PSC Denies OPC Request For Utilities To Provide Aggregate Costs For Retail Supply Customers Versus Shadow-Billed Default Service

The Maryland PSC has again denied a request from the Office of People's Counsel for the utilities to provide OPC with the total aggregate amounts that shopping customers paid in retail supply charges and the total aggregate amount such customers would have paid for default service from the utility.

In comments on the Office of Home Energy Programs's proposed Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP) plan, OPC had asked that the PSC require the utilities to report: (a) how many EUSP and MEAP [Maryland Energy Assistance Program] customers receive electric and gas supply from a retail supplier for each billing period; (b) the total aggregate amount those customers paid in retail supply charges for each billing period; (c) the total aggregate usage (in kWh or Therms) appearing on those customers’ bills for each billing period; and (d) the total aggregate amount those customers would have paid for default (SOS or SS) service from the utility based on the usage for each billing period.

The PSC only directed that, as done previously, the utilities shall provide to OPC the number of EUSP (and MEAP) customers that receive electric or gas supply from a retail supplier.

"However, the Commission again declines to direct the utilities to provide the total aggregate amounts those customers paid in retail supply charges and the total aggregate amount those customers would have paid for default SOS service from the utility," the PSC said

"The Commission finds that stakeholders should continue their discussions on this issue. The Commission directs that Staff provide periodic progress reports with regard to this issue when the Advisory Board reconvenes," the PSC said

Also concerning the retail market, the PSC noted that OHEP has indicated that it has discussed with Commission staff its potential role in educating energy assistance customers on retail rates and would be able to disseminate retail rate information once the Commission develops and launches its retail rate website, which is required by recent legislation as previously reported

Case 8903