Piscopo Votes for Consumer Protection Measure

HARTFORD– State Representative John Piscopo (R-76) co-sponsored legislation in the House of Representatives today that offers new protections to residential electricity customers who switch to retail energy providers.  Provisions of the bill include the development of greater transparency in electric rate statements, requiring utilities to take no longer than 72 hours to switch over ratepayers who have chosen a retail provider, and creates prohibitions against coercive and deceptive sales practices employed by some retail energy suppliers.

“I’ve heard from many of my constituents on this issue, who’ve experienced significant difficulties when changing energy providers,” said Rep. Piscopo.  “It is important that these providers maintain open and transparent communication with consumers regarding their policies and any pending changes.  I strongly supported this legislation which will ensure that consumer protections are in place and that utility companies are operating fairly and held to the same standards across the board.”

Piscopo noted that another important element of the legislation requires utilities to switch consumers who choose another provider no later than 72 hours after the request.  He said many consumers complained of requesting a change once they decided they did not like their rate, but not having it processed for well over two months in many instances.

The Public Utility Regulatory Authority (PURA) is required to develop a billing design so electric consumers will be able to see their rate, and see how it compares to standard offer rates.  It also allows consumers to choose the method which they receive that information including regular mail, email, text alert, through an app, or online. PURA will also require providers to give quarterly notices to consumers that will notify them as to whether their rates are staying the same or changing, and if they will be saving money or not.

Piscopo also added that some available retailers were actually saving people money, were providing good service and savings, and were not predatory.

He also said that the bill passed today does not cap rates or turn back to a regulated product.

Further provisions of the bill will:

• Reduce early termination fees. Allow customers greater freedom of choice by reducing the maximum cancellation fee from $100 to $50.
• Require notice of new contract terms. Customers whose contracts provide for an auto renewal or transition to variable rates must receive notice 45 days in advance, including a plain-English description of the new terms and recent history of rates.
• Help customers who move. Allows customers who move to keep their electric supplier, and prevents their being charged a cancellation fee.
• Stabilize teaser rates. If a supplier markets a variable rate plan with an introductory “teaser” rate, that rate may not increase for at least three months.

The Bill, SB 2, An Act Concerning Electric Customer Consumer Protection and Clarifying the Property Tax Exemption for Certain Solar Thermal or Geothermal Renewable Energy Sources passed the House unanimously by a vote of 145-0.  It previously also passed the State Senate unanimously on April 29^th.  It now heads to the desk of Governor Dannel P. Malloy for his signature.  This session of the Connecticut General Assembly adjourns at midnight on Wednesday, May 7^th.

Rep. Piscopo represents the 76^th District in the General Assembly.