Pennsylvania PUC Moves into Next Phase of Its Retail Natural Gas Markets Investigation

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August 21, 2014

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission will move forward with their investigation into the state’s retail natural gas market. Among the numerous issues to be addressed includes expanding consumer education.

Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission
Contact: Denise McCraken

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today directed its Office of Competitive Market Oversight (OCMO) to move forward with the next phase of its investigation into the state’s retail natural gas market.

“This is an opportunity to assess whether effective competition exists in Pennsylvania’s retail natural gas market and also to make recommendations for improvements,” said PUC Commissioner Pamela A. Witmer.  “Our end goal is to ensure that the Commonwealth is home to a properly functioning retail natural gas market and that we are making full use of our Marcellus Shale resources.”

The Commission voted 5-0 to issue for comment the Tentative Order that finds an investigation into the retail natural gas market is necessary and also outlines several issues for OCMO to examine in the course of this investigation into Pennsylvania’s retail gas market.  Comments are requested to identify any additional issues not outlined in the Tentative Order.  Comments are due 30 days after Notice of the Tentative Order is posted in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. Issues include:

  • Assignment of capacity and use of storage assets
  • Non-discrimination in access points on natural gas distribution (NGDC) systems
  • System balance, tolerances and penalties
  • Creditworthiness requirements
  • Seamless moves and instant connects for consumers
  • Accelerated switching timeframes for consumers
  • Low-income customer shopping
  • Enhancements to www.PAGasSwitch.com
  • Expanded consumer education about shopping
  • Purchase of receivables programs
  • Disclosure requirements
  • Joint NGDC – natural gas supplier bill
  • Account number access mechanisms
  • Migration riders
  • Electronic data protocols

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