LANSING – Universal Gas and Electric announced late last year that it would be the first company to provide competition in the residential electric market. Last Friday it became the first competitor to pull out of the residential electric market.
The Public Service Commission approved the company’s request to rescind its license as an alternative electric supplier in the state (case No. U-15420). But the commission also launched an investigation Friday into the company’s marketing efforts for its natural gas marketing program (case No. U-15509).
Universal’s electric license was approved conditionally January 29, with the company being required to report regularly on complaints and the efforts it was undertaking to prevent future problems.
The investigation launched Friday will require Universal to make similar reports on its natural gas service complaints, the first in 30 days and then every three months. The PSC reserved the right under the order to fine the company or revoke its gas license if it is not taking satisfactory steps to improve its service.
“We’ll work with MPSC to be sure that Michigan consumers get the best possible services at the most competitive prices,” said Matt Davis, spokesperson for Universal.
Davis said the withdrawal of the electric license was not related to the natural gas investigation. “It just didn’t make business sense for us to go forward,” he said, adding the company could reapply in the future.
TRANSMISSION: The commission Friday also rejected a request by ITC Transmission to construct a 13.94 mile long transmission line from Bismark to Troy. The commission (case No. U-14933) found there was not enough evidence to show the need for the line as proposed.
This story was provided by Gongwer News Service. To subscribe, click on Gongwer.Com
a>>
