COMMISSION COMMENCES REVIEW OF RETAIL ENERGY MARKET

Commission Proceeding:

In the current retail market, all customers of major electric and natural gas utilities in New York State have the choice to purchase energy from their utility, or from an energy services company (ESCO). Approximately 85 ESCOs are certified to provide electricity in New York State and more than 100 ESCOs are certified to provide natural gas.  Department Staff has been conducting an ongoing review of the performance of the residential and small non-residential retail energy markets to determine if they are functioning as intended and to identify opportunities for improvement.

In October 2012, DPS staff provided the Commission with a summary of its review.  As a result of the concerns and questions raised by Staff, the Commission initiated a proceeding (Case 12-M-0476) to further assess the operations of these markets and explore possible actions to improve their efficiency for the benefit of customers.

Consumer Comments:

As part of the proceeding, the Commission is seeking public input on concerns identified in the Order namely:  (1) Information for Current ESCO Customers; (2) Data for Potential Customers; (3) ESCO Referral Programs; (4) Low Income Customers; (5) Door-to-Door Marketing; (6) ESCO Contracts; (7) Purchase of Receivables; and (8) Other Proposals.  A copy of the Commission's questions can be obtained here.  Comments should be submitted electronically by e-filing for Case 12-M-0476 or send them to the Commission Secretary at secretary@dps.ny.gov.  Those unable to submit electronically may mail or deliver them to Secreatry, NYS Public Service Commission, 3 Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY, 12223-1350.