In the Houston Chronicle, L.M. Sixel says that it's "nearly impossible" for customers to determine their TDU charges since most TDUs do no provide the charges in an "easy-to-understand" format outside of their tariff

Of note is that Sixel says "several" retail electric providers discussed the "challenges" with maintaining current TDU charges

REPs favor a TDU pricing matrix such as has been adopted at Oncor. Sixel reports that CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric is working on ways to summarize the info in a more concise manner

REPs have sought an Oncor-style chart as part of AEP Texas' current rate case

While we're not unsympathetic to REPs concerns, the reality is that any effort by the TDU to summarize the TDU charges will entail a cost (however de minimis in the overall revenue requirement). Billing is a competitive function, and part of billing is accurately understanding current TDU charges. Putting the issue of transparency to customers aside, being able to price and bill efficiently, including sourcing all components, is something that REPs should compete on, and not something which requires government action

REPs have legitimate concerns when it comes to advance notice and the frequency of TDU rate changes. However, dissatisfaction with having to access compliance tariffs to obtain the latest rates is a page too far

See the Houston Chronicle story here

-- By Paul Ring

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Texas   Pricing  

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