Press Release

PUC Seeks Comments on Proposed Marketing, Sales Practice Rulemaking for Electric Generation, Natural Gas Suppliers

Published on 2/10/2011

Filed under: Electric Gas

HARRISBURG – In order to facilitate the effective operation of a vigorous, dynamic, yet fair and competitive residential energy market, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today issued for comment a proposed rulemaking for marketing and sales practices for electric generation suppliers (EGSs) and natural gas suppliers (NGSs).

The Commission voted 5-0 to seek comment on the proposed rulemaking that covers a wide range of topics and recommends best practices for direct (door-to-door) marketing, telemarketing and sales. Vice Chairman Tyrone J. Christy issued a statement. The proposed guidelines will apply to both EGSs and NGSs and to any entity conducting marketing and sales activities on their behalf. The proposed regulations are based on the interim guidelines on marketing and sales practices that the Commission adopted in its final order on Nov. 5, 2010.

With the expiration of electric rate caps, more and more EGSs are entering the state’s retail electric generation supply market. As a result, consumers are being exposed to unfamiliar marketing strategies and sales techniques including direct sales or door-to-door sales. The Commission said suppliers will be expected to conduct themselves with the guidelines in mind so that their sales and marketing activities do not call into question the fairness and integrity of the competitive market.

The Commission’s goal is to provide all parties who will be affected by the proposed guidelines the opportunity to have input as the procedures are finalized. The interim guidelines and proposed rulemaking were developed by the PUC’s Office of Competitive Market Oversight as a result of meetings held with PUC working groups including CHARGE (Committee Handling Activities for Retail Growth in Electricity) and SEARCH (Stakeholders Exploring Avenues to Remove Competitive Hurdles).

Comments are due within 60 days of publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.  An original and 15 copies of written comments should be sent to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, Attn: Secretary, P.O. Box 3265, Harrisburg, PA 17105-3265.  Please see the Proposed Rulemaking Order for additional information on submitting comments.  Interested parties may also e-file comments.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities to ensure safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protect the public interest; educate consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; further economic development; and foster new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

For recent news releases, audio of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Docket No. L-2010-2208332

Contact:

• Denise McCracken
  Senior Communications Specialist
  717-787-5722
  demccracken@pa.gov