State Senate Supports Increasing Transparency, Protections for Energy Ratepayers

State Sen. Russell Prescott, R-Kingston, commended the state Senate for passing a bill to establish pricing transparency and stronger protections for residential electric ratepayers who choose to buy electricity from third party suppliers, according to a press statement.

This bill, SB 170, requires additional, deliberate customer notifications of rate changes, contract terms, and website designs that clearly outline service, terms, and costs.

“I applaud my Senate colleagues for voting for this bill to provide more information about pricing and additional ratepayer protections for those purchasing their electricity from third party power suppliers,” said Prescott. “Our state’s energy ratepayers have been forced to deal with high energy prices this winter, and for some, a better option is choosing a low-rate energy supplier. Unfortunately, the terms of such contracts have not been overly clear, which has lead to dramatic and unexpected rate changes for consumers.”

Prescott added, “Knowledge is power and this common sense legislation gives residential consumers just that. Residential ratepayers deserve clear and simple billing notices that better outline electric rate changes and customer contract terms. As other states have done, this bill also requires a website that provides a side-by-side comparison of the state’s electric power supplier rates. This allows ratepayers to have a better understanding of what they are getting from individual suppliers and provides a balance between businesses and consumer protections.”