How utilities classify coin laundries
There is rarely a tariff titled 'laundromat.' Stores map to commercial general service based on voltage, load, and NAICS-like usage patterns. A store open a mean 16.6 hours per day per CLA's 2024 survey with multiple washers and gas or electric dryers presents a sustained commercial load profile utilities recognize as small business—not residential.
The printed schedule code—GS, GSLV, Secondary General Service, etc.—is the authoritative label. Marketing names on utility websites may not match bill abbreviations.
| Utility reference | Schedule note | Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| Oncor tariff materials | Demand schedule | >10 kW may apply |
| Pepco DC example | General Service Large Volume | ≥25 kW demand billing |
| Typical pattern | Small GS vs large GS | Utility-specific kW breakpoint |
Electric class features that affect laundromats
Non-demand commercial schedules bill primarily kWh plus customer charge—simpler but not always cheaper at higher peaks. Demand schedules add interval kW charges—15-minute Oncor-style or 30-minute Pepco-style—reflecting washer and water heat overlap.
Gas dryers shift drying fuel off electric kWh but do not automatically keep you on a small non-demand class if electric water heating and HVAC push interval peaks up.
Gas commercial classes
Gas LDCs assign commercial delivery rates by annual therms and service type. Dryer-heavy sites accumulate therms—California IOU testing modeled 732 therms per year per 30-pound gas dryer at 5.52 loads per day. Commercial class ensures correct delivery tariff versus residential if misclassified.
Texas gas falls under Railroad Commission LDC rules; Atlanta may layer marketer commodity on AGL delivery class.
Class change decision checklist
Before requesting reclassification or after remodel permits.
- Download tariff sheet matching bill schedule code.
- Compare effective blended rate under current vs alternate allowed class.
- Model kW impact if adding dryers, washers, or electric tankless.
- Confirm landlord approval for service upgrades triggering class move.
- Ask utility whether choice supplier requires specific class for enrollment.
- Document class on closing checklist—buyers expect correct tariff.
