The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has released a draft resolution that would lower the eligibility threshold for its customer choice programs to 100 kilowatts (kW) from the current 500 kW.
The ERC said in the draft resolution lowering the threshold under the retail competition and open access (RCOA) program to include end-users with an average monthly peak demand of at least 100 kW is expected to “encourage a more dynamic and competitive retail electricity market.”
The commission said lowering the threshold would allow consumers to choose their own supplier, enabling a broader range of consumers to benefit from competitive pricing, improved service quality and supply options.
“In evaluating the feasibility and timing of the proposed adjustment, the Commission coordinated with the DOE [Department of Energy] and other relevant stakeholders,” the ERC said.
The current threshold covers consumers with an average monthly peak demand of at least 500 kW for the preceding 12 months.
