Press Release

PUC Seeks Comment on Further Modifying Current Moratorium on Door-to-Door Energy Sales and Marketing Activities

Published on 5/6/2021

Filed under: Consumer Education Electric Gas

Grants Separate Request by Competitive Suppliers to Rescind Prohibition of In-Person Sales & Marketing with Commercial, Industrial Customers

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved a Tentative Order seeking public comment from interested parties on further modifying and eventually lifting the Commission’s March 16, 2020 Emergency Order (Emergency Order) prohibiting door-to-door, public event, and in-person sales and marketing activities by jurisdictional competitive energy suppliers (suppliers).

The Commission voted 4-0 to adopt the Tentative Order requesting public comment as the PUC continues to examine when and how the remainder of the marketing moratorium will end, along with any conditions that may be necessary for the safe resumption of currently prohibited sales and marketing activities.

Interested Stakeholders May File Written Comments on the Modification and Eventual Lifting of the PUC’s March 16, 2020 Emergency Order.

The Commission’s Law Bureau, with assistance from the PUC’s Office of Competitive Market Oversight (OCMO), will review all submitted comments and provide a recommendation to the Commission as to the further modification or lifting of the Emergency Order.

Interested parties may submit written comments, via the Commission’s electronic filing system, referencing Docket No. M-2020-3019254 within 30 days of publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.  An e-file account may be opened and used through the Commission’s website.

NOTE:  Comments containing confidential or proprietary information should not be e-filed.  Comments containing confidential information should be filed consistent with the Commission’s March 20, 2020 Emergency Order and the Commission’s Secretarial Letter issued on July 27, 2020, regarding filings with the PUC. 

In a separate but related action taken at today’s Public Meeting, the Commission voted 4-0 to grant a Petition for Partial Rescission (Petition) of the Emergency Order filed by the Retail Energy Supply Association (RESA) and  lift the portion of the Emergency Order prohibiting suppliers from conducting in-person sales and marketing activities with commercial and industrial customers that are open as a result of orders or directives of the Governor and the Secretary of Health.

Consistent with past modifications to the Emergency Order, the Commission directed suppliers conducting in-person sales and marketing activities with commercial and industrial customers to comply with all relevant orders and guidance of the Governor and the Secretary of Health and continue to adhere to all applicable Commission regulations and orders. 

Before commencing such activities, suppliers must report their intent to resume in-person sales and marketing activities with commercial and industrial customers - with the general time period and geographic area in which the supplier will be active - to OCMO and the PUC’s Bureau of Consumer Services at RA-OCMO@pa.gov and RA-PCDOORTODOOR@pa.gov.  Any reports containing confidential information should be made consistent with the Commission’s March 20, 2020 Emergency Order and July 27, 2020 Secretarial Letter. 

During the past year, the Commission twice modified its Emergency Order.  By virtue of its June 4, 2020 Order, the PUC lifted the moratorium on in-person sales and marketing activities for activities at retail businesses open as a result of the Governor’s directives at that time.  Additionally, on Dec. 3, 2020, the Commission permitted the resumption of energy sales and marketing at outdoor public events provided that suppliers comply with all state health and safety orders, guidance, and directives along with applicable PUC regulations, including regulations on marketing and sales practices.

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” Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission on Facebook for easy access to information on utility issues.

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Docket No.:  M-2020-3019254

Contact:

• David Hixson
  Deputy Press Secretary
  717-772-2766
  dhixson@pa.gov