In New Action, PSC Initiates Consideration Of Broad Retail Market Reforms, Customer Protection

The Maryland PSC, which as previously reported has essentially undergone a re-constitution with a majority of Commissioners having been newly seated within the past few months, has invited comment on broad retail market reforms and customer protection

The PSC issued a notice seeking such comments is response to a petition from the Maryland Energy Advocates Coalition (MEAC) to eliminate the purchase of receivables program at the electric and gas utilities in the state

See our prior story for background on the MEAC petition

While the PSC sought comment on the MEAC petition, including MEAC's pro-ration proposal for use in lieu of POR, the PSC also more broadly sought comment on the retail market and potential market reforms

"Without assessing the merits of MEAC’s Petition at this time, the Commission notes that the retail choice market has matured significantly since 1999, when the Retail Choice Act was enacted, and the subsequent changes in RM17, including the recent enactment of low-income supply offers and supplier consolidated billing. Additional market reform may be warranted at this time," the PSC said

"The utilities, retail suppliers, the Commission’s Technical Staff, Office of People’s Counsel and other market participants may have comments that extend well beyond POR’ [sic][.] In addition to comments on MEAC’s Petition, the Commission requests comments on the appropriateness of pursuing market reform at this time and what those reforms may be which could include but not limited to, additional or modified customer protection, alternative modifications to POR in lieu of MEAC’s Petition, changes to utility consolidated billing (UCB) with the establishment of SCB, supplier licensing and bonding requirements, or other possible reforms. Any proposed market reforms should be structured, with phase-in and phase-out timelines as they pertain to any existing and proposed requirements," the PSC said

"Based upon stakeholder comments, the Commission may establish a public conference, and a rulemaking proceeding as requested by MEAC, or the Commission may direct workgroup proceedings to develop POR-focused or other market reform proposals, including rulemaking proceedings that address POR or other energy retail supplier issues," the PSC said