Transaction Codes Related to Back-billed Tampering Charges
Next Step:
Oncor will commit to using the MD solely for tampering. CenterPoint uses the 04 instead of the MD. CenterPoint replaces the meter in every instance and used the 04 code to indicate an estimated read on the tampered meter. AEP uses the 04 to indicate tampering in the meter read. There is an understanding of how each TDSP is approaching this and any concerns for whether usage is indicated as Estimated should be addressed by each CR through the rulemaking process.
Oncor will commit to using the MD solely for tampering. CenterPoint uses the 04 instead of the MD. CenterPoint replaces the meter in every instance and used the 04 code to indicate an estimated read on the tampered meter. AEP uses the 04 to indicate tampering in the meter read. There is an understanding of how each TDSP is approaching this and any concerns for whether usage is indicated as Estimated should be addressed by each CR through the rulemaking process.
Oncor is looking at using the PTD~MD to indicate tampering and provide the additive usage without the meter read changing. CRs need to evaluate whether their systems would be able to process re-billed 867_03s with the Tampering additive in the PTD~MD.
TDSPs will discuss and bring input back to Texas SET
Background
Status:
Closed
Date Posted:
04/15/2009
Sponsor:
GEXA Energy
Urgent:
No
Sections:
867_03, 810_02
Description:
Gexa has found that in 867_03 replacement transactions sent as back-bills for tampering, the "O4" code designated for this purpose in the TxSET Implementation Guide is not being used. Sometimes it is a different code, or the 867_03 transaction contains the "QD" code to indicate an actual read instead of an estimate. Also, we have found that the SER072 code for invoice transactions is only being used for the single 810_02 used to indicate the meter replacement costs. This is sometimes sent a month after the back-bills, or not at all.
Reason:
Since the replacement transactions are not labeled with the codes, we are sometimes unable to explain to customers who may have been back-billed, the exact reason why. Sometimes when we receive an 810_02 containing the SER072 code, it is up to a month after the replacements are received. On some premises, we do not even receive the 810_02 containing the SER072 code. In the meantime, we have to contact the TDSP to find out why the usage was re-billed. Without the inclusion of these codes in the 867_03 or 810_02 transactions, CRs may lack the necessary information regarding tampering charges to provide for customers upon request. When customers receive bills with the estimated usage, they could be misinformed of the reason of the estimate, or that these are actual reads instead of estimates.
