Broad Coalition Asks that Choice be Restored in California

December 22, 2006   Sacramento, CA

In early December, electric suppliers, schools, universities, retailers, restaurants and manufacturers from across the state jointly filed a petition asking the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to consider restoring consumer choice of electricity suppliers in the state.

By law, California consumers still have the same right to choose their electric energy supplier as they do their phone and cable services. Choice has been suspended for over five years, however. Only consumers who had direct access at the time of the suspension in 2001 retained that option. All other consumers must take their service from the regulated utilities. Citing the benefits of choice, the petitions seek the re-opening of Direct Access.