Background
In September 1998, the New York State Public Service Commission issued a proposal with a draft set of rules, Uniform Business Practices (UBP), to provide for consistent business procedures for both energy services companies (ESCOs) and electric and natural gas utilities across the state. The Commission issued an order in Case 98-M-1343 adopting the UBP in February 1999 and required each utility to submit a compliance filing by June 1999.
As the competitive retail energy market has evolved in New York, the UBP has been revisited and modified to reflect changes in the market while continuing to provide consumer protections, streamlined business transactions and communications protocols between ESCOs and utilities.
September 2009 Revisions to the UBP to Implement Contest Period
In September 2009, the UBP was modified to incorporate a contest period in Section 5: Changes in Service Providers (UBP 5.D.6).
- Uniform Business Practices (298kb PDF)
October 2008 Orders - Revisions to the UBP & Future of Retail Access Programs
In October 2008, the Commission issued an Order that included a Section 10, Marketing Standards. Section 10 provides reasonable standards of conduct for ESCOs while ensuring that customers receive fair and accurate information in order to make energy supply choices.
- Order Determining Future of Retail Access Programs
- October 27, 2008 Order Adopting Amendments to the Uniform Business Practices, Granting in Part Petition on Behalf of Customers and Rejecting National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation’s Tariff Filing
Staff Contact(s): Honor Kennedy (518) 474-0479
UBP - Phase II & Collaborative Working Groups
On November 13 and 14, 2008, a technical conference was convened by the Department of Public Service which discussed implementation of the changes to the UBP and identified issues to be addressed by collaborative working groups in Phase II. The working groups established were: reverse slamming; ESCO referral; ESCO consolidated billing; direct marketing and provision of customer lists; tax data; 18-a assessment; price reporting; and, customer complaint rates.
On July 8, 2009, another technical conference was held during which the parties were provided status reports on working group activities and other items of interest regarding the UBP or retail access. In addition, parties discussed access to customer account numbers and the Commission’s June 6, 2009 Order on Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc. proposal to expand its ESCO referral program to new customers at the time they initiate service.
A notice soliciting comments on the UBP Phase II working group reports will be issued shortly.
For more information about these groups, contact: LuAnn Scherer (518) 486-2476.
View all Case Related Commission Documents for Case 98-M-1343