Press Release

PUC Adopts Proposal to Facilitate Account Look-Up Mechanism for Natural Gas Suppliers

Published on 4/9/2015

Filed under: Gas

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today adopted a proposal that would allow natural gas suppliers (NGSs) to access, with customer permission, natural gas distribution company (NGDC) customer account numbers in instances where the account number is not yet available from either the customer or the Eligible Customer List (ECL).

The Commission voted 5-0 to adopt the Tentative Order proposed by the Commission’s Office of Competitive Market Oversight, which would provide NGSs with access to NGDC account numbers of potential customers during sales events when the account number is not easily attainable. The proposed account number look-up mechanism follows a similar system implemented in July 2013 for electric generation suppliers.

The Tentative Order requires all PUC-jurisdictional NGDCs, within six months of the entry of this Order, to submit for approval a compliance plan detailing how they intend to implement a passcode-protected, secure website portal that will provide NGSs access to new customer account numbers. NGSs will only have access to these websites after obtaining appropriate customer identification, as well as consent from the customer in the form of a signed Letter of Authorization.

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 and video of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.pa.gov. Follow the PUC on Twitter – @PA_PUC for all things utility. “Like” PAPowerSwitch on Facebook for easy access to information on electric shopping.

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Docket No. M-2015-2468991

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• Deputy Press Secretary
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