AARP New York Asks New York PSC To "Look Into" Use Of RECs by ESCOs To Back Renewable Energy Marketing Claims; Seeks Prohibition On "Misleading" Representations

In comments on a proposed New York PSC rule to prohibit harassment or other detrimental conduct by ESCOs and other entities in connection with, among other interactions, the establishment of gas and/or electric service, AARP New York asked the PSC to "look into" the marketing of renewable energy plans by ESCOs

See background on the proposed rule here

AARP New York cited a recent ESCO mailing which was alleged to have stated: "Get 100% clean, pollution-free energy"; "If I switch my electricity to clean, renewable sources, who will my utility company be?" and "Can I switch to clean energy if I rent my home?"

AARP NY said, "Those of us involved in this sphere understand that buildings receive the NYISO zone’s (or load pocket’s) system mix but that is not likely understood by the general public."

AARP NY said, "It is our understanding that Renewable Energy Certificates may be used by some marketers to satisfy this claim while the customer may assume the marketer has built or contracted for renewable power in the service area. We urge the Department to look into this matter."

AARP NY suggested that the proposed rules be modified to include a new section that would provide that, "The use of false, deceptive, or misleading representation in connection with promotion of a service or product," shall be deemed a violation of the rule's prohibition on behavior that harasses, oppresses, or abuses residential customers