How far back Maryland utilities refund overcharges
When a customer was overcharged because of incorrect application of the rate schedule, incorrect calculation of charges or similar reasons, the total overcharge for the period the discrepancy occurred is refunded or credited. Here is the rule behind it, what starts or limits the clock, and what it means for a business with a billing error in Maryland.
Maryland at a glance
| Maryland | |
|---|---|
| Rule | COMAR 20.50.04.05 (adjustment of bills, including section D on rate-schedule errors) |
| How far back refunds go | When a customer was overcharged because of incorrect application of the rate schedule, incorrect calculation of charges or similar reasons, the total overcharge for the period the discrepancy occurred is refunded or credited |
| What starts or limits the clock | Meter over-registration follows COMAR 20.50.04.05: if the start of the error cannot be established, a period based on 3 years or half the time since the last test is assumed |
| Interest | Not stated in the guidance read |
| Regulator | Maryland utility commission |
What it means for a refund claim in Maryland
- The Commission lists misapplication of the rate schedule among billing errors it handles.
- Meter errors follow their own, shorter rule.
- Read the utility's tariff rules on billing and meter error too: tariffs often repeat or extend the commission rule.
- Municipal utilities and cooperatives usually set their own billing rules.
Discovery Energy reviews 36 to 48 months of history on every account and pursues the longest period each jurisdiction allows. See how overcharge recovery works, or compare Maryland with every other state.
Sources
- COMAR 20.50.04.05 (adjustment of bills, including section D on rate-schedule errors)
- Pennsylvania PUC national list of utility commissions