Ameren Missouri just started showing a "Service Availability Charge" of $12.50/month on several commercial accounts here in Springfield. This is separate from the basic service charge and customer charge. The bill references Tariff Schedule SAC-1 but when I requested the tariff from Ameren, they said it's still "under review by the PSC." Has anyone else encountered charges that aren't in approved tariffs? Seems like they're billing for something that isn't officially authorized yet.
Ameren Missouri adding mysterious "Service Availability Charge"
Walt, I haven't seen that specific charge yet, but it sounds fishy. Missouri PSC is pretty strict about utilities charging only what's in approved tariffs. You might want to file a complaint with the PSC if Ameren can't produce the approved tariff schedule. I'd also check if this is some kind of pilot program they're running - sometimes utilities test new charges before seeking formal approval.
We deal with similar issues with Nashville Electric here in Tennessee. Sometimes utilities implement charges based on "interim rate authority" while waiting for PSC approval. But they're supposed to clearly disclose this on the bill. If Ameren can't explain the legal basis for the charge, definitely push back. Document everything and consider requesting refunds back to when the charge first appeared.
Good advice from both of you. I've filed a formal inquiry with Missouri PSC and copied Ameren on it. Will update this thread when I hear back. In the meantime, I'm telling affected clients to pay under protest and document the disputed charges. Thanks for the reality check - sometimes you need other auditors to confirm your gut feeling that something's wrong.