Utility billing error library
The errors we find most often on commercial and industrial electric and gas bills. Each entry explains how the error happens, how to spot it and what can be recovered.
- Rate misclassificationThe account is billed on a rate schedule that does not match its load or facility type.
- Meter multiplier errorsThe factor that converts meter readings into billed usage is wrong, so every bill is off in proportion.
- Demand charge and ratchet errorsStuck or misread demand, wrong ratchet calculations, peaks above what the schedule allows.
- Seasonal rate errorsSummer or winter pricing applied outside the dates the tariff permits.
- Corporate classification errorsThe account doesn't reflect how the business actually operates, so charges apply that shouldn't.
- Capacity tag (PLC) errorsA wrong peak load contribution sets a year of PJM capacity charges too high.
- Estimated reads and missed true-upsEstimates never reconciled to actual use, overlapping periods and duplicate charges.
Questions buyers ask
Why do utility billing errors go undetected for years?
Utility billing systems do not flag their own configuration or classification errors, and internal teams rarely have the tariff and meter knowledge to spot them. The bills add up, so nothing looks wrong.
Can automated billing systems make mistakes?
Yes. Automation applies whatever configuration it was given, consistently. A wrong multiplier, outdated rate class or unreconciled estimate is repeated every month.
Find out what your bills should have cost.
Send one recent bill per site, or a list of accounts. We tell you where we expect findings before you sign anything. No upfront audit fee.