Connecticut to Open Review of Code of Conduct for Utilities, Affiliates

The Connecticut PURA has assigned a docket to review the current code of conduct regulations for electric and natural gas utilities.

In a request to establish the docket, Staff noted that the current code of conduct regulations for electric distribution companies (EDCs) is limited to interactions between EDCs and their generation entities or affiliates.

"Given that EDCs have other affiliates besides generation affiliates, it is appropriate to review and revise the regulations accordingly," Staff noted.

It was not entirely clear what non-generation utility affiliates may be driving the desire to review the current rules. However, New Hampshire has recently opened a review of its utility affiliate rules, due to concerns from generators with the relationship between EDC Public Service of New Hampshire, and an affiliate under Northeast Utilities which is seeking to build a transmission line to import power from Quebec.

Northeast Utilities also owns Connecticut Light & Power (as well as Yankee Gas).

While transmission has been the focus in other states, with the expansion of retail energy suppliers' offerings beyond commodity, and the potential for utility affiliates to compete in these markets, the affiliate rules implicate a number of issues, including:

• Ownership and operation of electric vehicle charging stations

• Traditional home energy contracting , efficiency, warranty, and service offerings (HVAC, etc)

• Smart home, smart energy and energy management/automation services