Ohio Launches Retail Gas Market Investigation with Request for Comments

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio has issued a request for stakeholder comments to launch an investigation into the state of competition in the retail natural gas market.

"It has been five years since the Commission authorized the first natural gas utility to secure natural gas for retail customers utilizing an auction process. At this time, the Commission finds it appropriate to initiate this docket to review certain aspects of the natural gas retail market and obtain feedback from interested persons. To be clear, the Commission is not seeking legal arguments regarding the scope of the Commission's jurisdiction to authorize exemptions under Chapter 4929, Revised Code. Rather, the Commission is interested in eliciting comments regarding the current standard choice offer (SCO) auctions and any recommendations on how to further support a fully competitive retail natural gas marketplace in Ohio," PUCO said.

The Commission specifically asked:

(a) What regulatory changes, if any, should be made to further support a fully competitive retail natural gas marketplace?

(b) What types of educational programs, if any, should be implemented to ensure that retail customers are fully aware of the options open to them for purchasing retail natural gas service?

(c) Does the SCO provide a competitive level playing field for SCO providers and competitive retail natural gas service (CRNGS) providers? For example, how, if at all, do the following processes differ for SCO and CRNGS providers: data collection; contract administration; customer enrollment; and customer service?

(d) Are there barriers to market entry associated with the SCO and, if so, how are those barriers affecting the growth of Ohio's competitive market?

(e) Is the SCO functioning as a competitive market price?

Case No. 13-1307-GA-COI