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KeySpan LDCs Propose Not Implementing Remote Account Number Access Plan

August 1, 2011
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KeySpan New York and KeySpan Long Island have informed the New York PSC that they are not proposing to implement a plan to provide customers with remote access to their account numbers, based on feedback from ESCOs (98-M-1343).

The remote account number access plans were directed by the PSC to facilitate ESCO enrollments at locations where the customer would not likely have a copy of their bill and account number (shopping mall, sporting event, etc.).

Each KeySpan LDC had proposed modifying their integrated voice response system (IVR) to allow the customer to look up their account number by providing the last four digits of their Social Security Number and their zip code. Upon a positive match based on the last four digits of the SSN and zip code, the IVR would report the first four letters of the customer's last name for the customer to verify. Once verified, the IVR would provide the customer's account number (see 9/20/10).

The cost for implementing the IVR solution was originally estimated at $65,000 for KEDNY and $82,000 at KEDLI. The PSC has previously ruled that costs of implementation for the remote access programs shall be recovered from ESCOs.

On June 9, 2011, the LDCs held their annual Marketer Meeting with 60 ESCOs represented. The LDCs again presented their remote access compliance plan and cost estimates, and informed ESCOs that the LDCs would need an affirmative or negative response no later than July 15, 2011 as to whether the ESCO was in favor of, and was willing to share in the cost of, implementing the companies' proposed plan.

A reminder e-mail was sent to all of the marketers stating that regardless of interest, a response was necessary. ESCOs were also informed that a non-response would be considered a negative response.

Out of 68 ESCOs on the LDCs' system, there were 11 responses: 8 positive and 3 negative. There were also 57 non-responses which would bring the negative response total to 60, the KeySpan LDCs reported.

"As a result of the survey, the Companies propose not to implement the plan to provide customers with real-time remote access to their utility account numbers at this time," the KeySpan LDCs told the PSC

"However, should the Commission wish the Companies to implement their plans, the Companies will do so and will divide the costs of doing so among all the ESCOs in their service territories," the KeySpan LDCs added.

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