Vince from Hartford. Rate classification is where I find the most money but also where I feel least confident I am getting it right. The tariff schedules are dense and the criteria overlap in confusing ways. What is your actual process for determining whether a business is on the correct rate?
How do you identify the RIGHT rate class?
Diane from Louisville. I start with connected load and monthly peak demand. Those two numbers usually narrow it down to two or three possible schedules. Then I read the eligibility criteria for each and match against the client's usage profile.
Linda from Dayton. The utility's own rate schedule booklet is your first resource but it is often written to confuse. I call the utility's business rate desk and ask them to walk me through the classification criteria. They are usually helpful and sometimes reveal that the customer qualifies for something cheaper.
Does calling the utility tip them off that you are auditing the account?
Sometimes. I frame it as a routine review on behalf of my client and I never use the word audit on that call. I just say I am reviewing the account and want to make sure the rate class is appropriate.
James from Albuquerque. I also look at how similar businesses in the same utility territory are classified. If every dry cleaner I can find is on Schedule C and my client is on Schedule A that discrepancy is worth investigating even before I read the tariff.