Gas Retail Access Program Manual for NYSEG and RG&E Customers

Strategic Insights -

The New York State Department of Public Service has published a comprehensive manual detailing the Gas Retail Access Program for NYSEG and RG&E customers. The program offers various services, including gas supply, delivery, and management, to customers meeting specific requirements. The manual outlines business rules, rights, and responsibilities of gas Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) and Direct Customers (DCs), as well as communication protocols between NYSEG/RG&E and ESCO/DCs.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Gas Retail Access Program is a group of gas supply, delivery, and management services offered to NYSEG and RG&E customers who meet specific requirements.
  • The program provides two basic models: the "multi-retailer" and the "single retailer" models, with the multi-retailer model being the one adopted by NYSEG and RG&E.
  • In the multi-retailer model, the end-use customer obtains energy delivery services from the regulated utility and commodity from an ESCO, with billing and payment processing practices varying between the two models.
  • The manual describes the business rules for the Gas Retail Access Program, including the responsibilities of ESCOs and DCs, and the communication protocol between NYSEG/RG&E and ESCO/DCs.
  • NYSEG and RG&E operate under the multi-retailer model, where the customer may have a business relationship with multiple retail entities instead of one utility company.
  • The manual notes that forms, agreements, and tariffs are available on the websites www.nyseg.com and www.rge.com.
  • ESCO/DCs are strongly encouraged to review the applicable terms, agreements, and services offered, and questions about the program should be directed to the Supplier Relations Lead Analyst or supplier_relations@rge.com.

Statistics:

  • NYSEG and RG&E operate under the multi-retailer model.
  • There are two basic models for retail access: the "multi-retailer" and the "single retailer" models.
  • The multi-retailer model provides different options for billing and payment processing, including "dual billing" and "consolidated billing".

Sources:

  • A. SCOPE/PURPOSE - This manual describes the services, as well as the day-to-day and critical period operating procedures, for the Gas Retail Access Program within the New York State Electric & Gas Corporation (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas and Electric Corporation (RG&E) service territories for all transportation gas customers. ...
  • B. UNDERSTANDING THE GAS RETAIL ACCESS PROGRAM - The Gas Retail Access Program is a group of gas supply, delivery, and management services offered to NYSEG and RG&E customers who meet specific requirements as described in the applicable tariffs.
  • C. RETAIL ACCESS REFERENCES AND RESOURCES - Business Procedures for both ESCOs and electric and natural gas utilities across New York State - Uniform Business Practices (UBP) Case 98-M-1343 - In the Matter of Retail Access Business Rules, NYSEG: y y PSC No. 87 - Gas - natural gas "sales" rate information for each rate area and service classification.
  • D. MANAGING CHANGES - The most recent version of this manual may be found on both the NYSEG and RG&E websites at www.nyseg.com and www.rge.com.