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In order to have a successful transition to a deregulated generation market, direct retail access must not be limited to any particular customer type, consumption patterns or geographic location. All customer classes must be able to benefit from competition. There must be certain requirements for electricity providers. A major concern is the obligation to serve. Under regulation, an electric utility must serve everyone in its territory. This is a consumer benefit of regulation which should be kept if the generation function of electricity is deregulated. Generators, marketers and aggregators should not be allowed to unfairly discriminate against consumers. If providers are allowed to consider a consumer's credit history and either deny service or set a deposit so high as to prevent that consumer's ability to obtain service, that consumer will get no comfort in being told he is free to obtain service elsewhere. Electricity is a necessity of life. There must be sufficient government oversight to guard against such barriers. Another concern is that providers be subject to licensing requirements which prevent fraud, spread the risk in the event of business failure, and assure that the provider is able to provide adequate and reliable service. Marketing guidelines should be in place which would prevent fraudulent and deceptive marketing practices.

SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF
CONSUMER AFFAIRS

3600 Forest Drive, 3rd Floor
P.O. Box 5757
Columbia, SC 29250
(803) 734-4200 or (800) 922-1594 (toll free in S.C.)
Fax (803) 734 4299

SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

3600 Forest Drive, 3rd Floor P.O. Box 5757 Columbia, SC 29250 (803) 734-4200 or (800) 922-1594 (toll free in S.C.) Fax (803) 734 4299

SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF
CONSUMER AFFAIRS

3600 Forest Drive, 3rd Floor
P.O. Box 5757
Columbia, SC 29250
(803) 734-4200 or (800) 922-1594 (toll free in S.C.)
Fax (803) 734 4299