Customer Choice

Direct Access Suspended

On September 20, 2001 the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) issued a decision that suspended the right of customers to buy energy from energy service providers. Electric service obtained from energy service providers has been referred to as direct access.

The decision says “PG&E, SCE and SDG&E shall not accept any direct access service requests for any contracts executed or agreements entered into after September 20, 2001.”

For more information about this decision, visit the CPUC Web site.

Competition in the natural gas industry has been slowly phased in since 1988. Some people and businesses can already purchase natural gas through gas energy service providers (ESP) either individually or by joining together or aggregating to do the same. For detailed information visit our gas choices site.