Case Examples Other Services Utility Management ServiceSM. An owner/operator of 2,000 residential housing units employs UCM as its “utility manager”, overseeing all aspects of its utility service. The service includes on-going implementation of a variety of cost-reduction measures, as well as daily receipt and tracking of all utility bills. Research, Investigation and Reports - CPUC Billing Investigation. UCM was hired by the California Public Utilities Commission to perform an investigation into the billing practices of an energy service provider. The investigation included audits of over 100,000 customer accounts, and compilation and analysis of all marketing representations made by the ESP. The project also called for the filing of a detailed report setting forth UCM’s findings, as well as oral testimony by UCM in support of its report. The investigation proceeding concluded with a favorable settlement brought about in large part by UCM’s work. Utility Disputes. UCM was employed by the California cotton ginning industry to challenge the rate treatment of cotton gins under PG&E’s schedules. UCM filed a formal complaint at the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC), on behalf of the cotton ginners. The PUC decided in favor of the cotton ginners, awarding them over $9 million in refunds. Ratemaking Intervention - Modification of Utility Rules. UCM was hired by a condominium-owners trade association to change the way electricity charges are calculated for their common areas. UCM intervened in a CPUC rulemaking proceeding on behalf of the trade association, and persuaded the CPUC that the rule change was appropriate. As a result, condominium common area charges were reduced between 10 and 50%. Research, Investigation, and Reports - Deregulation Report. An owner of a state-wide portfolio of office buildings tapped UCM’s expertise to investigate and report on the opportunities, impacts and pitfalls that the upcoming deregulation of California’s energy markets would create. The completed report provided explanation, analysis and recommendations on the deregulated energy markets, which were customized to the client’s specific circumstances. Line Extension & Connection Fees - Audit Project. A property developer sought UCM’s assistance with line-extension charges imposed by its electric and gas utilities. Applying the utility’s Tariff Rules 15 and 16, UCM identified overcharges and immediately rectified the situation with the utility, resulting in over $100,000 in savings for the client. Research, Investigation, and Reports - Utility Cost Budget. An owner/operator of more than 25,000 apartment units asked UCM to prepare its annual utility budget. In preparing this detailed document itemizing over $7 million in utility expenditures, UCM drew on past consumption characteristics, analyzed future operating conditions, and forecasted rate and regulatory changes. Ratemaking Intervention - Modification of Utility Rates. When the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) adopted what was touted as a major rate-reduction “for all customers”, no one would have thought that some customers – namely, low income housing projects – would actually pay significantly more under the new rates. UCM spotted this “quirk” in the new rate structure, and petitioned the PUC on behalf of a low-income housing client to correct the situation. Despite strong opposition from the utility company, the PUC granted the petition. As a result, the 14-86% electricity rate increase experienced by low-income housing projects under the new rates was totally eliminated. More Case Examples - Bill Analysis Service