Press Release

PUC Seeks Comments on Natural Gas Supplier Licensing Requirement Amendments

Published on 2/28/2013

Filed under: Gas

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today issued for comment changes to regulations regarding natural gas supplier (NGS) licensing requirements as part of an Advanced Notice of Final Rulemaking. 

“I believe it is appropriate to review our regulations from time to time,” said Commissioner Pamela A. Witmer.  “The regulations we approve for comment today will better align our natural gas supplier requirements with those of our electric suppliers.  I look forward to seeing the feedback of all interested parties.”

The Commission voted 5-0 to adopt the changes, which include:

• Eliminating the definitions of a “marketing service consultant”;
• Incorporating new entities referred to as “aggregators,” “brokers” and “non-selling marketers”; and
• Continuing the exemption for nontraditional marketers and establishing the exemption for non-selling marketers under contract to only one NGS.

Interested parties may comment within 30 days following publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.

The current Commission regulations require all NGSs to obtain a license from the PUC in order to offer service. “Marketing service consultants” and “nontraditional marketers” have been exempted from these requirements. Some marketing service consultants and nontraditional marketers still apply for licenses, despite the fact that they are not required to do so. To date, the Commission’s practice has been to issue licenses to such entities if they meet the financial and technical requirements to obtain a license. The addition of “aggregators” and “brokers” as well as the elimination of “marketing service consultants” will require entities meeting the definition of a NGS to be licensed. 

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.  For recent news releases, video and audio of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.pa.gov.

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Docket Number L-2011-2266832

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