State Representative Kyle Mullins Sponsors House Bill 1578
HARRISBURG, Pa. (September 7, 2023) – The Retail Energy Supply Association (RESA), the nation’s leading trade association representing competitive retail energy suppliers, strongly endorses Pennsylvania State Representative Kyle Mullins’ sponsorship of HB 1578, which proposes further requirements for energy suppliers in the Keystone State. The bill was introduced at the 2023 General Assembly Session and referred to the Committee on Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities last month.
If approved, HB 1578 will require all retail energy suppliers and their representatives to complete an online training education course and take an exam conducted by the Public Utility Commission (PUC). Completing the course and passing the exam would be mandatory to receive a certification. All expenses associated with the design and execution of this program will be the responsibility of the suppliers. Moreover, the bill will incorporate an elevated bond obligation of $1 million with the commission for any electricity or natural gas supplier conducting in-person sales to residential customers at their homes.
The proposed bill puts further consumer protections in place for companies participating in the competitive market and engaging in door-to-door sales. With higher energy prices this summer and record temperatures, Pennsylvania residents have been encouraged to shop around for energy suppliers and compare plans, products and prices to manage their energy bills.
A supporter of competition in Pennsylvania, Representative Mullins’ bill would help to eliminate bad actors from the marketplace. According to his memorandum on April 17, “This legislation…include[s] a requirement for increased bonding or financial guarantee to help ensure that the actions of a few suppliers don’t sabotage the good intentions of all stakeholders that have endorsed a customer’s right to shop for their energy supplier over the past two decades. This is an attempt to further exclude those ‘fly-by-night’ companies from doing business in the Commonwealth. Please join me in this effort to protect consumers and promote upstanding utility companies providing electric and gas service in Pennsylvania.”
“RESA appreciates the efforts undertaken by Representative Mullins and the PUC. Their work in enhancing consumer protection in Pennsylvania by implementing more comprehensive training for third-party suppliers and their representatives is greatly valued and supported,” said Tony Cusati, Pennsylvania state chair for RESA. “Since 1996, Pennsylvania residents have had a choice in their energy provider. Our organization strongly supports effective consumer protections that give customers sufficient trust in the retail market, so they shop freely and confidently for the products and services that best meet their needs.”
The hearing on HB 1578 is set for Tuesday, Sept. 12 at 1 p.m. in Room G-50, Irvis Building, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania (Note: Live Streaming Address HERE).
To shop for energy in Pennsylvania, visit PAPowerSwitch.com. For a list of energy terms and what they mean, visit RESA’s free resource center: resausa.org/resources.
ABOUT RETAIL ENERGY SUPPLY ASSOCIATION
RESA is a broad and diverse group of retail energy suppliers who share the common vision that competitive retail electricity and natural gas markets deliver a more efficient, customer-oriented outcome than a regulated utility structure. RESA works with all stakeholders to promote vibrant and sustainable competitive retail energy markets for residential, commercial and industrial consumers. For more information, visit resausa.org. Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
RESA
press@resausa.org
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