Interstate Gas Supply Backs Maryland Customer Protection Rulemaking for Gas, Electric Service

Interstate Gas Supply has endorsed a rulemaking process in Maryland to allow for a more detailed discussion of issues raised by network marketing channels and the use of independent representatives in both electric and gas marketing. As noted by Matters in the past few days, Staff and the Office of People's Counsel have both raised issues regarding network marketing, with OPC recommending an attendant review of all consumer protection regulations.

"It is IGS' belief that given the unique nature of personal contact that Door-to-Door marketing and Independent Representatives creates with customers - and given a number of concerns that have occurred in other markets - it is understandable that the Commission would want to more fully understand this marketing channel," IGS Energy said.

IGS provided the Maryland PSC with its recent comments on marketing and consumer protection issues in proceedings which are ongoing in Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut. In these comments, IGS generally favors some type of heightened or additional licensing requirement for door-to-door sales agents (with specific language depending on the state).