Minimum Charge

Minimum Charge calculation rules create bill lines that levy charges only when the sum of previously calculated lines is less than the minimum charge amount. Minimum charge calculation rules must define the respective target category that they are applied to. The calculation rule(s) that compute charges that the minimum is levied on must be defined as members of the target category. See Cross-Reference under Common Parameters for more information about Member and Target categories.

Note that if the values being compared are negative values, the comparison is NOT done on the absolute values, but rather on the actual values. For example, imagine you have a minimum discount of $ -2.00 and previous calculation rules have calculated a discount of $ -1.00. You want a calculation rule to create a bill line for $ -1.00 to apply a further discount. A minimum charge calculation rule will not work in this case because -1 is considered more than -2. For this business scenario you should use a maximum charge calculation rule.

  • Rule Name: Minimum Charge
  • Base Package Calculation Rule Business Object: C1-Minimum
  • Apply Calculation Rule Algorithm Type / Algorithm: C1-MINIMUM
  • Rule Parameters:
    • Calculation Details: Details regarding how the calculation rule performs its calculations:
      • Error If No Value: Indicates what should happen if the system cannot find any calculation rules that are members of the target category at billing time.
      • Seasonal: See Common Parameters.
      • Value Type: Defines the type of value to use for the minimum value for the rule. For Minimum Charge rules, this should be set to Charge.
      • Value Source: Specifies the source of the price used to calculate the charge. Depending on the source selected, this will be a Bill Factor, Value, or Algorithm.
  • Example: This calculation rule defines a minimum charge for use with residential electric rates.

    Calculation Group: Electric Residential

    Calculation Rule: MINCHRG

    Sequence: 50

    Description: Minimum Charge

    Description On Bill: Minimum Charge

    Print: Yes

    Print if Zero: No

    Rounding Type: Nearest

    Precision: 0.01

    FCPO: No

    Override Proration: No

    Calculation Details:

    • Error If No Value: No
    • Seasonal: No
    • Value Type: Charge
    • Value Source: Value
    • Value: 75

      GL Distribution:

    • Distribution Source Code: Specific Distribution Code
    • Distribution Code: Revenue - Miscellaneous

      Cross Reference:

    • Target Category (Category Type / Value): Charges / Energy Charges
    • Member Category (Category Type / Value): Summary Item / Summary Line
    • Member Category (Category Type / Value): Taxable - State Tax
    • Member Category (Category Type / Value): Taxable - City Tab