Electric and natural gas prices have skyrocketed over the past couple years and energy experts anticipate electric and natural gas consumer bills to keep climbing.  Commonwealth consumers are both frustrated with increased energy costs and by how little control they have over the bills that they pay.
 
In response, I plan to introduce legislation to establish the Consumer Choice Billing Act to provide consumers with more options and control over their energy decisions and make it easier for them to work directly with a retail supplier of their choice. These retail energy suppliers can offer options and services designed to maximize savings or choose environmentally friendly energy options for their customers.
 
This legislation will allow electric and natural gas customers who choose a competitive electric or natural gas supplier to receive a single bill from that same competitive electric or natural gas supplier.  This will enhance service innovation and improve customer service. It will also improve transparency by allowing consumers to see exactly how much they are being charged for their electric and natural gas services, while at the same time, encourage conservation by giving consumers increased access to data to help them use less and save more.
 
The Consumer Choice Billing Act would also increase consumer protections through billing, collection, and recordkeeping reforms that include changing competitive marketing and sales practices and strengthening competitive electric and natural gas supplier qualifications to ensure that only credible, qualified suppliers are participating in the competitive market.
 
Now more than ever, Commonwealth consumers need a break, and I believe that this legislation will give them more control over their bill, with added protections and greater value in the electric and natural gas products and services that will be made available to them.
 
Please join me in co-sponsoring this important piece of legislation.