PSC Expands Grid Modernization Proceeding To Include Re-examination of Retail Choice Issues

The Maryland PSC has expanded the scope of issues to be reviewed under its electric grid transformation proceeding (PC44) to include, "competitive markets and customer choice," issues, particularly re-examining current administrative processes that discourage customers from selecting a retail supplier

The PSC listed customer choice issues as among the issues, "ripe for action in this proceeding."

"Efforts within and between topic areas should be coordinated so that there is one unified proceeding with several components, rather than several different efforts operating independently," the PSC said. Other issues that are ripe to be addressed in the proceeding include rate design, energy storage, electric vehicles, interconnection process, and distribution system planning

"Each topic area will be addressed through a separate workgroup led by a Commission Advisor. Although we recognize that this large number of new workgroups can create challenges for stakeholders, we believe that splitting into smaller groups will allow more focused and productive work environments," the PSC said

"Of course, we know that efforts to modernize Maryland’s electric distribution systems are ongoing and will continue far into the future. But the action items identified in this Notice should be finished by June 2018," the PSC said

Regarding competitive markets and customer choice issues, the PSC said, "enhancing competitive markets and customer choice may be key components of modernizing Maryland’s electric distribution systems."

"Markets and choice can help ensure that Marylanders are receiving the services they desire at an affordable cost. One critical component to achieving this is to ensure that the market has appropriate access to data," the PSC said

"Customer data, particularly from smart meters, belongs to the customer. Customers should be able to share data with third parties as easily as is safely possible. Cybersecurity is a real threat that must be taken seriously, but it should not be used as a deterrent to providing customers access to their data," the PSC said

"Retail choice has existed for almost two decades in Maryland. We support retail choice, both as consistent with Maryland’s statutory construct and because of our belief that competitive, transparent, and customer-friendly retail markets will benefit customers," the PSC said

"Now is the right time to reexamine certain aspects of Maryland’s retail choice market, particularly those administrative or process burdens (not related to consumer protection) that discourage customers from selecting a retail supplier," the PSC said, citing comments from retail suppliers which had sought seamless moves, instant connects, and implementation of online look-up tools.

In the proceeding, the PSC will consider the following possible actions:

1. Developing a statewide standard data sharing format for implementation by utilities that have deployed AMI; and

2. Considering changes to retail choice that will create a more competitive, transparent and customer-friendly market in Maryland.