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PSC Won't Require Utility To Implement Automatic Switch Block Mechanism
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The Maryland PSC today accepted Potomac Edison's proposal to not implement a mechanism that would automatically reject a switch request if the customer appears on Potomac Edison's Do Not Transfer list
Last year's SB1 required utilities to develop Do Not Transfer lists, under which customers may request to not be switched to a retail supplier. SB1 did not specifically require an automated EDI switch block mechanism
Additionally, as further discussed below, while the PSC ultimately did not take a formal vote on the same issue at Baltimore Gas & Electric, the PSC indicated that it was prepared at BGE to similarly not require a mechanism to automatically reject a switch from a customer on BGE's Do Not Transfer list
Potomac Edison and BGE each separately expressed concerns with the cost effectiveness of implementing an automatic switch block mechanism through EDI, given, among other factors, the relatively small number of customers who have signed up on the Do Not Transfer list, and the lack of current supplier offers for new customers in the residential market
Both utilities said that retail suppliers are ultimately responsible for compliance with the Do Not Transfer list.
BGE noted that creating an automatic switch block mechanism was not specifically required under SB1, which required the creation of the Do Not Transfer list
Both utilities requested that the PSC affirm that implementation of an automatic switch block mechanism should not proceed in their service areas.
The PSC accepted Potomac Edison's proposal not to implement an automated enrollment block for Do Not Transfer List customers at this time
The PSC required Potomac Edison to report on any retail supplier enrollments for customers on the Do Not Transfer List.
At BGE, the PSC began to consider a motion regarding several Do Not Transfer list items, including forgoing the use of an automatic switch block mechanism, but ultimately did not consider the motion due to ongoing confusion about the specific relief BGE is requesting concerning a sought regulatory asset for implementation costs for the Do Not Transfer list.
However, no party appeared to oppose an order from the PSC affirming that BGE should not implement an automatic switch block
Also remaining an open question at BGE is the mechanism under which BGE will provide the Do Not Transfer list to retail suppliers
Under the proposed motion that the PSC did not vote on due to the regulatory asset issues, the PSC was initially prepared to vote on a motion which would have directed BGE to provide the Do Not Transfer list to retail suppliers via a secured website (rather than through emails to suppliers), but which would not require "full" automation of the process for customers to join the Do Not Transfer list.
Under a lower cost option, rather than automating a web enrollment for customers to join the Do Not Transfer list, BGE customers will need to call BGE to join the Do Not Transfer list
The PSC took issues relating to the Do Not Transfer list at BGE under advisement
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August 27, 2025
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Copyright 2025 EnergyChoiceMatters.com
Reporting by Paul Ring • ring@energychoicematters.com
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