Pennsylvania PUC Allowing Utilities to Delay Implementation of Switch-At-Connect, Seamless Moves

The Pennsylvania PUC is allowing the electric distribution companies to delay the implementation of instant connects (switch-at-connect, or day-one switching) and seamless moves, in order to allow the EDCs to focus on implementation of a 3-business day switching timeframe.

Seamless moves and instant connects had previously been ordered to be in place by June 2015.

However, since that time, the PUC has adopted a 3-business day switching timeframe.

"The Commission acknowledges that the implementation of 3-day supplier switching within six months will require significant effort by the EDCs. The EDCs' information technology departments will be especially busy developing the modifications needed to accomplish the 3-business day switch. The EDCs have informed Commission staff that many of the staffing resources needed to develop 3-business day switching are the same resources needed to develop instant connects and seamless moves," the PUC said.

"The timely development of 3-business day switching is the highest priority for jurisdictional EDCs at this point in time. Accordingly, that development must supersede the directed implementation time frame for instant connects and seamless moves," the PUC said.

"The Commission, by means of this Secretarial Letter, will allow EDCs to delay the development of instant connects and seamless moves if an EDC determines that developing these processes at this time could hinder or delay the development of 3-business day supplier switching. This delay is at the option of the EDC; the EDCs are encouraged to proceed with the development of instant connects and seamless moves if doing so does not impede the development of 3-business day switching. The previously stated June 2015 deadline is no longer in effect," the PUC said.

The PUC directed the Office of Competitive Market Oversight to submit a recommendation to the Commission no later than December 31, 2014 with a proposed new implementation timeframe for seamless moves and instant connects.

The PUC said that despite the suspended deadlines, "it is clear that seamless moves and instant connects will be worthwhile enhancements to the competitive marketplace and should be pursued at some point."

M-2014-2401127 et. al.