State to Launch Retail Electric Shopping Price Website

The Massachusetts DPU intends to launch a website providing customers with retail electric supplier rates and other information.

The DPU's intent to launch a shopping price website was previously noted by RetailEnergyX.com

The DPU sought input on the product-related information that the website should include to allow customers to sufficiently understand and compare the offered products. This includes information related to: (1) pricing (e.g., price, type of pricing structure, and term); (2) renewable energy characteristics (e.g., whether the product exceeds the Commonwealth’s renewable portfolio standards and, if so, how); (3) applicable fees (e.g., for early termination); and (4) other product characteristics (e.g., introductory discounts).

The DPU also sought input on the rules that will govern the operation of the website. This includes rules associated with the: (1) uniform presentation of product-related information to allow for the useful comparisons among products; (2) period of time that products will be available to customers; (3) information required from customers (e.g., distribution company service territory, rate class, monthly usage) to ensure eligibility to purchase certain products; and (4) order in which products will be listed.

Finally, the Department sought input on the design of website features, including: (1) how the product information should be displayed; and (2) the options (e.g., filtering and sorting) provided to customers to allow them to effectively and efficiently compare products.

D.P.U. 14-140

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