OG&E just rejected our client's primary service application here in Oklahoma City. They're claiming the customer's 850kW demand doesn't meet their "system reliability requirements" for primary service. This is the first time I've heard this excuse - usually it's just minimum demand thresholds. Client wants the primary discount badly since they're looking at $0.016/kWh savings. Has anyone dealt with OG&E's "system reliability" requirements? Not sure what they're really asking for here.
OG&E Primary Service Application Rejected - Need Advice
Susan, that sounds like utility BS to me. AEP Texas uses similar vague language when they don't want to provide primary service for competitive reasons. "System reliability" usually translates to "we don't want to lose the transformer rental revenue." At 850kW demand, your client is well above most utilities' minimum requirements. I'd push back hard and ask for specific technical criteria that weren't met.
Vivian's right - that rejection reason is suspicious. Alabama Power tried similar tactics until we started filing formal complaints. Susan, ask OG&E for their written policy on system reliability requirements for primary service. If they can't produce specific technical standards, you've got grounds for a regulatory complaint. At $0.016/kWh savings, your client could save $100K+ annually on high usage - worth fighting for.
Albert nailed it - get their policy in writing. I dealt with similar pushback from IPL a few years back. Turned out their "system reliability" concerns were really about load forecasting problems in that specific area. Once we demonstrated the client's stable demand history and got engineering involved, they approved the application. Susan, try escalating to OG&E's engineering department rather than dealing with customer service. Engineers usually have better understanding of actual technical requirements.