How would you rate your energy utility company’s customer service? Have you ever called your utility company, or visited its website? A survey conducted by the Energy Research Council found that 30% of electricity consumers have experienced electricity billing problems. Billing errors, unauthorized changes to service, and opening or closing locations are just a few occurrences that cause customers to seek support.
Whether you procure energy from a utility company or from a retail supplier, or you trust an energy advisor to manage your supplier selection, what should you expect from customer service regarding your energy supply and consumption?
Billing accuracy. Customer service should verify bill accuracy and resolve billing errors and credit issues. A reliable customer service team can provide a courtesy evaluation of your most recent bill, and help define each line item, including capacity charges and additional fees.
Energy efficiency projects. Expect your customer service representative to evaluate utility programs and regulatory policies to identify opportunities for reimbursements and financial incentives that save you money. Many state governments offer financial incentives for planning and completing efficiency measures. A dependable customer service team can recommend efficiency experts to provide an energy audit of your facility.
Demand Response. You can receive payment for agreeing to voluntarily reduce energy consumption during periods of peak demand on the grid. Your customer service team can manage your enrollment and participation in a demand response program.
Slamming. Slamming occurs when a misleading salesperson obtains your account information and terminates your supplier contract without your consent. If this happens to you, a dependable customer service representative would help you avoid early termination fees and reenroll dropped accounts without penalties or disruptions to your service. If you work with an energy advisor, longstanding relationships with suppliers should prompt many suppliers to notify your advisor when an account is dropped, often before you become aware.
Adding or removing meters. If your operation moves, expands, or needs to add or remove a meter, your customer service team should work with your supplier to adjust your existing account, on your behalf.
Buying or selling property. If you buy or sell property that is under contract with a retail energy supplier, a customer service team should work with your supplier and buyer or seller to ensure a smooth transition.
Energy sales tax exemption. Most manufacturers qualify for energy sales tax exemption. A customer service team should determine if you qualify, and secure refunds at no cost to you. Reimbursement for past paid taxes are possible.
Article provided by APPI Energy. Since 2001, MTI has endorsed the APPI Energy customer service team to interact on your behalf with utilities and suppliers to ensure smooth transactions. In 2015, APPI Energy resolved 747 customer service cases, including account changes, billing needs, and customer requests. The APPI Energy customer service team is available to provide courtesy evaluations and support. Contact Tracy McMenamy, Customer Service Manager, at 667-330-1157.