Md. PSC Directs Potomac Edison to Investigate Acting as Curtailment Service Provider

Potomac Edison, "should investigate the potential for the creation of a CSP [curtailment service provider] program administered by Potomac Edison that is similar to its programs in West Virginia and Pennsylvania," the Maryland PSC directed in an order issued Friday (9236).

The PSC's order originated from a review of federal end-user participation in demand response programs offered by curtailment service providers, and related billing issues.

The Commission declined to mandate that utilities alter their billing systems to allow third-party curtailment service providers to compensate their demand response customers via credits on their utility bill, as is in place at Baltimore Gas & Electric.

The PSC, however, encouraged utilities to offer such a CSP billing program if that option can be implemented in a reasonable and cost-effective manner.

Additionally, the PSC ordered that, in conjunction with its 2012-2014 EmPower Maryland planning, Potomac Edison shall investigate and report back to the Commission regarding the potential for the creation of a CSP program administered by Potomac Edison that is similar to its programs in West Virginia and Pennsylvania.

In the cited West Virginia and Pennsylvania programs, the respective FirstEnergy distribution company acts as the curtailment service provider.

All utilities were directed to, "expand their suites of demand response programs to reach and engage customers more effectively, including especially federal end-user customers," as the companies prepare and file their new round of EmPower Maryland programs for the 2012-2014 planning cycle.

Each utility shall also begin actively discussing and informing qualifying federal entities of the benefits of demand response programs offered through curtailment service providers, or through the utility directly.