Texas Won't Initiate Rulemaking to Examine Sharing of Customer Info by REPs with Third Parties At This Time

The Public Utility Commission of Texas won't conduct further formal proceedings regarding the sharing of customer information by retail electric providers with third parties at this time, instead electing to continue to monitor the issue for potential future action as warranted.

The Commission will add a new Question and Answer to the Commission's website 'Electricity FAQ' that will warn electricity customers that in a competitive marketplace, some REPs may require the customer to release certain private information to others, and that if the customer is unable to find another REP that does not require such a release, they would be encouraged to notify the Commission.

However, the Commission will not open a rulemaking on this matter at this time, but will instead monitor the number and nature of complaints.

Commissioner Kenneth Anderson reiterated concerns raised at the last open meeting about the lack of clear disclosure from REPs concerning authorization to share customer information with third parties, and therefore whether a "knowing waiver" can occur (click here for more details), and put REPs on notice that he'd be watching the issue.

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