Consumer Protection Requirements for Nonregulated Power Producers

Regulation Authority:

R.I.G.L. §39-2-1

Purpose and Reason:

The Public Utilities Commission (“PUC”) has amended this Regulation to require Nonregulated Power Producers to include in customer disclosures/marketing materials, additional information necessary for retail electricity customers to make an informed decision about whether or not to purchase the energy portion of their electricity from a Nonregulated Power Producer without adding further regulatory burden on the Nonregulated Power Producer. The proposed rules are also amended to streamline the dispute resolution process for customers and properly reflect the statutory jurisdiction of the PUC and Division of Public Utilities and Carriers. Substantive differences between proposed rules and final adopted rules include further clarification to Part II, Section D.2 defining term of service; Section D.9 defining methods by which a customer may cancel service; and Part II, Section D.11 providing notification by NPP of potential market adjustment on last bill. Also under Part III, Section A, deletion of reference to the Consumer Protection Division of the Department of Attorney General; and Part III, Section H, deletion of reference to the Division.