New York State Department of Public Service Issues Gas Retail Access Program Manual

Strategic Insights -

The New York State Department of Public Service has issued a comprehensive manual outlining the services and 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. The manual provides an overview of each utility company, describes the business rules for the Gas Retail Access Program, and outlines the rights and responsibilities of each gas Energy Service Company (ESCO) and Direct Customer (DC). It also addresses communication protocol between NYSEG/RG&E and ESCO/DCs, and encourages ESCOs/DCs to review the applicable terms, agreements, and services offered.

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 as described in the applicable tariffs.
  • The ESCO/DC is responsible for arranging pipeline deliveries of gas commodity (supply) into the NYSEG/RG&E's distribution system.
  • NYSEG and RG&E operate under the multi-retailer model, where the end-use customer obtains energy delivery services from the regulated utility and commodity from an ESCO.
  • The manual outlines the business rules and responsibilities for the Gas Retail Access Program, including communication protocol between NYSEG/RG&E and ESCO/DCs.
  • The manual is available on the websites www.nyseg.com and www.rge.com and will be revised as necessary.
  • Proposed changes to the manual will be provided to ESCO/DCs at least thirty (30) days prior to making a change.

Statistics:

  • The Gas Retail Access Program serves customers who meet specific requirements as described in the applicable tariffs.
  • The ESCO/DC is responsible for arranging pipeline deliveries of gas commodity (supply) into the NYSEG/RG&E's distribution system.
  • NYSEG serves customers in 29 counties in New York State. (Source: www.nyseg.com)
  • RG&E serves customers in 6 counties in western New York State. (Source: www.rge.com)
  • The manual outlines the business rules and responsibilities for the Gas Retail Access Program, including communication protocol between NYSEG/RG&E and ESCO/DCs.

Sources:

  • A. SCOPE/PURPOSE, New York State Department of Public Service.
  • B. UNDERSTANDING THE GAS RETAIL ACCESS PROGRAM, New York State Electric & Gas Corporation (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas and Electric Corporation (RG&E).
  • C. RETAIL ACCESS REFERENCES AND RESOURCES, Uniform Business Practices (UBP) Case 98-M-1343 - In the Matter of Retail Access Business Rules.
  • D. MANAGING CHANGES, New York State Electric & Gas Corporation (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas and Electric Corporation (RG&E).