Regulator "Concerned" With Lack of Specificity In Consumer Counsel's Allegations Seeking Investigation of Retail Market

While taking allegations of abusive practices of retail electric suppliers towards vulnerable populations, as alleged by the Connecticut Office of Consumer Counsel, "very seriously," the Connecticut PURA expressed concern with the lack of specificity in OCC's petition to open a broad investigation into the retail electric market

"The Authority takes the OCC's allegations very seriously, but is also concerned with the lack of specificity in OCC's petition as submitted. The Authority requires specific factual bases to support a finding of cause for such an investigation, and must balance the seriousness of the allegations with the potential for an overly broad investigation," PURA said

"In particular, the Authority requires the identification of specific conduct, suppliers, and/or evidence of a trend (as opposed to isolated complaints) that would support the opening of such an investigation. The Authority directs OCC to provide an offer of proof and/or more detailed evidentiary support sufficient to demonstrate such cause in support of its petition," PURA said

"Once OCC files its submission, any party that wishes to respond to OCC’s offer of proof may do so within 21 business days of OCC’s filing in the instant docket. The Authority will subsequently notify all participants regarding further scheduling in this matter," PURA said