problems.