Just got February bills for a 60-unit complex we audit in Youngstown and there's a new line item called "OVEC Non-Bypassable Charge" for $847.33. FirstEnergy never mentioned this would apply to master-metered residential. The tariff language is confusing as hell. Anyone else seeing this garbage on their apartment accounts?
OVEC charges showing up on master-metered apartments - WTF?
Jim, yeah we're getting hammered with OVEC charges in Cleveland too. It's related to the Ohio Valley Electric Corporation bailout. The way I read it, any account over 10 units gets treated as commercial for this charge even if it's on a residential master meter tariff. Complete BS if you ask me.
This OVEC thing is hitting us in Pittsburgh too with Duquesne Light. The charge is based on peak demand allocation, so master-metered properties get stuck with it even though individual residential customers don't. Typical utility double-dipping. I'm filing complaints with the PUC on all affected accounts.
Walt, let me know how your PUC complaints go. This is adding almost $15/unit/month that wasn't in any forecast. Property managers are livid. The worst part is tenants don't see it as a separate charge so they think management is pocketing money when rents go up.
Jim, the PUC told me to pound sand basically. Said the charges were approved and apply to all non-residential accounts regardless of use type. Master meters apparently count as commercial even if serving residential units. Another reason to push for individual meter conversions when possible.