PSC Dismisses Nearly All Complaints Against Retail Supplier in Show Cause Proceeding

The Maryland PSC says that responses from U.S. Gas & Electric and affiliate Energy Service Providers, Inc. to show cause orders issued by the PSC show that the complaints levied against USG&E in the show cause orders should be dismissed — with one exception

The show cause orders had directed USG&E (d/b/a MDG&E) to address an increase in customer complaints during the first quarter of 2014, including complaints related to rate increases during the polar vortex.

"Upon review of the record before us, including the responses to our information request as submitted by MDG&E, the Commission finds that the Companies have shown cause as to why the instant complaint levied against them should be dismissed — with one exception," the PSC said.

The PSC said that additional consideration is required to determine whether a penalty is warranted, "related to the acknowledged violations of USG&E and ESPI of operating in service territories in which they were not licensed."

The PSC said that USG&E acknowledged that it operated as a natural gas supplier at WGL without its license authorizing service at WGL, and ESPI acknowledged that it operated as an electric supplier at SMECO without its license authorizing service at SMECO.

"We find that such consideration appropriately may be given in the context of an Administrative Meeting, during which we may review whether to grant an extension of either of the Companies' licenses to cover additional service territories," the PSC said.

Case 9347