Public Utility Commission of Texas Electricity Broker Registration Requirements

Strategic Insights -

The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) regulates the registration of electricity brokers, requiring them to register with the commission before providing brokerage services for compensation. According to the PUC's application for electricity broker registration, individuals and agents of retail electric providers are not required to register as brokers, but any person providing brokerage services must register with the commission. The registration form requires detailed information about the registering entity, including its business name, address, telephone number, and email address. The affidavit also requires the owner, partner, or officer to swear or affirm that the applicant is authorized to do business in Texas and will comply with all applicable laws and rules.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) requires electricity brokers to register with the commission before providing brokerage services.
  • Individuals and agents of retail electric providers are not required to register as brokers, but any person providing brokerage services must register.
  • The registration form requires detailed information about the registering entity, including its business name, address, telephone number, and email address.
  • The affidavit requires the owner, partner, or officer to swear or affirm that the applicant is authorized to do business in Texas and will comply with all applicable laws and rules.

*Brokers do not sell or take title to electric energy, but are required to comply with customer protection provisions, disclosure requirements, and marketing guidelines established by the commission.

  • Failure to comply with PURA or commission rules may result in an administrative penalty.
  • The registering entity must provide seven copies (six copies and one original) of the registration form showing the changes with the commission's filing clerk under the control number assigned to the application.
  • The affidavit must be signed by the owner, partner, or officer, and sworn or affirmed before a notary public.

Statistics:

  • The PUC requires electricity brokers to register with the commission before providing brokerage services ((PURA Section 39.3555).
  • Brokers do not sell or take title to electric energy, but are required to comply with customer protection provisions, disclosure requirements, and marketing guidelines established by the commission (PURA Section 39.3555).
  • The registration form requires detailed information about the registering entity, including its business name, address, telephone number, and email address (Broker Registration Form, PUC).
  • The affidavit requires the owner, partner, or officer to swear or affirm that the applicant is authorized to do business in Texas and will comply with all applicable laws and rules (Affidavit, PUC).

Sources:

  • Public Utility Commission of Texas, "Application for Electricity Broker Registration" (filing instructions, 2021).
  • Public Utility Commission of Texas, "Broker Registration Form" (last updated, September 22, 2021).
  • Public Utility Regulatory Act (PURA) Section 39.3555.