DPUC Seeks Comments on Future of Clean Energy Options Given Competitive Renewable Plans

The Connecticut DPUC has sought comment on whether the Connecticut Clean Energy Options program should continue in light of renewable offers made by competitive retail suppliers.

The DPUC is conducting a review of the Clean Energy Options program in Docket 10-05-07. The program, which allows default service customers to purchase RECs to offset 50% or 100% of usage for a per kilowatt-hour adder without leaving default service, is set to expire December 31, 2011.

In a request for prefiled testimony, the Department noted that at the time of the initiation of the Clean Energy Options (CCEO) program, Connecticut had no providers of voluntary clean energy electric service. "Currently, several competitive suppliers offer clean energy at percentages that exceed the Renewable Portfolio Standard. Comment on whether, at the expiration of the CCEO program on December 31, 2011, you believe (a) the number of CCEO suppliers should be allowed to be increased, (b) the number of CCEO suppliers should stay the same, or (c) the CCEO program should expire," the request states.

For residential customers, competitive renewable products available include:

• 100% renewable offers from ConEdison Solutions, Discount Power, MXenergy, and Viridian Energy
• 50% renewable offer from Discount Power
• 25% renewable offer from Discount Power
• 20% renewable offer from Viridian Energy

The request further asks whether the Clean Energy Options suppliers have implemented an adequate marketing campaign to promote the Clean Energy Options program, and sought ideas to improve such marketing.

A hearing on the Clean Energy Options will be held November 5.