Press Release

PUC Reconsiders Interim Guidelines for Eligible Customer Lists

Published on 6/9/2011

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG - The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today issued for comment a reconsideration of the interim guidelines for the customer information to be provided by electric distribution companies (EDCs) to electric generation suppliers (EGSs) contained in the eligible customer lists.

The Commission voted 5-0 to reconsider the interim guidelines originally issued Nov. 12, 2010.  These guidelines address information that the EDCs are to provide to the EGSs about customers, their service provisions and usage.  The Commonwealth Court returned jurisdiction of this matter to the Commission following appeals by the Office of Consumer Advocate and the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence, both of which had concerns over privacy, specifically, a customer’s ability to restrict the release of all customer data held by an EDC, not just the customer’s telephone number and historical billing data.  The court has also stayed the Commission’s November 12 Order.

PUC Commissioner Tyrone J. Christy issued a statement.

The Commission will reconsider the guidelines in order to further address the rights of consumers to safeguard their customer information while also maintaining the Commission’s obligations under Chapter 28 of the Public Utility Code.  During the Commission’s reconsideration, EDCs will return to the release of customer information protocols, methods and restrictions effective within their service territories before the Guidelines Order was issued.  

In the Guidelines Order, the Commission determined that customers had only two options regarding the release of their customer information:  (1) restrict none (i.e., disclose all customer information authorized for disclosure), and (2) restrict telephone number, billing address and historic usage.    The Guidelines Order did not permit customers to restrict other specific customer information held by the EDC and authorized for disclosure.

Comments are due within 30 days of the entry date of this order.  Reply comments may be filed within 45 days of the entry date. If you wish to submit comments, please send the original and five copies to the PUC Secretary, Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, P.O. Box 3265, Harrisburg, PA 17105-3265.  Comments can also be e-filed.

The eligible customer lists are designed to provide EGSs with important information that will allow licensed competitive suppliers to more readily identify potential retail customers and better tailor products and service offerings to meet customers’ needs.   The guidelines address:

• Developing a system to enable victims of domestic violence or other customers that are similarly endangered to restrict the release of their data;
• Allowing customers to restrict the release of their historical billing data and telephone number;
• Listing the minimum requirements for the eligible customer lists;
• Complying with the state’s Do Not Call” list;
• Including current and future capacity and transmission obligations.

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.

Docket No. M-2010-2183412

Contact:

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