Gas service: core transport agents: minimum standards applicable to core customers.

Under existing law, the Public Utilities Commission has regulatory authority over public utilities, including gas corporations, while a public entity offering gas service is under the direction of its governing board. Existing law requires the commission to require each gas corporation to provide bundled basic gas service, as defined, to all core customers in its service territory unless the customer chooses or contracts to have natural gas purchased and supplied by another entity, including a core transport agent, as defined. Existing law requires a core transport agent to register with the commission and provide certain notices and disclosures to customers to whom it offers gas service. Under existing law, a violation of the Public Utilities Act or any order, decision, rule, direction, demand, or requirement of the commission is a crime. This bill would require the commission to adopt minimum standards relating to marketing and sales agents for core transport agents, as provided. The bill would require a core transport agent to disclose to a customer specified information relating to the price it offers for gas service. Because these provisions would be within the Public Utilities Act and would require action by the commission, a violation of which would be a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.