Leah from Biloxi. Client called me because their bill jumped significantly. When I pulled the account I found the utility had reclassified them from a medium commercial rate to a large commercial rate three months ago. No advance notice, no letter, nothing. The load had not changed — the utility apparently did an internal review and decided the classification was wrong. Can they do that and can we contest it?
Utility changed my client's rate class without notice
Derek from Charlotte. They can do it and it happens more than people think. Whether you can contest it depends on whether their new classification is actually correct under the tariff. If they moved your client to a worse rate but the account legitimately qualifies for the old rate, that is disputable.
The load profile has not changed in two years. Same demand, same usage patterns. Why would they reclassify now?
James from Albuquerque. Could be a rate case filing that changed threshold criteria. Could be an internal audit. Worth requesting from the utility the specific basis for the reclassification in writing.
Meredith from Raleigh. That written request is your first move. Ask them to identify the tariff provision that supports the new classification and the specific account data that triggered the review.
They have been responsive by phone but keep saying a letter is coming. Three months and no letter.
Phil from Tampa. File a formal written dispute now. Do not wait for their letter. Your clock for contesting this started when the reclassification appeared on the bill. In many states you have a limited window to formally dispute a billing change.
Filing today. Thank you — I did not realize the clock was already running.