Press Release
PUC Allows Resumption of Energy Sales & Marketing at Outdoor Public Events; Ban on Door-to-Door Sales Remains in Effect
Published on 12/3/2020
In-person sales and marketing at outdoor events must comply with all state health and safety guidelines, along with applicable PUC regulations
HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today voted to allow resumption of energy sales and marketing at outdoor public events - provided that in-person activities comply with all state health and safety orders, guidance and directives along with applicable PUC regulations, including regulations on marketing and sales practices.
Today’s Order does not impact the moratorium on all other door-to-door, public event or in-person sales and marketing activities during the pendency of the Governor’s Proclamation of Disaster Emergency, or unless otherwise directed by the Commission.
The Commission voted 3-1 to grant NRG Energy Inc.’s (NRG) Petition for Partial Rescission, which requested that the PUC rescind the portion of its March 16, 2020 Emergency Order prohibiting jurisdictional electric and natural gas suppliers (suppliers) from conducting in-person sales and marketing activities at outdoor public events. As requested in NRG’s petition, the Commission directs energy suppliers who opt to resume in-person sales and marketing activities at outdoor public events to comply with the following:
- All relevant orders and guidance issued by the Governor’s Office and the Secretary of Health; and
- Any other applicable Commission regulations, including the marketing and sales practices regulations at 52 Pa. Code § 111.1-111.14.
The Commission’s Order further directs suppliers to report to the PUC their intent to resume in-person sales and marketing activities at outdoor public events – including the name, date, time, and location of the event. This supplier reporting requirement will remain in place until it is rescinded by the Commission at the conclusion of the present emergency.
Today’s action marks the second time that the Commission has modified its March 16 Emergency Order. By virtue of its June 4, 2020 Order, the PUC lifted the moratorium on in-person sales and marketing activities for suppliers pertaining to activities at retail businesses open as a result of the Governor’s directives at that time. The PUC will continue to reevaluate the need to modify the moratorium on all other door-to-door, public event, and in-person sales and marketing activities as appropriate.
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.
Visit the PUC’s website at www.puc.pa.gov for recent news releases and video of select proceedings. You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube. Search for the “Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission” or “PA PUC” on your favorite social media channel for updates on utility issues and other helpful consumer information.
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Docket No.: M-2020-3019254
Contact:
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Nils Hagen-Frederiksen
Press Secretary
717-418-2701
nhagen-fre@pa.gov
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