Illinois Commerce Commission hosts policy session on Retail Electric Suppliers

The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) recently held a policy session on new sales and marketing rules for Retail Electric Suppliers (RESs) and to provide tips to consumers when engaging with RESs.

The rules, adopted by the ICC in October 2017, amended Part 412 of its Rules and aim to improve consumer protection requirements, increase transparency and ensure that the market functions as intended. The rules go into full effect on May 1.

“Dedicating a policy session to raise awareness about the rules, highlighting best practices exercised by RESs, and featuring tips for consumer to use when engaging with suppliers will help ensure that the intended effect of the Commission’s rules reaches the consumer,” Commissioner Sadzi Martha Oliva said.

The first panel, “Sales and Marketing Standards and Best Practices,” included representatives from the ICC, trade associations including Illinois Competitive Energy Association (ICEA) and Retail Electric Supplier Association (RESA) and retail electric supplier IGS Energy.

The second segment, “Consumer Awareness and Tools,” included representatives from the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) and AARP who offered tips in Spanish and English for consumers to utilize when selecting and working with an RES. This was the first time a policy session featured a segment in Spanish.

“Because these practices affect all communities in Illinois, the industry must continue to evolve the way in which information is conveyed to ensure that the message is received,” ICC Commissioner Sadzi Martha Oliva said.

The session, titled, “Retail Electric Suppliers: Best Practices & Consumer Protections,” was the third installment of Illinois’ Power Meter, a forum initiated by Oliva.