Georgia PSC Approves Commerce Energy AGL Market Re-entry

The Georgia PSC approved Commerce Energy's re-entry into the Georgia natural gas market during yesterday's administrative session.

A written order was not immediately published.

Although Staff's recommendation to Commissioners noted, "issues involving customer enrollments" at Commerce's parent, Just Energy, it does not appear Staff recommended any specific conditions related to customer enrollments or marketing as part of the renewed license, though the final written order will be determinative on this.

The Commission will require that Commerce submit for Staff's "approval" its Terms and Conditions, and sample billing format, prior to the company commencing service in Georgia. The submission of terms of service and billing samples to Staff is routine in the Georgia regulatory process, though it's not immediately clear if the requirement for Staff "approval" is unique and whether normally the materials are submitted for Staff review but not necessarily approval.

Most of Staff's recommended conditions were related to reporting requirements related to Commerce Energy's financial position, as Staff recommended that the PSC be notified of any termination in Commerce's parental guarantee or changes in Just Energy's line of credit.

Commerce Energy originally ceased most marketing at Atlanta Gas Light in 2006, limiting ongoing service to existing national accounts. Since that time, it was acquired by Universal Energy, who in turn was acquired by Just Energy. With its re-entry into the market, Commerce will be subject to the typical monthly reporting requirements for marketers which had been waived starting in 2007 as it stopped enrolling new customers.