Commerce Energy Regulator Speaks out on the Benefits of Energy Deregulation

Commerce Energy regulatory manager, Anthony Cusati, III, addressed the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) during its 119th annual convention in Anaheim, California, November 12-14. Cusati told state regulators, policymakers and consumer and industry advocates in attendance that consumers in the states that allow them to choose their energy provider were benefiting both in the areas of costs and innovation. "Natural gas prices have been rising of late,” said Cusati. "Consumers in deregulated energy markets now have tools that enable them to manage their energy costs. One of the ways is by locking in a set rate for 12 or 24 months. That’s just one example of the innovations that energy choice provides consumers and one of the reasons energy deregulation should be considered in additional states.” Cusati was joined in the education workshops by the Honorable Donald Mason, an Ohio Public Utilities Commissioner, as well as a representative of Ohio natural gas utility Dominion East Ohio (DEO) and other retail energy suppliers. In Mason’s home state of Ohio, entire communities can lock in natural gas rates for a year or more through programs sponsored by municipalities and independent energy retailers. "Until independent energy retailers entered the picture,” said Cusati, "only very large customers were offered anything other than one-size-fits-all service plans. Now, a variety of pricing solutions are being made available to small businesses and residential customers by companies such as mine, Commerce Energy, in deregulated states.” About Commerce Energy Group, Inc. Commerce Energy Group, Inc. is a leading independent U.S. electricity and natural gas marketing company, operating through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Commerce Energy, Inc. and Skipping Stone Inc. Commerce is publicly traded on the American Stock Exchange (Amex) under the symbol: EGR. Commerce Energy, Inc. is licensed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and by state regulatory agencies as an unregulated retail marketer of natural gas and electricity to homeowners, commercial and industrial consumers and institutional customers. Headquartered in Orange County, California, the company also has an office in Dallas, Texas, as well as several area offices located around the U.S. For a decade, customers have relied on Commerce to deliver competitive pricing, innovative product offerings and personalized customer care in addition to quality gas and electric services. For more information, visit www.CommerceEnergy.com.