Briefly

Nelson Suggests Price Comparison Tool for Texas Power to Choose
Commissioner Donna Nelson has proposed that the PUCT's Power to Choose website offer a savings and comparison calculator so that customers may compare savings under different product offers as well as their current rate. Nelson said that such a tool will make shopping easier, and may facilitate shopping by customers who have thus far remained with their original, legacy affiliated REP (typically at higher rates), if customers can see for themselves that switching would save hundreds of dollar annually. Nelson will continue to work with Staff in developing the interactive comparison tool.

N.Y. Restaurant Association Endorses Hess as Supplier
The New York State Restaurant Association has announced an exclusive endorsement of Hess Small Business Services as its preferred supplier of both electricity and natural gas for member restaurants in the New York City metro area. The endorsement is managed through NYSRA's purchasing arm, New York State Restaurant Services (NYSRS), and its Energy Alliance group buying program, which is managed by EnergyNext, Inc. of Saratoga Springs, N.Y. NYSRA has endorsed Hess as its natural gas supplier since 2008.

Michigan PSC Approves Detroit Edison Prepay Pilot
The Michigan PSC approved Detroit Edison's pilot prepaid program covering 200 customers (U-16457). The program was first reported by Matters (9/20), and requires customers to have advanced metering infrastructure installed, enroll in online or electronic billing, have two or more applicable communication methods, and be served on either Rate D1 or D3 in order to participate. The PSC also imposed conditions on the participation of senior and low-income customers in the program to reduce (or in the case of seniors eliminate in some cases) the potential for disconnection due to the exhaustion of a prepaid balance.