People's Counsel Sees Recently Opened Retail Market Proceeding At PSC As Potentially "Most Comprehensive Re-evaluation" Of Retail Choice Since 1999

The Maryland Office of People's Counsel said that a newly opened inquiry by the Maryland PSC into retail energy market reforms, "will potentially represent the most comprehensive reevaluation of the technical implementation of Maryland’s retail supply market since the Commission considered these matters in 1999..."

As first reported by EnergyChoiceMatters.com, the PSC has launched a review of, "pursuing [retail] market reform at this time," with the PSC seeking comment as to what those reforms may be, "which could include but not [be] 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."

The opening of the retail market proceeding by the PSC followed a previously reported (story here) petition from the Maryland Energy Advocates Coalition (MEAC) to eliminate the purchase of receivables program at the electric and gas utilities in Maryland

More fully, OPC said, "OPC further notes that the Commission’s consideration of the subject matter reflected in its Notice [about the new retail market review] will potentially represent the most comprehensive reevaluation of the technical implementation of Maryland’s retail supply market since the Commission considered these matters in 1999 and 2005 (in RM17); or in the consumer protection enhancements adopted by the Commission following the Public Conference 35 proceeding initiated in 2014."

"Given the importance of these issues, the Commission would benefit from thorough submissions by various stakeholders on potential reforms," OPC said, as OPC requested that the Commission extend the time for parties to submit comments regarding the retail market issues set forth by the PSC until November 6, 2023.

OPC said that it generally supports MEAC’s petition