Keith from Spokane. Just got through a utility rate case in my state where the new tariff filing changed the threshold criteria for the large commercial rate class. The kW threshold moved from 200 kW to 250 kW. Several of my existing clients who were comfortably in the large commercial class are now in a gray zone or bumped back to medium commercial. Has anyone navigated a rate case filing that affected existing client classifications?
2026 rate filing changes rate class criteria — clients affected
Vince from Hartford. Yes and it is frustrating because the change is prospective — you cannot argue it retroactively. The question becomes whether any grandfathering provisions were included in the rate case order.
The rate case order does have a grandfathering clause for accounts that were correctly classified under the old tariff and whose load has not materially changed. I think several of my clients qualify but I need to document it.
Kevin from Louisville. Get the exact language of the grandfathering clause and build a file for each affected client showing their demand history under the old tariff. If their peak demand was consistently above 200 kW and has not changed, the grandfathering argument is straightforward.
Meredith from Raleigh. This is also an opportunity. Some clients who were just below the old threshold might now qualify for the large commercial rate under different criteria in the new filing. Rate cases change things in both directions.
Good point Meredith. I have been so focused on the clients who might lose their rate that I have not looked at whether any medium commercial clients now cross the new threshold.
Phil from Tampa. Do a full portfolio review against the new tariff. A rate case filing is one of the best moments to find reclassification opportunities you might have missed under the old structure.
Starting that review this week. Also going to write a short client bulletin explaining the rate case changes and what it means for each of them individually. Keeps them informed and positions me as the person watching their accounts.