How far back Massachusetts utilities refund overcharges
The DPU's rules for non-residential customers cover deposits and late charges but set no refund period for overbilling; refunds follow the utility's terms and conditions or a DPU order. Here is the rule behind it, what starts or limits the clock, and what it means for a business with a billing error in Massachusetts.
Massachusetts at a glance
| Massachusetts | |
|---|---|
| Rule | 220 CMR 26.00 (non-residential customer rules) and each utility's DPU-approved terms and conditions |
| How far back refunds go | The DPU's rules for non-residential customers cover deposits and late charges but set no refund period for overbilling; refunds follow the utility's terms and conditions or a DPU order |
| What starts or limits the clock | Set in the utility's terms and conditions; the DPU has ordered refunds with interest, as in a Fitchburg Gas and Electric double-billing case |
| Interest | Ordered with interest in DPU refund cases |
| Regulator | Massachusetts utility commission |
What it means for a refund claim in Massachusetts
- Distribution terms and conditions in Massachusetts can limit wrong-rate refunds: Fitchburg Gas and Electric's terms, for example, say a rate change requested by the customer will not necessarily produce a retroactive billing adjustment (M.D.P.U. No. 437).
- Billing disputes go to the DPU's Consumer Division; for business accounts, the utility's terms and conditions are the first place to look.
- 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 Massachusetts with every other state.
Sources
- 220 CMR 26.00 (non-residential customer rules) and each utility's DPU-approved terms and conditions
- Pennsylvania PUC national list of utility commissions